Deputy Program Director

Compelling fact-finding that influences policy is at the heart of Human Rights Watch’s (HRW) work. We are seeking a strategic leader and manager for the role of Deputy Program Director in the Program Office, HRW’s research office that oversees 240 research staff in 15 thematic and regional divisions around the world. The Deputy Program Director should be an effective leader and people manager, and a strategic thinker with deep knowledge of human rights issues, research methodologies and advocacy in international human rights.

The successful candidate will have experience in implementing writing, research and ethical standards in accordance with best practices in the field, fostering engagement and effectiveness of staff, promoting diversity, equity and inclusion; fostering staff resilience and well-being; and participating in designing and implementing strategy. The Deputy Program Director will oversee five of HRW’s research divisions (regional and thematic), facilitate programmatic implementation of HRW’s global strategy, participate in developing strategies at the project and divisional levels, and undertake additional responsibilities within the Program office.

The Deputy Program Director will work with the Program Office, comprised of a Program Director, two additional Deputies, an Associate Director for research training and standards, a Senior Editor, Senior Officer and Coordinator. The Deputy Program Director will report to the Global Program Director, and will preferably be based in any of the following locations where HRW has an office: New York, Washington, Toronto, Sao Paulo, London, Brussels, Amsterdam, Berlin, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Beirut, or Amman.

• Managerial Responsibilities: In consultation with other members of the Program Office, manage divisional directors to effectively lead and support Program department staff based around the world, many of whom work in challenging environments. Model, cultivate and coach inclusive and collaborative leadership within divisions that demonstrates commitment to diversity and belonging. Manage performance in a fair, consistent, transparent, and empathetic manner. Oversee effective financial management of the research divisions by the relevant divisional directors. Support staff resilience within divisions by promoting flexibility and work–life balance of all divisional staff. Promote an inclusive and positive work environment including by fostering diversity, equity and inclusion within the divisions and proactively addressing bias, discrimination, and microaggressions.
• Strategy and Innovation: Together with other members of the Program office, oversee the development of the strategies and operational plans of designated research divisions, ensuring that plans include clear goals and benchmarks, and that they align with the priorities of the organization. This includes annual and multi-year planning, as well as leading staff through implementation of the global strategy process. Ensure well-articulated theories of change in divisional strategies and cross-divisional projects that can be measured and evaluated and that are contextualized within broader movements for change. Facilitate intra-organizational meetings to develop strategies and monitor their implementation.
• Systems for Effective, Impactful Work: Facilitate information flow and coherence across regional and thematic divisions with staff spread across many time zones. Ensure consistency and rigor in conducting research and implementing internal fact-checking guidelines and ethical standards, in line with best practices in the human rights field. Facilitate effective cross-divisional collaboration and teamwork, including addressing blockages in effective collaboration within programmatic divisions and across the organization.
• Partnerships: Ensure that divisions foster and strengthen sustainable relationships with human rights partners outside of HRW, including promoting visibility and recognition of partnership work. Troubleshoot internal and external obstacles to effective partnerships.
• Quality Control: Oversee high standards of research, writing and fact-checking within divisions, including reviewing divisional products for effectiveness, structure, consistency, and compliance with organizational standards and approving project design memos. Support divisions and ensure their compliance with vetting guidelines, research standards and policies within products.
• Security: Work with the Security team to design security protocols and ensure compliance with them, including by reviewing and approving security plans, participating in their implementation and making fast-paced decisions when security issues arise. Troubleshoot conflicts/issues that arise between divisions and Security team, escalating to Global Program Director as needed.
• Additional Responsibilities: As a senior leader at HRW, cultivate and maintain good working relationships with the leadership and staff of other departments, including participation in leadership meetings and cross-departmental initiatives. Undertake special projects as needed to fulfill the purpose of the program office and ensure the success of HRW’s research divisions. Participate in fundraising for the organization; and perform other tasks as may be required.

We are eager to hear from candidates who feel confident that they can perform well in this role even if they do not meet the desired education, experience, and knowledge levels outlined below, particularly if they are from backgrounds that are underrepresented in international human rights NGOs/CSOs.

• Education: An advanced degree in international relations, law, journalism, social sciences, or a related field or equivalent work experience, is required.
• Experience: A minimum of twelve (12) years of relevant experience in international human rights or related work, with at least five years in a management role.
• Related Skills and Knowledge: Experience with and commitment to rigor. Knowledge of and experience working in international human rights, including interviewing, fact-finding and advocacy and familiarity with international human rights law and international humanitarian law is required. A demonstrated track record of working effectively in collaboration with colleagues is required. A strong commitment to human rights research and strategic work that has impact is required. Excellent writing, editing, and fact-checking skills, mastery of best practices in research and publication standards and fluent English is required.
• Track record of success in leading teams: A high degree of emotional intelligence and collegiality is required. Experience effectively managing senior managers is required. Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals with diverse identities, cultures, backgrounds, skillsets, and orientations is preferred. Experience with and commitment to being a collaborative team player who can empathetically engage with staff across levels and jurisdictions is required.
• Experience with delivering results: Track record of identifiable and measurable successes in contributing to complex projects and ensuring high-quality deliverables is required. Experience in contributing to an inclusive work culture that attracts and retains staff from diverse backgrounds is required. Experience cultivating and facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration is desirable. Demonstrated ability to set priorities, delegate responsibilities, and allocate resources is required. Demonstrated ability to apply culturally competent behaviors to enable effective policies and structures is required.
• Other: Experience working in Europe and Central Asia and/or the Middle East and North Africa is desired.

HRW offers competitive compensation and employer-paid benefits. HRW will pay reasonable relocation expenses and assist with work authorization if required; citizens of all nationalities are encouraged to apply. If based in the United States, the salary range for this role is USD 190,000 – 228,000. Salary ranges outside the United States vary by location.

Please apply immediately or by June 21, 2026 by visiting our online job portal at careers.hrw.org and attaching a cover letter and CV or resume, preferably as PDF files. No calls or email inquiries. Only complete applications will be reviewed and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Note that there is a written question (max 300 words) to answer prior to submitting your application. If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application submission, or require a disability-related accommodation, please email recruitment@hrw.org. Application submissions via email will not be accepted.

Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer and 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 actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.