The International Foundation for Gender Education

RESEARCHER ON LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER RIGHTS
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights Program
(New York Office)
Deadline for applications: October 16, 2006

Please note: Interviews for short-listed candidates will be held in New York and are tentatively scheduled for October.

Human Rights Watch ("HRW") is an international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization known for its in-depth investigations, its incisive and timely reporting, its innovative and high-profile advocacy campaigns, and its success in changing the human rights-related policies of influential governments and international institutions.

Description: HRW's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender ("LGBT") Rights program is seeking a Researcher. The Researcher will focus on human rights abuses related to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression worldwide under the supervision of the Director of the LGBT Rights program, who will provide guidance on the choice of research and advocacy projects. The Researcher will be responsible for ongoing research and advocacy efforts, play an important role in developing strategies for dealing with human rights issues related to sexuality and sexual rights, and contribute to policy development in this area. S/he will carry out fact-finding missions to target countries; write and publicize reports on findings; develop advocacy strategies; present human rights concerns to governments, intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations, and the press; and write press releases, articles, op-eds, and position papers. The Researcher will coordinate research and advocacy plans with the HRW thematic and regional divisions. S/he will help create and maintain partnerships with NGOs working on sexual rights and will follow media and other reports on human rights abuses based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. S/he may also be responsible for editing, representing the program in seminars and other meetings, and related tasks. The Researcher may assume primary responsibility within the program for responding to emergency situations. The Researcher will be based preferably in HRW's New York headquarters, although other locations may be considered.

Qualifications: An advanced degree in law, public health, international relations, gender studies, or a related field, and two to three years of experience in human rights, with a preferred emphasis in LGBT rights, gender, sexual rights, or a closely related area, are required. Candidates must have research experience and advocacy skills and should have good interviewing skills; field experience in public health or human rights is strongly desirable, as is demonstrated experience working with sexual minorities and LGBT communities. Experience working with issues of gender identity and expression is highly desirable. Excellent oral and written communications skills in English are required, and writing and speaking proficiency in another language is highly desirable. Candidates should be highly motivated and well-organized; able to work quickly and well under pressure, both independently and as a member of a team; juggle multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines; and demonstrate a commitment to international human rights.

Salary and Benefits: Human Rights Watch seeks exceptional applicants and offers competitive compensation and generous employer-paid benefits. HRW will pay reasonable relocation expenses and will assist employees in obtaining necessary U.S. work authorization; non-US citizens are encouraged to apply.

PLEASE APPLY IMMEDIATELY (no calls or email inquiries, please) by emailing together a letter of interest, resume, names or letters of reference, and a brief writing sample (unedited by others) no later than October 16, 2006 to lgbt@hrw.org. Please use "LGBT Researcher Application" as the subject of your email. Only complete applications will be reviewed. It is preferred that all materials be submitted via email. If emailing is not possible, send materials (please do not split a submission between email and regular post) to:

Human Rights Watch
Attn: Search Committee (LGBT Researcher)
350 Fifth Avenue, 34th Floor
New York, NY 10118-3299 USA
Fax: (212) 736-1300

Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer.