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:

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:

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.