Researcher, Disability Rights

FULL TIME JOB VACANCY
RESEARCHER
Disability Rights Division
Multiple Locations Considered
Application Deadline: October 1, 2026

The Disability Rights Division (DRD) of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking a Researcher to investigate, document, and report on disability rights issues globally and to advance priority research topics as defined by HRW’s Global Strategy. The position will report to the Director of the Disability Rights Division, and will be based within commuting distance of one of HRW’s offices in in Nairobi, New York, Toronto or London, with other locations with HRW offices considered. 

Responsibilities:
1. Research, monitor and document disability rights abuses by collecting and analyzing information from a wide variety of sources including governments, local media, NGOs, survivors, witnesses, journalists, diplomats, security forces, technology companies and others in the field;
2. Monitor and document developments affecting people with disabilities by collecting and analyzing information from a wide range of sources.
3. Research, analyze, and draft written materials for internal and external use, including reports, submissions to international bodies based on the findings, briefing papers, press materials, and other advocacy outputs.
4. Assist in the development and implementation of local, regional, and international advocacy strategies aimed at reforming abusive laws, policies, and practices affecting people with disabilities.
5. Support divisional leadership in strategic planning processes, including contributing to annual planning, the World Report review process, and the division’s implementation of Human Rights Watch’s global strategy.
6. Identify and work closely with non-governmental organizations focused on advancing disability rights to ensure that HRW’s work complements and enhances their own work, and actively explore partnerships;
7. Review and edit written products produced within the organization - including reports, press releases, dispatches, op-eds, letters, and World Report chapters - to ensure accuracy and consistency with disability rights standards and Human Rights Watch style; provide disability rights analysis and expertise to researchers and teams working on related issues across the organization;
8. Monitor and analyze emerging issues affecting the rights of persons with disabilities, including developments in technology, artificial intelligence, social protection, care and support services, humanitarian crises, health, education, and other cross-cutting human rights concerns including in contexts of rising authoritarianism;
9. Be prepared and willing to work flexible hours to accommodate developing and urgent events;
10. Travel domestically and overseas, as required, to conduct fact-finding missions;
11. Deliver outputs in a timely manner and be consistent with the agreed strategy and priorities of the Program; and
12. Perform other responsibilities, as may be required.

Qualifications:
People with disabilities, and those from backgrounds traditionally under-represented in the human rights sector, are strongly encouraged to apply if they believe they can perform well in this role, even if they do not meet all of the below-listed qualifications. Human Rights Watch is committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process and, for successful candidates, throughout employment to ensure an accessible and inclusive workplace.

Education: An advanced (graduate) degree or equivalent work experience in international relations, journalism, law, social sciences, or related studies is required. 

Experience: A minimum of five years of relevant experience working on disability rights at a national and regional level is required.

Related Skills and Knowledge:
1. Knowledge of disability rights issues, and experience in international human rights research, advocacy, and communications are required 
2. Ability to identify, research, analyze and effectively communicate important disability rights is required. 
3. Ability and sensitivity to conduct interviews with a wide range of people, including victims and witnesses are required.
4.  Ability to efficiently distil information about disability rights to focus time and effort on issues of greatest importance or issues that are most capable of being influenced is required.
5. Ability to identify and advise the Director of the Disability Rights Division in developing and implementing advocacy strategies in order to seize advocacy opportunities is required.
6. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English is required.; proficiency in French is highly desirable. Candidates who are not native English speakers are encouraged to apply.
7. Strong initiative and follow-through, the capacity to think creatively and strategically, excellent writing and editing skills, and a dynamic public speaking ability are required.
8. Ability to maintain contacts and meet with our key advocacy targets, such as  government officials and policymakers, the UN and its human rights committees, and other international bodies that address rights of people with disabilities in countries covered by the research is required. 
9. Strong editing skills are required. 
10. Strong interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively within HRW, as well as with external partners, are required.
11. Ability to multi-task effectively, including having good planning and organizing skills and ability to work under pressure are required.
12. Ability to make sound decisions consistent with functions is required.

Salary and Benefits: Human Rights Watch offers competitive salary and comprehensive employer-paid benefits. If based in the United States, the salary range for this role is US$ 80,000 – 88,000. If based in Canada, the salary range for this role is CAD 100,000 – 110,000. Salary ranges in other jurisdictions vary based on local market conditions, and are not a direct translation of the US/Canadian ranges. HRW offers relocation assistance where possible – of the preferred locations for this role, HRW can assist in obtaining work authorization in the United Kingdom. Citizens of all nationalities are encouraged to apply. 

How to Apply: Please apply immediately or by October 1, 2026, by visiting our online job portal at careers.hrw.org and attaching a letter of interest and a CV or resume. No calls or email inquiries, please. Only complete applications will be reviewed, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application submission, or if you require disability-related accommodations during the application process, please email [email protected]. Due to the large response, application submissions via email will not be accepted and inquiries regarding the status of applications will go unanswered.

Human Rights Watch is strong because it is diverse. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds based anywhere 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. Our employees include people who are parents and nonparents, the self-taught and university educated, and from a wide span of socio-economic backgrounds and perspectives on the world. Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer. 

Human Rights Watch is an international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization known for its in-depth investigations, its incisive and timely reporting, its innovative and high-profile advocacy campaigns, and its success in changing the human rights-related policies and practices of influential governments and international institutions.