Associate, Africa Division

FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY ASSOCIATE Africa Division Nairobi Office Application Deadline: 25 May 2026 Human Rights Watch's Africa Division is hiring an Associate to deliver essential administrative and operational support to our dedicated team advancing human rights across the African continent. Based in our Nairobi office, you'll work closely with division staff conducting rigorous human rights research, producing influential reports, executing strategic advocacy campaigns, and driving meaningful media engagement. This full-time position reports to one of the Africa Division's three deputy directors and offers flexible work arrangements with at least 2-3 days weekly on-site in Nairobi. WHAT YOU'LL DO You will serve as the operational backbone of the Africa Division, managing diverse responsibilities including: Delivering comprehensive administrative support to division staff through meeting scheduling, travel coordination, minute-taking, document management, filing systems, and information requests. Supporting the creation and refinement of critical communications materials including press releases, reports, briefing documents, opinion pieces, and web content through editing, formatting, drafting, and distribution. Assisting with document vetting and facilitating translation support in English and Kiswahili to ensure our work reaches wider audiences. Coordinating external engagement activities including advisory committee meetings and special events while preparing supporting briefing materials. Guiding Africa Division publications through internal review processes to ensure quality and consistency. Providing on-the-ground logistical coordination during staff field visits across East and Horn of Africa countries, including meeting arrangements, interview scheduling, partner representation, and interpretation services. Contributing to research efforts through electronic clipping, newswire monitoring, and translation assistance. Organizing and executing events ranging from news conferences and staff meetings to retreats and special occasions. Supporting intern recruitment and mentorship initiatives within the division. Recording, tracking, and processing divisional financial matters. Facilitating communication across HRW offices, team members, and external partners. Undertaking additional responsibilities as needed. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR You hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience in human rights, international relations, social science, or a closely related field. You bring a minimum of one year of relevant professional experience to the role. Your communication abilities are exceptional, with fluent written and spoken English required. Additional language skills in French, Kiswahili, or other relevant languages are highly valued. Sub-Saharan Africa experience is particularly desirable. You demonstrate genuine passion for international human rights work and sub-Saharan African issues. You excel under pressure while managing multiple priorities, possess strong interpersonal abilities, and think clearly to make sound, consistent decisions. You work independently with minimal supervision while collaborating seamlessly with globally distributed team members. You're proficient in MS Office applications, with familiarity using Asana or similar database systems considered advantageous. ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS Valid work authorization for Kenya is mandatory. Human Rights Watch cannot sponsor work permits for this position. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS Human Rights Watch offers competitive salaries and comprehensive employer-paid benefits. The gross annualized salary range for this Associate position is US $35,000 - $36,400. HOW TO APPLY Submit your application immediately through our online job portal at careers.hrw.org by 25 May 2026. Include a letter of interest and resume or CV, preferably as PDF files. We review applications on a rolling basis and will contact only shortlisted candidates. For technical application difficulties or disability-related accommodation requests, email recruitment@hrw.org. Due to application volume, email submissions are not accepted and inquiries about application status will not be answered. ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH Human Rights Watch is an international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization renowned for in-depth investigations, timely reporting, innovative advocacy campaigns, and influence over the human rights policies and practices of powerful governments and international institutions. We are committed to building a diverse workforce and actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer that does 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 individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds and global perspectives.