Associate, Press

Position description

The Communications Division of Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is seeking candidates for the position of Press Associate to provide editorial assistance and administrative support to the Communications team, part of the Media Department. The Media Department works to determine the best messages, the right audiences, and the best vehicle to raise public awareness of the human rights violations HRW investigates and documents.

The successful candidate for this position will assist the HRW Press Team with the range of materials being published by HRW daily along including copy editing and administrative duties. The Associate will be based in our Nairobi office and is expected to work 2-3 days per week from the office. This role reports to the Associate Director of Communications based in Washington DC. This position is full-time and requires availability to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities:

1. Copy edit in AP Stylebook, format, and distribute materials; assist with coordinating the review, production, translation, and distribution of reports, news releases, letters, charts, briefing papers, op-eds, other publications, and web content;
2. Track the editorial flow of research and media products;
3. Collaborate with other members of the HRW Press team based in the US, Europe, and Asia time zones on media roundups and analysis for reports, news releases, and other products when needed;
4. Handle and respond to queries from journalists and other media professionals, connecting them with relevant staff where appropriate;
5. Track, update, and relay important information between the United States and Australia teams;
6. Create and maintain extensive contact databases and filing and archiving systems;
7. Maintain the HRW Press pipeline, keep all publishing schedules and calendars up to date and relevant;
8. Maintain contacts with translators and update contact information as needed;
9. Provide administrative support including recording and processing divisional finances and translations invoices; responding to inquiries; making travel arrangements; and performing other administrative duties as necessary;
10. Maintain communication among HRW offices, global staff, and external partners;
11. Assist with organizing events including press conferences and partner meetings;
12. Assist with some desk research tasks and provide support to associated multimedia projects when necessary; and
13. Carry out other duties as required.

Qualifications

Education: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in communications, journalism, social sciences, international relations, or related studies is required.

Experience: A minimum of one year of relevant work experience is required.

Related Skills and Knowledge:

1. Copyediting experience in AP Stylebook is required.
2. Prior office/administration experience and strong organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail are required.
3. Proficiency in computer programs including Excel and other MS Office applications is required.
4. Demonstrated commitment to human rights and/or international issues and the capacity to master and represent the mission and programs of HRW are highly desirable.
5. Initiative, follow-through, ability to work independently, and excellent organizational skills are required.
6. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required; proficiency in other languages is highly desirable with preference to Arabic, French, German Russian, Spanish, Portuguese.
7. The ability to work well under pressure and to manage multiple priorities while working effectively toward deadlines is required.
8. Strong interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively within HRW as well as with external partners are required.
9. Ability to make sound decisions consistent with functions and take initiative when appropriate is required.
10. An understanding of news cycles and international media outlets is preferred.

Other: Applicants for this position must possess valid Kenyan work authorization.

Salary and Benefits: Human Rights Watch offers competitive salary and comprehensive employer-paid benefits. The salary for this position is USD 35,000.

Application instructions

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