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FIXED-TERM, FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY
Law Clerk (Research Assistant)
International Justice Program
Multiple Locations Considered
Application Deadline: September 27, 2023

The International Justice Program of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking a Law Clerk to support a range of staff projects across the program and provide research and administrative assistance.

The International Justice Program champions fair justice for victims and survivors of serious crimes under international law. We support national and international efforts to hold perpetrators to account in trials before courts of law, advance innovative and practical pathways to justice, and urge governments, intergovernmental organizations, and other actors to ensure no one is above the law.

This is a seven-month, fixed-term position and will preferably be based in Brussels, New York, or Washington D.C. This position reports to the Director of the International Justice Program.

The successful candidate may have the option to work remotely. We aim to be as flexible and supportive as possible in both the recruitment for and onboarding of this position.

Responsibilities:

1. Provide research and administrative assistance to the International Justice Program staff, including desk research and phone interviews with justice practitioners, NGOs, and other sources;

2. Assist in monitoring, collecting, and analyzing information relevant to the team’s priorities from a wide variety of sources, including, as appropriate, attending virtual meetings and conferences;

3. Under the guidance of International Justice Program staff, provide legal memos, written analyses, and, when appropriate, first drafts of briefing papers, letters, news releases, submissions to international bodies, and other HRW products;

4. Provide administrative support including scheduling meetings, making travel arrangements, taking minutes, creating agendas, preparing background materials, conducting follow-up to meetings, and providing written updates;

5. Limited international travel as appropriate; and

6. Perform other tasks, as may be required.

Qualifications:

Education: A law degree is required; a graduate-level degree in law or equivalent working experience is preferred.

Experience: A minimum of one year of relevant experience conducting legal or policy research on topics related to international criminal justice is required. Academic and internship experience will be considered.

Related Skills and Knowledge:

1. Experience in international criminal justice and a demonstrated commitment to human rights is required.

2. Strong initiative and follow-through, the capacity to think creatively and strategically, excellent writing and editing skills are required.

3. Ability to multi-task effectively, including having good planning and organizing skills, self-motivated, and ability to work with guidance but regularly independently is required.

4. Strong interpersonal skills to work collaboratively is required.

5. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English is required, and proficiency in French is preferred.

6. Ability to communicate complicated information in a concise and clear manner is required.

Other: Applicants must possess valid work authorization for the location in which they would like to be based. Human Rights Watch is not able to sponsor work authorization for this role.

Salary and Benefits: If the successful candidate is based in the United States, the salary range would be USD 62,000- 66,000. Salary ranges outside of the United States vary based on location. Human Rights Watch offers comprehensive employer-paid benefits, including medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, a retirement savings plan and twenty (20) days of vacation per year.

How to Apply: Please apply immediately or by September 27, 2023, by visiting our online job portal at careers.hrw.org and attaching a letter of interest, resume or CV, preferably as PDF files. No calls or email inquiries, please. Only complete applications will be reviewed and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Human Rights Watch is strong because it is diverse. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Human Rights Watch does not discriminate on the basis of disability, age, gender identity and expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or criminal record. We welcome all kinds of diversity. Our employees include people who are parents and nonparents, the self-taught and university educated, and from a wide span of socio-economic backgrounds and perspectives on the world. Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer.

Human Rights Watch 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 and practices of influential governments and international institutions.