UK Director

Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking a highly strategic and effective leader with compelling communication and interpersonal skills to lead HRW’s advocacy and media in the UK and possibly expand our nascent efforts in the Republic of Ireland and other jurisdictions where appropriate.

The UK office plays a vital role in Human Rights Watch’s efforts to encourage influential governments to defend and promote human rights in their foreign policy, as members of the United Nations (including as a P5 member) and the Commonwealth and at home. Serving as the UK Director, you will function as the key advocacy and communications strategist for HRW and the principal HRW representative in the UK. You will stay closely attuned to the UK’s political landscape and translate that into clear, actionable opportunities to turn HRW’s research into tangible human rights impact in relation to the UK’s foreign and domestic policy and practice.

The successful candidate will function as the key advocate and spokesperson for HRW in the UK and other jurisdictions as appropriate, acting as our link to policy‑ and decision‑makers and the media on our global portfolio of issues, as well as on domestic human rights concerns. They will also oversee our London office and build a culture in which staff from a broad range of backgrounds can thrive.

The UK Director will have a strong track record of effectively engaging and cultivating relationships with key stakeholders including high level policy makers and Parliamentarians and working closely and collegiately with other civil society organisations. They will be confident in engaging on mediums that reach the wider public, and have a sophisticated grasp of the media landscape and be a compelling public speaker.

• Lead HRW’s advocacy in the UK and work with HRW colleagues to develop and implement advocacy and media strategies on a range of foreign policy and domestic issues in post‑Brexit UK.
• Promote the work of HRW in the UK (and Ireland) to influence decision-makers, mainly key high‑level government officials at 10 Downing, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, and other government ministries and agencies as necessary.
• With the UK Senior Media Officer, strategize on promoting HRW’s work effectively to traditional and social media in the UK.
• Coordinate closely with HRW advocates around the globe, at the UN, at the EU, in Washington, and elsewhere.
• Work in partnership with the UK Development Director to build relationships with donors and financial prospects.
• Work with non‑governmental organizations, civil society partners, and other key actors on collaborative advocacy efforts.
• Contribute to internal HRW policies and strategic debates.
• Serve as a leader to currently approximately 40 HRW staff based in the United Kingdom.
• Act as an HRW representative in corporate governance matters for the local entity.
• In coordination with Global Human Resources, act as a signatory on local employment contracts, immigration forms, and other employment‑related documents as needed.
• Serve as the main point of contact during security or emergency situations in the UK.

• A graduate degree in international relations, journalism, law, social sciences or equivalent work experience is required.
• A minimum of ten years of policy advocacy work experience, including at least four years of management experience, is required.
• Substantial knowledge of the UK government ministries and agencies, and direct experience performing policy advocacy with one or more of these bodies is strongly desired.
• Significant human rights experience and expertise, and a demonstrated commitment to human rights.
• Excellent political and strategic judgment and analytical and strategic‑thinking capabilities.
• Effective, concise public speaker and possess excellent speaking, writing, and editing skills in English.
• The ability to work quickly and effectively under pressure; the capacity to pay close attention to detail while working in a fast‑paced environment and juggling multiple tasks.
• Strong coordination skills and the ability to work effectively independently, as part of a team, and in partnership with other organizations.

HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers competitive compensation and generous employer‑paid benefits. The salary range for this role is GBP 87,000-110,000.

Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer. 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.