Associate, Asia

Human Rights Watch is an international non-governmental organisation dedicated to advancing human rights in Asia and globally. The Asia Division conducts investigation, report writing, advocacy and media work to advance human rights across the region.

The Asia Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking an Associate to provide administrative assistance and programmatic support to staff working on human rights issues in Asia. The Asia Division works to advance human rights in Asia and conducts a wide range of work, including investigation, report writing, advocacy and media work.

This is a full-time position reporting to the Asia Director. HRW anticipates that the successful candidate will begin this position around September 2026. The successful candidate must be based within commuting distance of the London office and will be expected to work from the office 2-3 days per week.

1. Provide day-to-day administrative support to Asia Division staff, especially the Asia Director, such as scheduling meetings, preparing for and taking minutes at meetings, making travel arrangements and processing expenses;
2. Create and maintain extensive filing and archiving systems, maintain country advocacy contact databases, coordinate translations and vetting of documents and respond to requests for information;
3. Prepare, proofread, edit, format, code and coordinate materials such as news releases, reports, op-eds, multimedia materials, social media material, other publications and web content;
4. Attend and represent HRW at meetings and events;
5. Conduct desk research and news monitoring;
6. Assist with planning and executing events such as news conferences, staff meetings and special events with visitors, NGOs, and government officials;
7. Act as a liaison and maintain communications with HRW offices, global staff, and external partners;
8. Assist with the recruitment and mentoring of interns;
9. Record, track, and process divisional finances in a timely manner;
10. Assist Asia Division staff with composing and posting content on social media sites, in liaison with the web team of Human Rights Watch; and
11. Carry out other duties as required.

Education: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent work 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. Prior office/administration experience and strong organizational skills are required.
2. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required; fluency in an Asian language is preferred.
3. Strong interest in Asia and international human rights is required. Asia-related experience is desirable.
4. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well under pressure while juggling multiple tasks simultaneously are required.
5. Ability to make sound decisions consistent with functions is required.
6. 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.
7. Proficiency in computer programs including MS Office applications is required.
8. Strong analytical skills, including the ability to analyze data, are required.

Other: Applicants for this position must possess current valid work authorization in the United Kingdom. Human Rights Watch is unable to sponsor work permits for this role.