Researcher Myanmar

About the Role

The Asia Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking a Myanmar Researcher to investigate, analyze, and advocate against human rights abuses in Myanmar and related regional issues. The researcher will develop and implement a research and advocacy agenda on human rights issues related to Myanmar. The position reports to a Deputy Asia Director and is based preferably in Thailand, although other locations in Southeast Asia may be considered. The role is remote and expected to start in September 2026. Application deadline: 30 June, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Research, monitor and document the human rights situation in Myanmar and neighbouring countries affected by abuses related to Myanmar, by collecting and analyzing information from governments, media, academia, NGOs, victims, witnesses, journalists, diplomats, security forces and others, including the situation of Rohingya and other refugees.
• Write and publicize reports, briefing papers, letters, news releases, op-eds, and submissions to international bodies; collect supporting documents such as photographs and videos.
• Lead development and implementation of local, regional, and international strategies to change abusive laws, policies, and practices in Myanmar.
• Respond to queries from media, the public, and colleagues; project concerns in public debates; place abuses within broader political, social and economic contexts; present human rights concerns to government officials, opinion leaders, inter-governmental agencies and the media.
• Work closely with NGOs and local human rights organizations to ensure HRW's work complements and enhances their work without jeopardizing their security.
• Assist the Asia Division and HRW’s Development and Global Initiative Department in conducting fundraising.
• Liaise with HRW staff in multiple locations to ensure effective coordination and delivery of activities.
• Travel internationally as required and deliver outputs in a timely manner consistent with agreed strategy and priorities.
• Carry out other tasks as required.

Qualifications

• Education: Advanced degree or equivalent experience in international relations, journalism, law, social sciences, or related studies.
• Experience: Minimum five years of professional-level experience working in or on Myanmar, with experience of human rights documentation.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Burmese.
• Significant knowledge of human rights and politics in Myanmar and strong understanding of regional dimensions of the human rights and humanitarian crisis; familiarity with the situation of refugees from Myanmar desirable.
• Ability to identify, prioritize, research, analyze and effectively communicate human rights developments in a rigorous, timely and sophisticated fashion; ability to produce high-quality written materials under tight deadlines.
• Ability to conduct interviews safely (remotely and in-person) with a wide range of people, including victims and witnesses; experience in open-source investigations desired.
• Knowledge of and experience working in human rights and familiarity with international human rights law; familiarity with international humanitarian law desirable.
• Initiative, follow-through, strategic thinking under pressure, interpersonal skills to work collaboratively, ability to be self-directed, multi-task, plan and organize under remote supervision.
• Ability to think strategically to develop and implement effective advocacy strategies and to use traditional and social media; experience conducting media interviews desirable.
• Ability to work flexible hours to accommodate staff in other time zones.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and employer-paid benefits.

Additional Information

• How to apply: Apply by 30 June, 2026 via HRW online job portal at careers.hrw.org with a cover letter and CV/resume. No calls or email inquiries; only complete applications will be reviewed and only shortlisted candidates contacted.
• If experiencing technical difficulties with application submission, or if a disability-related accommodation is required, email recruitment@hrw.org. Due to large response, application submissions via email will not be accepted and inquiries regarding application status will go unanswered.
• Human Rights Watch actively seeks a diverse applicant pool and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply.