Human Rights Watch
Non-profit
Researcher,USExternalization
Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Mid+ candidates.
“Researcher, US Externalization at Human Rights Watch. Skills: Human rights research, Migrant rights, Asylum seeker advocacy, US immigration policy. Analyze legal and policy developments. Investigate and document human rights abuses”
What You'll Achieve.
Improve rights of non-citizens; Ensure immigration detention is last resort; Expand pathways to safe migration; Expand pathways to regular migration
Industry & Context.
Identify and prioritize research; Analyze research; Communicate research rigorously; Communicate research timely; Communicate research sophisticatedly
Work from office as needed, Frequent travel, Work flexible hours
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
Advanced degree in law, international relations, journalism, social sciences, or related studies, At least five years of immigration, refugee, or related work experience, Advocacy experience, Demonstrated commitment to refugee rights, Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, Significant knowledge of US immigration law, Significant knowledge of international law applicable to migrants, Ability to identify and prioritize research, Ability to analyze research, Ability to communicate research rigorously, Ability to communicate research timely, Ability to communicate research sophisticatedly, Ability to conduct interviews with a wide range of people, Sensitivity to biases, Ability to study structural barriers, Ability to analyze structural barriers, Ability to reflect on structural barriers, Ability to communicate about structural barriers, Ability to develop advocacy strategies, Ability to implement advocacy strategies, Ability to produce high-quality written materials, Ability to produce accurate written materials, Ability to produce persuasive written materials, Ability to produce timely written materials, Ability to review written materials, Ability to edit written materials, Interpersonal skills, Commitment to work collaboratively within HRW, Commitment to work with external partners, Commitment to work with impacted communities, Ability to multi-task, Ability to work quickly under pressure, Ability to work effectively under pressure, Ability to work with a broad range of people, Ability to work as part of a team, Demonstrated awareness of needs of individuals from diverse cultures, Demonstrated awareness of concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, Demonstrated awareness of needs of individuals from diverse backgrounds, Demonstrated awareness of concerns of individuals from diverse backgrounds, Demonstrated awareness of needs of individuals from diverse orientations, Demonstrated awareness of concerns of individuals from diverse orientations, Inclusive and respectful behavior
Nice to Have
US law degree or equivalent experience in US immigration law/policy, journalism, or a related field, Fluency in Spanish, Ability to think creatively about use of images in research, Ability to think creatively about use of audio in research, Ability to think creatively about use of data in research, Ability to think creatively about use of online tools in research, Ability to think creatively about use of technology in research, Ability to think creatively about use of images in presentation of findings, Ability to think creatively about use of audio in presentation of findings, Ability to think creatively about use of data in presentation of findings, Ability to think creatively about use of online tools in presentation of findings, Ability to think creatively about use of technology in presentation of findings, Ability to think creatively about use of images in advocacy, Ability to think creatively about use of audio in advocacy, Ability to think creatively about use of data in advocacy, Ability to think creatively about use of online tools in advocacy, Ability to think creatively about use of technology in advocacy
What You'll Do.
Analyze legal and policy developments
Investigate and document human rights abuses
Conduct on-the-ground fact-finding
Collect and analyze information
Draft advocacy letters
Draft regulatory comments
Draft policy comments
Draft legislative comments
Develop contacts with media
Respond to media inquiries
Represent HRW in meetings
Develop multimedia products
Develop social media products
Advise HRW staff on standards
Engage with coalition partners
Provide advice to NGOs
Maintain contact with donors
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
Work collaboratively within HRW; Work with external partners; Work with impacted communities; Work in diverse environment; Work in inclusive environment; Work as part of a team
Communication Scope
Written communication; Oral communication; Media inquiries; Advocacy
Full Job Description
FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY Researcher, US Externalization Refugee and Migrant Rights Division Multiple Locations Considered Deadline for applications: June 25, 2026 Human Rights Watch’s (HRW) Refugee and Migrants Rights (RMR) Division is looking for a highly qualified researcher to investigate and expose human rights abuses relating to migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. The role will initially focus on US government efforts to block entry or access to asylum, to externalize migration controls and outsource asylum processing, and to use third countries and external territories in deportations. The Researcher should be a strategic thinker, skilled investigator, and persuasive communicator and advocate. They will conduct on-the-ground fact-finding to document rights violations against refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants arising from externalization policies of destination countries, predominantly in North America, Europe, and the Pacific. They will participate in advocacy to improve rights of non-citizens, including refugees and asylum seekers, ensure immigration detention is a last resort, and expand pathways to safe and regular migration. This full-time position will be based in Mexico City or one of HRW’s US offices, preferably New York or Washington DC, and will report to the Director of RMR, in close collaboration with USP, the Americas Division and the Africa Division or other divisions, as relevant, during the first two years. The successful candidate will be expected to work from the office as needed. Responsibilities: During at least the first two years, analysing legal and policy developments in the United States applicable to all categories of migrants and to US efforts to externalize migration management and border controls; Carrying out on-the-ground research to investigate and document human rights abuses against all categories of migrants, especially in border areas and in the context of apprehension, detention, and expulsion or deportation with an em
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