The International Foundation for Gender Education

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights Program
Human Rights Watch (New York Office)
Deadline for applications: February 25, 2008
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, gender identity, and gender expression worldwide. The Researcher
will work 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 also coordinate research and advocacy plans with the HRW thematic and regional
divisions. S/he 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. A particular though not exclusive focus of the position may be researching
gender-based abuses, including against lesbian and bisexual women and abuses related
to gender identity, and experience in this realm is highly desirable. 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 media; and write news
releases, articles, op-eds, and position papers. 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, speaking, and representing the
LGBT Rights Program in conferences and other meetings, along with related tasks. 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,
women's or gender studies, or a related field, and two to three years of experience
in human rights, with a preferred emphasis in LGBT rights, women's rights, gender and
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 desired.
Excellent oral and written communications skills in English are required, and oral
and written 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, if required; 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 February 25, 2008 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