Senior Legal Adviser

About the Role

The Senior Legal Advisor is one of a small group of international lawyers who comprise [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]’s (“[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]”) Legal and Policy Department. The department ensures that all [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] publications and advocacy interventions are consistent with international human rights and humanitarian law and [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] policies. The Senior Legal Advisor works with division directors, researchers and advocates at all levels, and often on an urgent basis. The post is a key position within [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], with direct responsibility for ensuring the reputation and high quality of [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]’s work.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice on international human rights law and [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] policy for [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]’s regional and thematic divisions.
• Review and provide substantive input on reports, news releases, dispatches, commentary, letters, videos and other interventions.
• Help to develop and implement the international legal dimension of [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]’s research and advocacy strategies.
• Assist in [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]’s strategic litigation work.
• Represent [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] at expert meetings and conferences on international legal issues.
• Develop and apply the organization’s policies.
• Carry out other tasks as needed.

Qualifications

Education: A degree in law is required.

Experience: A minimum of ten (10) years in positions utilizing international human rights law, including its practical application. Knowledge of fields such as human rights and technology and human rights and the environment are an asset. Knowledge of international humanitarian law, civil law legal systems, refugee and migrant law, and litigation experience are also an asset.

Related Skills and Knowledge:

• A strong personal commitment to the promotion of international human rights.
• Demonstrated ability to think analytically, strategically and effectively.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are required. Proficiency in other languages is a plus.
• Capacity to appropriately plan and prioritize and to manage multiple, sometimes competing demands efficiently in a challenging, fast-paced environment are required.
• Ability to defend and explain complex issues and positions to staff and to advocate positions externally.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work collaboratively within [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] and outside the organization.

Salary and Benefits

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] offers competitive salaries and comprehensive employer-paid benefits. [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] offers a relocation assistance package and will assist employees in obtaining necessary work authorization, if required. If based in the United States, the salary range would be USD 165,000 and USD 180,000. Salary ranges outside of the United States vary based on location and are not a direct translation from USD.

How to Apply

Please apply immediately or by 11 May, 2026, by visiting our online job portal at careers.hrw.org and attaching a cover letter and a resume or CV. No calls or email inquiries, please. Applications must be complete to receive consideration, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application submission, or if you require accommodations during the application process, please email [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]. Due to the large response, application submissions via email will not be accepted and inquiries regarding the status of applications will go unanswered.