Brazil Director – Americas Division Human Rights Watch

Organisation: Human Rights Watch

Job Title: Brazil Director – Americas Division

Reports to: Executive Director of the Americas Division

Location: Sao Paolo, Brazil (previous probation period in New York or Washington DC, USA)

Salary: Competitive plus employer-paid benefits.

Background

Human Rights Watch (HRW) www.hrw.org is a leading independent organization dedicating to defending the human rights of people worldwide. By focusing international attention where human rights are violated, we give voice to the oppressed and hold oppressors accountable for their crimes. We work with influential allies around the world to exert pressure on abusive governments and others to effect lasting change. Our work is principled and strategic.

Purpose of the job

Human Rights Watch seeks a Brazil Director to oversee the work of its new office in Sao Paulo, contribute to the organization’s human rights advocacy and policy work, and serve as the organization’s principal representative in Brazil.

The successful candidate will be based in Sao Paulo. S/he will have to be prepared to spend an initial orientation period of a few months in New York or Washington D.C., travelling repeatedly to Brazil.

Main responsibilities

Reporting to the Executive Director of the Americas Division, the Director's responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Serve as the public face of HRW and act as the organization's central link to the media, government, civil society and public in Brazil;
• Promote HRW’s agenda on both foreign policy issues as well as domestic;
• Support HRW’s fundraising and outreach work within Brazil;
• Help coordinate research on local human rights problems.

Skills required / qualifications

The successful applicant will have:

• Significant senior-level policy, press or advocacy experience;
• Extensive knowledge of the Brazilian media and the Brazilian government's decision-making
• Fluency in Portuguese and English is essential;
• An advanced degree in law, international relations, journalism and/or a related field in the social sciences is required.
• Sound experience in human rights work is essential to this post
• Demonstrated commitment to human rights and/or international issues and the capacity to master and represent the mission and programs of HRW

Candidate qualities

The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate:

• Strategic and creative thinking;
• Strong initiative and follow-through;
• The ability to inspire and engage with a wide range of relevant audiences; personal presence;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Dynamic public speaking ability;
• Ability to work quickly and effectively under pressure with a broad range of people and as part of a team.
• Outstanding communication, presentation and interpersonal skills and able to represent the organisation effectively in a wide range of fora and situations.

Application procedure

To apply for the post, please send a letter of application stating the skills and approach that you would bring to the post along with your CV/resume (no photos) in English, in strict confidence BY EMAIL ONLY to Isabel Leal at rrhh@darylupsall.com

Please ensure that they are sent as Word documents with the titles “your name cover letter” and “your name CV”. Please put “HRW Brazil Director” in the email subject line and state how you came across about the job announcement.

Deadline for applications: Monday 26 March 2012

Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in its hiring practices and, in order to build the strongest possible workforce, actively seeks a diverse applicant pool.