Associate, Africa Division

FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY
ASSOCIATE
Africa Division
Nairobi Office
Application Deadline: 25 May 2026

The Africa Division of Human Rights Watch ("HRW") is seeking an Associate to provide administrative assistance and support to staff working on several African countries. The Africa Division works to advance human rights in Africa and conducts a wide range of work, including human rights research, report writing, advocacy, and media work. The position is full-time and is based in Nairobi. The Associate position reports to one of the Africa Division’s three deputy directors.

The successful candidate will be expected to work from the Nairobi office at least 2-3 days per week. The candidate will have the option to work remotely the remainder of the week but must be based within commuting distance of the Nairobi office. We aim to be as flexible and supportive as possible in both the recruitment and onboarding of this position.

Responsibilities:

1. Provide day-to-day administrative support to the Africa Division staff, such as scheduling meetings, making travel arrangements, preparing for and taking minutes at meetings, creating and maintaining extensive filing and archiving systems, and responding to requests for information;

2. Assist with preparing, proofing, editing, formatting, on occasion drafting, online posting and/or distributing documents such as news releases, extended pressers, reports, briefing papers, op-eds, publications, and web content;

3. Assist with vetting of documents, supporting the translation of documents into English and Kiswahili, and providing other language support;

4. Support the division’s external engagements including with the advisory committee, by planning meetings and events and drafting briefing documents;

5. Shepherd Africa Division publications through the internal review process;

6. Provide on-the-ground logistical support to Africa Division staff and, where required, to staff from other divisions, during work-related travels to East and Horn of Africa countries, in particular, such as coordinating and scheduling meetings, conducting interviews, representing HRW to external partners, interpreting as required;

7. Assist with research, electronic clipping, wires, and translations;

8. Assist with events such as news conferences, staff meetings, retreats and special events;

9. Assist with the recruitment and mentoring of interns;

10. Record, track, and process divisional finances;

11. Maintain communication between HRW offices, its staff, and external partners; and

12. Perform other tasks, as may be required.

Qualifications:

Education: A bachelor’s degree, or its equivalent experience in human rights, international relations, social science, or a related field is required.

Experience: A minimum of one (1) year of relevant work experience is required.

Related Skills and Knowledge:

1. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English is required. Knowledge of French, Kiswahili or another relevant language is desirable.

2. Demonstrable interest in international human rights and sub-Saharan Africa is required. Sub-Saharan Africa related experience is desirable.

3. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well under pressure while juggling multiple tasks simultaneously is required.

4. Ability to make sound decisions consistent with functions is required.

5. Ability to prioritize with minimal supervision and work independently as well as function as a member of a team with staff in multiple locations globally is required.

6. Proficiency in computer programs including MS Office applications is required.

7. Proficiency using Asana and/or other databases is desirable.

Other: Candidates must possess valid work authorization for Kenya; HRW is unable to sponsor work permits for this role.

Salary and Benefits: Human Rights Watch seeks exceptional applicants and offers competitive compensation and employer-paid benefits. The gross annualized salary range for this position is US $35,000 - $36,400.

How to Apply: Please apply immediately or by 25 May 2026, by visiting our online job portal at careers.hrw.org and attaching a letter of interest and resume or CV, preferably as PDF files. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 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 a disability-related accommodation, 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.