Vacancy: Nigeria Researcher at Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is seeking a full-time Nigeria Researcher with its Africa Division.

The Researcher, ideally based in Abuja, will be responsible for developing and implementing a research and advocacy agenda focusing on human rights conditions in Nigeria.

Qualification for the position is an advanced (graduate) degree in international relations, journalism, law, or social sciences are strongly preferred.

The candidate should have lived and worked in Nigeria, working on human rights issues country-wide for a minimum of five years.

Ability to be based in Nigeria, either in Lagos or Abuja (preferred).

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter explaining their  interest in and qualifications for the position, a curriculum vitae,  a brief writing sample (unedited by others), and contact information for three references to africajobs@hrw.org with  “Nigeria Researcher REF: AFR-13-1008-B” as the subject of your email..

Responsibilities:

1. Monitoring and documenting human rights abuses by collecting and analyzing information from a wide variety of sources including government, local media, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), journalists, diplomats, security forces and others in the field;

2. Conducting fact-finding missions in Nigeria;

3. Writing and publicizing reports, briefing papers, letters, news releases, op-eds, and submissions to international bodies based on the findings of one’s research;

4. Developing and implementing local, regional, and international advocacy strategies to promote reform of abusive laws, policies, and practices in Nigeria and West Africa;

5. Responding promptly to queries from various advocacy targets as well as the media, public, and civil society colleagues;

6. Presenting human rights concerns to government officials, opinion leaders, inter-governmental agencies, and the media;

7. Working closely with colleague NGOs and local human rights organizations to engage in joint advocacy efforts and ensure that HRW’s work complements  their own work;

8. Liaising effectively with HRW staff in multiple locations throughout the world to ensure effective coordination   of activities;

9. Traveling domestically and overseas for two or more weeks at a time, several times a year; and

10. Carrying out any other duties as required.

Required Skills and Knowledge: 

1. Ability to identify, research, analyze and effectively communicate important human rights developments in Nigeria in a detailed, timely, and professional manner.

2. Ability to develop and implement realistic and effective local and international advocacy strategies and to respond to emergency situations.

3. Demonstrated ability to think strategically about the global and local media and to use both the traditional media and new media to further advocacy goals.

4. Knowledge of Nigerian legal system, as well as familiarity with international human rights law. Knowledge of the sub-regional body ECOWAS is highly desirable.

5. Solid field research and documentation skills.

6. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Proficiency in French is desirable.

7. Strong initiative and follow-through, the capacity to think creatively and strategically.