Researcher, US Externalization

FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY
Researcher, US Externalization
Refugee and Migrant Rights Division
Multiple Locations Considered
Deadline for applications: June 25, 2026

Human Rights Watch’s (HRW) Refugee and Migrants Rights (RMR) Division is looking for a highly qualified researcher to investigate and expose human rights abuses relating to migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. The role will initially focus on US government efforts to block entry or access to asylum, to externalize migration controls and outsource asylum processing, and to use third countries and external territories in deportations.

The Researcher should be a strategic thinker, skilled investigator, and persuasive communicator and advocate. They will conduct on-the-ground fact-finding to document rights violations against refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants arising from externalization policies of destination countries, predominantly in North America, Europe, and the Pacific. They will participate in advocacy to improve rights of non-citizens, including refugees and asylum seekers, ensure immigration detention is a last resort, and expand pathways to safe and regular migration.

This full-time position will be based in Mexico City or one of HRW’s US offices, preferably New York or Washington DC, and will report to the Director of RMR, in close collaboration with USP, the Americas Division and the Africa Division or other divisions, as relevant, during the first two years.  The successful candidate will be expected to work from the office as needed.

Responsibilities:

1. During at least the first two years, analysing legal and policy developments in the United States applicable to all categories of migrants and to US efforts to externalize migration management and border controls;
2. Carrying out on-the-ground research to investigate and document human rights abuses against all categories of migrants, especially in border areas and in the context of apprehension, detention, and expulsion or deportation with an emphasis on private, in-depth interviews with migrants and others who are directly impacted by policies that violate or otherwise restrict rights;
3. Collecting and analyzing information from a wide variety of sources including border community members, NGOs, government officials, policy makers, journalists, and other relevant actors;
4. Drafting reports, press releases, op-eds, advocacy letters, regulatory, policy, and/or legislative comments, and submissions to national and international bodies;
5. Developing contacts with the media, and promptly responding to media inquiries and requests;
6. Representing HRW in meetings with US and international officials, including the executive and legislative branches of the US government and other governments and international organizations, including UNHCR, IOM, and regional intergovernmental fora;
7. Developing and implementing multimedia and social media products and strategies;
8. Working with the Refugee and Migrant Rights director to provide advice to HRW staff on the human rights standards relating to all categories of migrants, including by reviewing documents and other products;
9. Building and maintaining alliances and networks with other NGOs and advocacy groups by engaging with coalition partners, and, as appropriate, providing leadership;
10. Traveling frequently and working flexible hours to accommodate developing and urgent events, as needed;
11. Working with the Refugee and Migrant Rights director and HRW’s Development and Outreach Department to conduct fundraising and maintaining contact with donors;
12. Delivering products in a timely manner and maintain consistency with HRW’s strategies and priorities;
13. Demonstrating inclusive and respectful behavior that consistently adheres to HRW’s internal values; and
14. Performing other duties, as required.

Qualifications

Education: An advanced (graduate) degree in law, international relations, journalism, social sciences, or related studies. A US law degree or equivalent experience in US immigration law/policy, journalism, or a related field is preferred.

Experience: The ideal candidate will have at least five years of immigration, refugee, or related work experience and be a dynamic, creative, self-motivated, strategic, and original thinker with advocacy experience and a demonstrated commitment to refugee rights. People personally and/or from families and communities impacted by the immigration or refugee experience are encouraged to apply. Candidates who are traditionally underrepresented in the human rights sector are encouraged to apply if they feel they can succeed in this role, even if they do not have all the formal skills and qualifications listed.

Related Skills and Knowledge:

1. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English is required, fluency in Spanish is preferred.
2. Significant knowledge of US immigration law and international law applicable to all categories of migrants, including but not limited to humanitarian law, refugee law, and international human rights law is required.
3. Ability to identify and prioritize, research, analyze and effectively communicate in a rigorous, timely and sophisticated fashion with minimal supervision is required.
4. Ability and sensitivity to conduct interviews with a wide range of people, including victims, witnesses, and government officials is required.
5. Sensitivity to biases, and ability to study, analyze, reflect on, and communicate about structural barriers and inequities, such as racial discrimination, income and education gaps, and neocolonialism, that impact human rights, cause displacement, and underlie externalization of migration management.
6. Ability to develop and implement realistic and effective local, national, and international advocacy strategies in order to identify and seize advocacy opportunities is required.
7. Ability to produce high-quality, accurate, persuasive, timely written materials, or to review or edit them, under tight deadlines is required.
8. Ability to think creatively about the use of images, audio, data, online tools and other technology in research and in the presentation of findings and in advocacy is desired.
9. Interpersonal skills and commitment to work collaboratively within HRW, as well as with external partners, including impacted communities, in a diverse and inclusive work environment, are required.
10. Ability to multi-task, to work quickly and effectively under pressure with a broad range of people and as part of a team is required.
11. Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations are required

Salary and Benefits: HRW offers competitive compensation and employer-paid benefits. The salary range for this role in the United States is US$ 80,000 – 88,000.

How to Apply: Please apply by June 25, 2026, by visiting our online job portal at careers.hrw.org and submitting a cover letter and CV or resume. 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 recruitment@hrw.org. 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. 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.