Human Rights Watch is hiring a Researcher for its Disability Rights Division in London, Nairobi, New York, Toronto and other locations. Applications close October 1, 2026.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking a Researcher, Disability Rights to investigate, document and report on disability rights issues globally.
The position is part of HRW’s Disability Rights Division and involves human rights research, advocacy, writing, partnerships and analysis of emerging issues affecting people with disabilities.
The role can be based within commuting distance of HRW offices in Nairobi, New York, Toronto or London, with other HRW office locations also considered.
Applications close on October 1, 2026.
Opportunity Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Human Rights Watch |
| Position | Researcher, Disability Rights |
| Division | Disability Rights Division |
| Locations | London, Nairobi, New York, Toronto and other HRW office locations |
| Employment | Full-time |
| Deadline | October 1, 2026 |
| Minimum experience | 5 years relevant disability rights experience |
| Education | Advanced degree or equivalent work experience |
| US salary | US$80,000–US$88,000 |
| Canada salary | CAD$100,000–CAD$110,000 |
What the Role Involves
The Researcher will investigate disability rights issues and contribute to HRW’s global research and advocacy work.
Responsibilities include:
- Researching and documenting disability rights abuses
- Collecting information from governments, NGOs, survivors, witnesses, journalists and other sources
- Preparing reports, briefing papers, submissions and advocacy materials
- Supporting local, regional and international advocacy strategies
- Contributing to strategic planning and World Report processes
- Working with disability rights organisations and other partners
- Reviewing and editing HRW publications
- Providing disability rights expertise to other teams
- Monitoring emerging issues involving technology, artificial intelligence, social protection, healthcare, education and humanitarian crises
- Conducting domestic and international fact-finding travel when required
The position may also require flexible working hours in response to urgent developments.
Who Can Apply?
Human Rights Watch requires an advanced graduate degree or equivalent work experience in areas such as:
- International relations
- Journalism
- Law
- Social sciences
- Related fields
Candidates must also have at least five years of relevant experience working on disability rights at national and regional levels.
Skills and Experience
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Knowledge of disability rights issues
- Experience in international human rights research, advocacy and communications
- Strong research and analytical abilities
- Ability to interview victims and witnesses sensitively
- Excellent written and oral English
- Strong writing and editing skills
- Ability to develop advocacy strategies
- Experience engaging government officials, policymakers, UN bodies and international organisations
- Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure
French proficiency is highly desirable.
Candidates from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds in the human rights sector, including people with disabilities, are encouraged to apply.
Salary and Benefits
Human Rights Watch states that it offers competitive salaries and comprehensive employer-paid benefits.
For positions based in the United States, the advertised salary range is:
US$80,000–US$88,000
For positions based in Canada:
CAD$100,000–CAD$110,000
Salary ranges in other countries vary according to local market conditions.
HRW also states that relocation assistance may be available where possible and that it can assist with obtaining UK work authorization for the preferred UK location.
Application Documents
Applicants should submit:
- A CV or resume
- A letter of interest
The application portal also asks candidates about work authorization and their willingness to live within commuting distance of an HRW office.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is:
October 1, 2026
HRW encourages candidates to apply immediately rather than waiting until the closing date.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the Human Rights Watch online recruitment portal.
Apply for the Human Rights Watch Researcher, Disability Rights vacancy
HRW states that application submissions will not be accepted by email.
FAQs
What is the Human Rights Watch Researcher, Disability Rights position?
It is a full-time research and advocacy role within HRW’s Disability Rights Division, focusing on investigating and documenting disability rights issues globally.
Where can the position be based?
The preferred locations are London, Nairobi, New York and Toronto, although other locations with HRW offices may be considered.
How much experience is required?
Applicants need at least five years of relevant experience working on disability rights at national and regional levels.
What degree is required?
An advanced graduate degree or equivalent work experience in international relations, journalism, law, social sciences or a related field is required.
Is French required?
English is required. French is highly desirable, but the source does not state that it is mandatory.
What is the salary?
The advertised range is US$80,000–US$88,000 in the United States and CAD$100,000–CAD$110,000 in Canada. Other locations have different salary ranges.
When is the deadline?
Applications close on October 1, 2026.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This vacancy is designed for experienced human rights and disability rights professionals with a substantial research, advocacy and communications background. The role combines field research, written analysis, advocacy strategy, editing, partnership development and engagement with international institutions.
SEO Keywords: Human Rights Watch jobs 2026, Human Rights Watch careers, disability rights jobs, human rights researcher jobs, HRW researcher vacancy, NGO jobs 2026, human rights jobs, disability advocacy jobs, international human rights jobs, Nairobi NGO jobs, London NGO jobs, New York NGO jobs, Toronto NGO jobs
