Position Overview:

HRW is seeking applicants for the position of Germany Director to develop and implement advocacy and media engagement strategies before the Federal Government of Germany, its key organs and institutions, as well as the states (Länder) as necessary, on the full range of countries and foreign policy issues addressed by the organization, including those dealt with by EU institutions. Serving as a key advocacy and communications strategist, the Germany Director will ensure the highest standards of quality and efficacy for HRW’s diverse advocacy and media efforts and help transform HRW’s research into concrete improvements in human rights practices within Germany, or in its foreign and security policy, or by leveraging its influence within the EU and other multilateral institutions of which Germany is a member.

Additionally, this position will be the Berlin office leader, who will work to ensure that there is an open, resilient, and collaborative work culture in Berlin office, providing regular and timely communication to staff and liaising with HRW Operations Department and the Berlin Operations Administrator on human resources, security and safety, finance, legal compliance, and other matters affecting Berlin staff and/or the HRW Germany-registered entity. The Germany Director will also work directly with the HRW Germany Works Council and represent HRW to the Works Council. The position is based in Berlin and reports to the Chief Advocacy Officer (“CAO”).

Responsibilities:

German Advocacy and Media:

1. Provide overarching vision for HRW’s advocacy before the Federal Government of Germany, its key organs and institutions, as well as the states (Länder) as necessary, and determine advocacy and media priorities on human rights issues through an annual plan that aligns with the HRW Global Strategy and any relevant updates in light of a changing advocacy environment;
2. Lead HRW’s advocacy in Germany, mainly with key high-level officials in the Chancellery, Parliament (Bundestag), Foreign Ministry, and other government ministries and agencies as necessary.
3. Participate in policy debates, ministry- or agency-led conferences or roundtables, and brainstorming and liaising meetings with partners, as well as any other public or private events to insert HRW’s voice, research, and advocacy asks, responding to or anticipating any relevant policy debates;
4. Work with non-governmental organizations, civil society partners, think tanks, and other key actors on collaborative advocacy efforts;
5. Coordinate and collaborate closely with the Brussels-based EU Advocacy Director and the Advocacy Director of the Europe and Central Asia Division on all EU- and ECA-related advocacy, respectively, as well as other advocates working on EU member states.
6. Serve as key spokesperson for the German media and lead HRW’s media engagement in Germany in cooperation with HRW’s media team by cultivating and maintaining contact with the German media as well as international journalists based in Germany, including editorial boards and investigative journalists, drafting and placing op-eds and providing quotes to media as needed, participating in press conferences or other news events or public debates.
7. In coordination with HRW’s media team, help guide HRW’s day to day response to breaking news stories. Working with the German social media team to set priorities and shape content for social media; seek opportunities to produce short written products when strategic to influence the coverage and conversation around key issues. Maintain leading role in advancing growth and engagement of German audience.
8. Provide regular information, political analysis, perspective, and guidance on Germany’s human rights policies to the organization, and the foreign and security implications derived from them, in particular to regional and thematic divisions and HRW’s other advocates;
9. Collaborate with the various parts of HRW to identify and create opportunities that support research and advocacy efforts involving Germany and the EU; host researchers, other HRW colleagues, and partners for timely meetings on particular issues;
10. Lead any research and advocacy engagements with other German-language targets, including as appropriate the Government of Austria, through tailored deployments to Vienna in coordination with the CAO.
11. Work in partnership with the German Development Director to build relationships with donors and financial prospects by representing HRW – sharing research, advocacy and impact – in an authentic and inspiring way
12. Carry out other duties as required by the CAO.

Berlin Office Leader

13. Serve as a leader to currently approximately 30 local as well as international HRW staff based in the Berlin office, building and strengthening a sense of community, connection and trust with the wider organization.
14. Act as an HRW representative in corporate governance matters for the local entity, supported by Finance, the General Counsel’s office, and other relevant departments, where applicable. This includes attendance at, and oversight of documents required for local entity board meetings.
15. Act as a signatory to relevant bank accounts and authorize payments when needed, adhering to HRW’s financial policies and controls.
16. In coordination with Global Human Resources, act as a signatory on local employment contracts, immigration forms, and other employment-related documents.
17. Work in partnership with the Operations Office Administrator (OA), Regional Operations Director, senior leadership and the HRW Germany Works Council to support information sharing with office staff on organizational developments, issues and resources and elevating concerns and needs of office staff to leadership.
18. Serve as a representative of the HRW Germany legal entity in relation to the HRW Germany Works Council and seek to maintain an approach of constructive engagement with this body.
19. Work to build and maintain an inclusive environment by holding regular office-wide staff meetings, helping to create a safe space with open communication for staff.
20. Liaise with Global Human Resources, the General Counsel’s Office and the HRW Germany Works Council in cases of office grievances, personal conduct issues, investigations or other serious matters.
21. Serve as the main point of contact during security situations, responsible for participating in the development and review of office security plans and accounting for staff in collaboration with the OA, Regional Operations Director, Director of Physical Security, Director of Information Security, and the HRW Germany Works Council.

Qualifications:

Education: A graduate degree in in international relations, journalism, law, social sciences or equivalent work experience is required.

Experience: A minimum of ten years of policy advocacy work experience is required. Work experience in an international environment, with culturally diverse teams and across multiple time zones, is a strong advantage.

Related Skills and Knowledge:

1. Substantial knowledge of the Federal Government of Germany, government ministries and agencies, and the states (Länder), and direct experience performing policy advocacy with one or more of these bodies is strongly desired.
2. Significant human rights experience and expertise, and a demonstrated commitment to human rights.
3. Must be an effective, concise public speaker and possess excellent speaking, writing, and editing skills in English and German.
4. Good judgment and excellent analytical and strategic-thinking capabilities.
5. The ability to work quickly and effectively under pressure; the capacity to pay close attention to detail while working in a fast-paced environment and juggling multiple tasks.
6. Strong coordination skills and the ability to work effectively independently, as part of a team, and in partnership with other organizations.