Senior Researcher, Mexico

FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY
MEXICO SENIOR RESEARCHER
Americas Division
Mexico City
Application Deadline: 3 December, 2025

The Americas Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking a Senior Researcher who will focus on improving human rights in Mexico. The Americas Division works to advance human rights in Latin American and the Caribbean and conducts a wide range of work, including investigation, report writing, advocacy and media work.

The successful applicant must be flexible and able to respond quickly to crises as they may occur, in coordination with Americas Division staff. The Senior Researcher must have strong research and documentation skills and be capable of producing excellent written material under tight deadlines. A background in working on human rights concerns in Mexico is required. Excellent oral and written communications skills in Spanish and English are essential. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, well-organized, able to work quickly and well under pressure both independently and as a member of a team, and demonstrate a commitment to international human rights.

This full-time position will be based in Mexico City and report to the Americas Deputy Director based in Washington. This is a remote position.

Responsibilities:

1. Research, monitor and document human rights abuses by collecting and analyzing information such as photographs, videos, police and medical reports, legal/court documents, among others from a wide variety of sources including governments, local media, NGOs, victims, witnesses, journalists, diplomats, public security institutions and others in the field;
2. Write and publicize reports, briefing papers, letters, news releases, op-eds, and submissions to international bodies based on the findings;
3. Assist in the development and implementation of local, regional, and international strategies to change abusive laws, policies, and practices;
4. Respond promptly to queries from the media, public, and colleagues in the human rights community and take initiative to project concerns in public debate;
5. Place abuses within the broader political, social and economic contexts and present human rights concerns to government officials, opinion leaders, partner organizations, inter-governmental agencies, donors and the media;
6. Assist the Americas Division and HRW’s Development and Outreach Department in conducting fundraising, when needed;
7. Work closely with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local human rights organizations to ensure that HRW’s work complements and enhances their own work;
8. Liaise effectively with HRW staff located in multiple locations throughout the world to ensure effective coordination and delivery of activities;
9. Be prepared and willing to work flexible hours to accommodate developing and urgent events;
10. Deliver outputs in a timely manner and be consistent with the agreed strategy and priorities of the Program;
11. Advance the Americas team’s work, including through innovative and creative research and advocacy projects and plans;
12. Work with the Deputy Director and other HRW staff in the Americas Division and in Advocacy and Communications Departments to implement media and advocacy strategies in Mexico;
13. Work collaboratively across HRW’s programmatic divisions and support their work and interventions in Mexico;
14. Support the division in responding to crisis including on other countries in Latin America; and
15. Perform other tasks, as may be required.

Other: Occasional travel may be required for research, team gatherings, conferences, or other work-related events.

Qualifications:

Education: A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in international relations, journalism, law, social sciences, or related studies is required. A Master’s degree is preferred.

Experience: A minimum of seven years of relevant experience in human rights research is required.

Related Skills and Knowledge

1. Ability to identify, research, analyze and effectively communicate important human rights developments in Mexico.
2. Ability and sensitivity to conduct interviews with a wide range of people, including victims and witnesses. Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
3. Ability to efficiently distil information so as to focus time and effort on human rights issues of greatest importance or issues that are most capable of being influenced.
4. Ability to identify and advise on strategies to conduct research and advocacy.
5. Knowledge of and experience working in international human rights and familiarity with international human rights law.
6. Excellent oral and written communication skills in Spanish and English.
7. Strong initiative and follow-through, the capacity to think creatively and strategically, excellent writing and editing skills, and a dynamic public speaking ability.
8. Strong interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively within HRW, as well as with external partners.
9. Ability to multi-task effectively, including having good planning and organizing skills and ability to work under pressure.
10. Demonstrated ability to think strategically about the global and local media environments and how to use the media and electronic media to further advocacy goals.

Salary and Benefits: HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers competitive compensation and employer-paid benefits. HRW offers a relocation assistance package and will assist employees in obtaining necessary work authorization, if required; citizens of all nationalities are encouraged to apply and applicants in Mexico are highly encouraged to apply. The salary range for this position is USD 72,000 – 79,000.

How to Apply: Please apply immediately or by 3 December, 2025 by visiting our online job portal at careers.hrw.org and attaching a cover letter and CV or resume, preferably as PDF files. 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.