Associate, Africa Division

FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY ASSOCIATE Africa Division Nairobi Office Application Deadline: 25 May 2026 About the Role Human Rights Watch's Africa Division is looking for an Associate to join our Nairobi office and provide essential administrative and operational support to our team working across multiple African countries. Our Africa Division drives human rights progress through rigorous research, compelling reporting, strategic advocacy, and targeted media engagement. As an Associate, you will report to one of our three deputy directors and become an integral part of our operations. This is a full-time position requiring your presence at the Nairobi office at least 2-3 days per week, with flexibility to work remotely for the remainder of the week. You must be located within commuting distance of our Nairobi office. We prioritize flexibility and support throughout recruitment and onboarding. What You Will Do You will be the backbone of our administrative operations, handling scheduling, travel coordination, meeting logistics, and document management. Your work will span document preparation, editing, and formatting of critical materials including news releases, reports, briefing papers, and web content. You will assist with document vetting and provide language support in English and Kiswahili translation. You will coordinate our external engagements, including advisory committee meetings and special events, while managing the publication review process. When our teams travel throughout East and Horn of Africa regions, you will provide on-the-ground logistical support, schedule meetings, conduct interviews, and serve as an interpreter when needed. Additional responsibilities include research support, electronic media monitoring, event coordination, intern recruitment and mentoring, financial tracking and processing, and maintaining communication across HRW offices and external partners. You will work across multiple time zones and locations, adapting to evolving organizational needs. What We Need From You Education and Experience: You must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in human rights, international relations, social science, or a related field. A minimum of one year of relevant work experience is essential. Core Skills: You need exceptional oral and written communication in English. Knowledge of French, Kiswahili, or other relevant languages is highly valued. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is required, with experience in Asana or similar databases being advantageous. Professional Qualities: You must demonstrate genuine commitment to international human rights and sub-Saharan Africa. Experience working in or with sub-Saharan Africa is desirable. You should excel at managing multiple priorities under pressure, make sound independent decisions, and work effectively both as a team member with geographically dispersed colleagues and autonomously. Strong interpersonal skills are essential. Other Requirements: You must possess valid work authorization for Kenya. Human Rights Watch cannot sponsor work permits for this position. Compensation We offer competitive remuneration reflecting the value you bring. The gross annualized salary range for this position is US $35,000 - $36,400, accompanied by employer-paid benefits. How to Apply Submit your application immediately or by 25 May 2026 through our online job portal at careers.hrw.org. Attach your letter of interest and resume or CV as PDF files when possible. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Do not submit applications via email or make phone inquiries, as these will not be accepted. If you experience technical issues with the application system or require disability-related accommodations, contact recruitment@hrw.org. About Human Rights Watch Human Rights Watch is a leading international human rights organization recognized for our rigorous investigations, impactful reporting, innovative advocacy campaigns, and proven success in shifting human rights policies and practices among influential governments and international institutions. We are strong because we are diverse. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds everywhere and do not discriminate based on disability, age, gender identity and expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or criminal record. Our team includes parents and nonparents, self-taught and university-educated professionals, and people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds and worldviews. Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer.