[Hiring] Director, Middle East and North Africa @Human Rights Watch

Role Description

Human Rights Watch (HRW) is looking for an outstanding human rights professional for the role of Middle East and North Africa Director, one of six regional research programs in the Program Department.

The MENA Director should be a strategic thinker, strong manager, and a persuasive communicator and advocate in the field of international human rights. They should have proven dedication to the defense and advancement of human rights and deep knowledge of research methodologies and human rights issues in the MENA region.

The MENA Director is responsible for leading the division and overseeing research, communications, and advocacy to promote and defend human rights in the MENA region by generating domestic and international pressure to curb human rights violations. Along with other members of the MENA management team, they are responsible for:

• Day-to-day management and supervision of MENA’s staff.
• Setting strategic goals and priorities.
• Overseeing and guiding research plans.
• Editing research products.
• Ensuring security of staff, information, and partners.
• Managing risk and responding to opportunities for impact.

The MENA Director must lead and motivate the MENA division’s 24 staff, most of them based in the region, many working in challenging environments, in different time zones, and with different work weeks. They must demonstrate the ability and commitment to:

• Foster the safety and resilience of staff.
• Promote diversity and inclusion.
• Build consensus with staff around confronting key challenges.
• Ensure the highest research standards in a culture of learning, trust, teamwork, and collaboration.

The MENA Director reports to the program office and leads a MENA management team consisting of three deputies. The position will preferably be based in an HRW office in the MENA region (Beirut, Amman, or Tunis), but may also be based in New York, Washington DC, or one of HRW’s European offices (Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, London, or Stockholm).

Qualifications

• Thoughtful, collaborative, and strategic leader with deep knowledge and experience of the MENA region.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in international human rights or related work, including investigations, reporting, and advocacy.
• At least five years in a senior management position.
• Education: An advanced Degree in international relations, law, journalism, social sciences, or a related field is required.

Requirements

• Extensive knowledge of human rights issues in the MENA region.
• Excellent political judgment and ability to identify trends.
• Relevant international field experience and familiarity with human rights research methodologies.
• Recognized management experience, including supervising a team of talented professionals in multiple global locations.
• Ability to identify critical human rights challenges and opportunities and formulate strategy.
• Track record of dealing with the media and cultivating relationships with journalists.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work collaboratively within HRW as well as with local partners, government officials, and external media partners.
• Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and employer-paid benefits.
• Relocation assistance package.
• Assistance in obtaining necessary work authorization, if required.
• Salary range for this position if based in the US is USD $150,000 – 165,000.
• Salary ranges outside of the United States vary based on location.

How to Apply

Please apply immediately or by 23 April, 2026 by visiting our online job portal at https://careers.hrw.org/ and submitting a CV and cover letter, preferably as PDF files. 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 to submit your application 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 to apply.