Human Rights Watch is hiring a Researcher, Southeast Asia

FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY Regional Researcher, Southeast Asian Territories Asia Regional Division Flexible Geographic Placement Application Deadline: 17 December 2025 The Asia Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking a skilled professional to investigate and document human rights concerns in Southeast Asian countries, with primary focus on the Philippines, Cambodia, and supplementary regional contexts. The selected candidate will develop and implement comprehensive research and advocacy strategies targeting human rights conditions. The Asia Division represents one of HRW's six regional research programs, comprising approximately 30 staff members strategically positioned across challenging environments. The division's mission involves promoting human rights through rigorous investigations, comprehensive reporting, strategic advocacy, and collaborative partnerships with media and local organizations. This full-time position will report to a Deputy Asia Director and offers remote work flexibility, with anticipated commencement in February 2026. Responsibilities: 1. Conduct systematic research and documentation of human rights situations across specified countries by gathering information from diverse sources including governmental entities, media outlets, academic institutions, NGOs, victims, witnesses, journalists, diplomats, and security forces; 2. Produce and disseminate investigative reports, briefing papers, correspondence, press releases, opinion pieces, and submissions to international bodies; collect supporting multimedia documentation; 3. Spearhead development and implementation of local, regional, and international strategies targeting problematic legislative, policy, and institutional practices; 4. Manage media, public, and professional inquiries while proactively highlighting critical human rights concerns; 5. Contextualize human rights abuses within broader political, social, and economic frameworks; communicate findings to government representatives, opinion leaders, and international agencies; 6. Collaborate closely with non-governmental and local human rights organizations to complement existing efforts without compromising partner security; 7. Support fundraising initiatives for the Asia Division and HRW's Development Department; 8. Coordinate effectively with globally distributed HRW personnel; 9. Undertake international travel as required; 10. Deliver outputs aligned with divisional strategic priorities and timelines; 11. Execute additional assigned tasks as needed. Qualifications: Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience in international relations, journalism, law, social sciences, or related disciplines. Experience: Minimum five years professional-level work focusing on Southeast Asian human rights documentation or related research domains. Required Skills and Knowledge: 1. Exceptional English communication skills and proficiency in one Asian language; 2. Substantial understanding of human rights and political landscapes in Philippines/Cambodia; willingness to develop expertise across additional countries and thematic areas; 3. Capability to identify, prioritize, research, and communicate human rights developments with rigor and sophistication; 4. Proficiency in conducting safe remote and in-person interviews across diverse populations; 5. Ability to generate high-quality written materials under strict deadlines; 6. Comprehensive knowledge of international human rights frameworks and legal standards; 7. Strategic thinking and creative problem-solving capacities, particularly under pressure; 8. Strong interpersonal skills for collaborative internal and external interactions; 9. Self-directed work approach with robust planning and organizational capabilities; 10. Strategic advocacy skills for developing and implementing impactful interventions; 11. Media engagement expertise across traditional and digital platforms; 12. Flexibility to accommodate evolving operational requirements. Compensation: Competitive salary with comprehensive employer-sponsored benefits. Application Process: Submit applications by 17 December 2025, through careers.hrw.org, including cover letter and comprehensive CV. Only complete applications will be reviewed; only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Human Rights Watch values diversity and maintains a non-discriminatory hiring approach, welcoming candidates from varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Human Rights Watch is a globally recognized human rights organization renowned for comprehensive investigations, precise reporting, innovative advocacy campaigns, and demonstrable policy transformations.