Researcher, US Externalization

FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY Researcher, US Externalization Refugee and Migrant Rights Division Multiple Locations Considered Deadline for applications: June 25, 2026 Human Rights Watch’s (HRW) Refugee and Migrants Rights (RMR) Division is looking for a highly qualified researcher to investigate and expose human rights abuses relating to migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. The role will initially focus on US government efforts to block entry or access to asylum, to externalize migration controls and outsource asylum processing, and to use third countries and external territories in deportations. The Researcher should be a strategic thinker, skilled investigator, and persuasive communicator and advocate. They will conduct on-the-ground fact-finding to document rights violations against refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants arising from externalization policies of destination countries, predominantly in North America, Europe, and the Pacific. They will participate in advocacy to improve rights of non-citizens, including refugees and asylum seekers, ensure immigration detention is a last resort, and expand pathways to safe and regular migration. This full-time position will be based in Mexico City or one of HRW’s US offices, preferably New York or Washington DC, and will report to the Director of RMR, in close collaboration with USP, the Americas Division and the Africa Division or other divisions, as relevant, during the first two years. The successful candidate will be expected to work from the office as needed. Responsibilities: During at least the first two years, analysing legal and policy developments in the United States applicable to all categories of migrants and to US efforts to externalize migration management and border controls; Carrying out on-the-ground research to investigate and document human rights abuses against all categories of migrants, especially in border areas and in the context of apprehension, detention, and expulsion or deportation with an emphasis on private, in-depth interviews with migrants and others who are directly impacted by policies that violate or otherwise restrict rights; Collecting and analyzing information from a wide variety of sources including border community members, NGOs, government officials, policy makers, journalists, and other relevant actors; Drafting reports, press releases, op-eds, advocacy letters, regulatory, policy, and/or legislative comments, and submissions to national and international bodies; Developing contacts with the media, and promptly responding to media inquiries and requests; Representing HRW in meetings with US and international officials, including the executive and legislative branches of the US government and other governments and international organizations, including UNHCR, IOM, and regional intergovernmental fora; Developing and implementing multimedia and social media products and strategies; Working with the Refugee and Migrant Rights director to provide advice to HRW staff on the human rights standards relating to all categories of migrants, including by reviewing documents and other products; Building and maintaining alliances and networks with other NGOs and advocacy groups by engaging with coalition partners, and, as appropriate, providing leadership; Traveling frequently and working flexible hours to accommodate developing and urgent events, as needed; Working with the Refugee and Migrant Rights director and HRW’s Development and Outreach Department to conduct fundraising and maintaining contact with donors; Delivering products in a timely manner and maintain consistency with HRW’s strategies and priorities; Demonstrating inclusive and respectful behavior that consistently adheres to HRW’s internal values; and Performing other duties, as required. Qualifications Education : An advanced (graduate) degree in law, international relations, journalism, social sciences, or related studies. A US law degree or equivalent experience in US immigration law/p