Associate, Media

Role Overview

As an Associate on the Media Division team, you will be the operational backbone for regional press outreach at Human Rights Watch. Day to day, you will coordinate schedules, track media contacts, respond to journalist inquiries, and keep internal publishing timelines aligned so that human rights research reaches the public effectively. Your work directly supports efforts to hold abusers accountable by ensuring that media coverage is timely, accurate, and strategically placed.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to the regional media team, including budget tracking, travel arrangements, and scheduling.
• Maintain and audit media contact lists across traditional outlets and emerging platforms such as newsletters and podcasts.
• Respond to inquiries from journalists, media professionals, and members of the public, directing them to the appropriate staff.
• Track and share updates between regional media colleagues and the broader Communications Department.
• Coordinate with the Press products pipeline to keep publishing schedules and editorial calendars current.
• Compile and draft media roundups and analyses for reports, news releases, and other communications materials.
• Organize events such as partner meetings and news conferences, both in person and online, across multiple time zones.
• Conduct desk research and maintain communication among HRW offices, global staff, and external partners.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in communications, journalism, social sciences, international relations, or a related field.
• Experience: At least one year of relevant work experience, including prior office or administrative duties.
• Strong organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail and a demonstrated ability to take initiative and follow through.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; proficiency in additional languages is highly desirable.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities, and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills for collaborating with colleagues across HRW and with external partners.
• Sound decision-making abilities and comfort working independently when appropriate.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications; proofreading experience is a plus.
• Understanding of news cycles and international media outlets is preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to human rights or international issues, with the capacity to represent HRW's mission and programs.

Why Join

This full-time position is based near one of HRW's global offices in Amman, Beirut, Johannesburg, or Nairobi, with an in-office presence expected two to three times per week. The role occasionally requires evening and weekend availability, which is compensated appropriately. You will join a global communications team dedicated to amplifying human rights research and advocacy, gaining hands-on experience in international media relations.