Researcher, China

FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY
Researcher, China
Asia Division 
Multiple Locations Considered
Application deadline: 14 July, 2026

The Asia Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking a Researcher who will investigate, analyze, and advocate against human rights abuses in China. The Asia Division is one of HRW’s six regional research programs and is made up of about 30 staff, many of them based in the region and working in challenging environments.

This position reports to the Deputy Asia Director. The full-time position will preferably be based within commuting distance of one of HRW’s offices, though locations in the Asia region may be considered.

Responsibilities:

1. Research, monitor and document the human rights situation in China by collecting and analyzing information from a wide variety of sources including governments, media, academia, NGOs, victims, witnesses, journalists, diplomats, security forces and others;
2. Write and publicize reports, briefing papers, letters, news releases, op-eds, and submissions to international bodies; collect supporting documents and materials such as photographs and videos;
3. Assist in the development and implementation of local, regional, and international strategies to change abusive laws, policies, and practices;
4. Respond to queries from the media, public, and colleagues in the human rights community and take initiative to project concerns in public debates;
5. Assist the Director of the Division and HRW’s Development and Global Initiative Department in conducting fundraising, when needed;
6. Place abuses within the broader political, social and economic contexts and present human rights concerns to government officials, opinion leaders, inter-governmental agencies, and the media;
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 without jeopardizing their security;
8. Liaise effectively with HRW staff located in multiple locations throughout the world to ensure effective coordination and delivery of activities;
9. Travel internationally, as required;
10. Deliver outputs in a timely manner and consistent with the agreed strategy and priorities of the Asia division, and
11. Perform other tasks, as may be required.

Qualifications:

Education: An advanced (graduate) degree or equivalent experience in international relations, journalism, law, social sciences, or related studies is required.

Experience: A minimum of five years of professional-level experience working on China is required. Experience working in or knowledge of China’s civil society, media, social media and government policies is preferred.

Related Skills and Knowledge:

1. Ability to identify, research, analyze and effectively communicate important human rights developments in China is required.
2. Ability to conduct interviews safely remotely and in-person with a wide range of people, including victims and witnesses, is required. Ability to conduct research through open-sourced investigation techniques is preferred.
3. Knowledge of and experience working in international human rights and familiarity with international human rights law are required.
4. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Mandarin are required.
5. Ability to research abuses related to technology and/or those in the Tibetan areas is preferred.
6. Initiative and follow-through, capacity to think creatively and strategically, excellent editing skills, and dynamic public speaking skills are required.
7. Interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively within HRW, as well as with external partners, are required.
8. Ability to multi-task effectively, including having strong planning and organizing skills, and ability to work under pressure are required.
9. Ability to work flexible hours to accommodate developing and urgent events is required.

Salary and Benefits: HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers comprehensive compensation and benefits. HRW can offer a relocation assistance package and immigration support for this role if required, and people of all nationalities are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply: Please apply by 14 July 2026, by visiting our online job portal at careers.hrw.org and submitting a cover letter and CV or resume. 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 [email protected]. 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.