Deputy Program Director
AI summary
Human Rights Watch is hiring a Deputy Program Director to oversee four research divisions, facilitate implementation of the global strategy, and support divisional directors worldwide. The role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and deep knowledge of human rights research and advocacy. The position is based in Nairobi or other HRW office locations and reports to the Global Program Director.
- Senior leadership role overseeing four HRW research divisions
- Requires 12 years of experience and an MBA/MSc/MA qualification
- Reports to the Global Program Director with global coordination responsibilities
- Application deadline is October 11, 2026
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Original source description
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- Human Rights Watch is an American-founded international non-governmental organization that conducts research and advocacy on human rights.
- Deputy Program Director
- Job Type
- Full Time
- Qualification
- MBA/MSc/MA
Experience
Deadline: October 11, 2026
12 years
Location
Nairobi
Job Field
Strategic and Top Management
The Deputy Program Director should be an effective leader and people manager, and a strategic thinker with deep knowledge of human rights issues, research methodologies and advocacy in the field of international human rights. The successful candidate will have
in implementing writing, research and ethical standards in accordance with best practices in the human rights field, fostering the engagement and effectiveness of staff, promoting diversity, equity and inclusion; fostering staff resilience and well-being, and participating in designing and implementing strategy.
The Deputy Program Director will oversee four of HRW’s research divisions (regional and thematic), facilitate programmatic implementation of HRW’s global strategy, participate in developing strategies at the project and divisional levels, and undertake additional
A minimum of twelve (12) years of relevant
in international human rights or related work, with at least five (5) years in a management role.
Related Skills and Knowledge
with and commitment to rigor
Knowledge of and
working in international human rights, including interviewing, fact-finding and advocacy and familiarity with international human rights law and international humanitarian law is required.
A demonstrated track record of working effectively in collaboration with colleagues is required.
A strong commitment to human rights research and strategic work that has impact is required.
Excellent writing, editing, and fact-checking skills, mastery of best practices in research and publication standards and fluent English is required.
Track record of success in leading teams
A high degree of emotional intelligence and collegiality is required.
effectively managing senior managers is required.
Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals with diverse identities, cultures, backgrounds, skillsets, and orientations is preferred.
with and commitment to being a collaborative team player who can empathetically engage with staff across levels and jurisdictions is required.
with delivering results
Track record of identifiable and measurable successes in specifically and tangibly contributing to complex projects and ensuring high-quality deliverables is required.
in contributing to a work culture and practice that are inclusive and that attract and retain staff from diverse backgrounds is required.
cultivating and facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration is desirable.
Demonstrated ability to set priorities, delegate responsibilities, and allocate resources is required.
Demonstrated ability to apply culturally competent behaviors, attitudes, and practices to enable effective policies and structures is required.
Other
working on the United States or Latin America is desired.
Application
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Method of Application
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Responsibilities
within the Program office as outlined below. The Deputy Program Director will work with the Program Office, comprised of a Global Program Director, three additional Deputies, an Associate Director for research training and standards, two Senior Editors, Senior Officer and Coordinator. The Deputy Program Director will report to the Global Program Director, and will preferably be based in any of the following locations where HRW has an office: New York, Washington, Toronto, Sao Paulo, London, Brussels, Amsterdam, Berlin, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Beirut, or Amman.
Managerial
In consultation with other members of the Program Office, manage divisional directors to effectively lead and support Program department staff based around the world, many of whom work in challenging environments.
Model, cultivate and coach inclusive and collaborative leadership within divisions that demonstrates commitment to diversity and belonging.
Manage performance in a fair, consistent, transparent, and empathetic manner.
Oversee effective financial management of the research divisions by the relevant divisional directors.
Support staff resilience within divisions by promoting flexibility and life/work balance of all divisional staff.
Promote an inclusive and positive work environment including by fostering diversity, equity and inclusion within the divisions and proactively addressing bias, discrimination, and microaggressions.
Strategy and Innovation
Together with other members of the Program office, oversee the development of the strategies and operational plans of designated research divisions, ensuring that plans include clear goals and benchmarks, and that they align with the priorities of the organization. This includes annual and multi-year planning, as well as leading staff through implementation of the global strategy process.
Ensure well-articulated theories of change in divisional strategies and cross-divisional projects that can be measured and evaluated and that are contextualized within broader movements for change.
Facilitate intra-organizational meetings to develop strategies and monitor their implementation.
Systems for effective, impactful work
Facilitate information flow and coherence across regional and thematic divisions with staff spread across many time zones.
Ensure consistency and rigor in conducting research and implementing internal fact-checking guidelines and ethical standards, in line with best practices in the human rights field.
Facilitate effective cross divisional collaboration and teamwork, including addressing blockages in effective collaboration within programmatic divisions and across the organization.
Partnerships
Ensure that divisions foster and strengthen sustainable relationships with human rights partners outside of HRW, including promoting visibility and recognition of partnership work.
Troubleshoot internal and external obstacles to effective partnerships.
Quality Control
Oversee high standards of research, writing and fact-checking within divisions, including reviewing divisional products for effectiveness, structure, consistency, and compliance with organizational standards and approving project design memos.
Support divisions and ensure their compliance with vetting guidelines, research standards and policies within products.
Security
Work with the Security team to design security protocols and ensure compliance with them, including by reviewing and approving security plans, participating in their implementation and making fast-paced decisions when security issues arise.
Troubleshoot conflicts/issues that arise between divisions and Security team, escalating to Global Program Director as needed.
Additional
As a senior leader at Human Rights Watch, cultivate and maintain good working relationships with the leadership and staff of other departments, including through participation in leadership meetings and cross-departmental initiatives.
Undertake special projects as needed to fulfill the purpose of the program office and ensure the success of HRW’s research divisions.
Participate in fundraising for the organization; and
Perform other tasks as may be required.
Qualifications:
We are eager to hear from candidates who feel confident that they can perform well in this role even if they do not meet the desired education, experience, and knowledge levels outlined below, particularly if they are from backgrounds that are underrepresented in international human rights NGOs/CSOs.
Education
An advanced degree in international relations, law, journalism, social sciences, or a related field or equivalent work experience, is required.