Deputy Program Director

About the role

Human Rights Watch is seeking a strategic leader to serve as Deputy Program Director in its Program Office, which oversees 240 research staff across 15 thematic and regional divisions worldwide. The role combines senior people‑management, program strategy, and advocacy expertise to advance the organization’s global human‑rights impact.

Key responsibilities

• Manage divisional directors, ensuring effective leadership, performance management, and support for staff working in challenging environments.
• Develop and implement operational plans and strategies for five research divisions, aligning them with HRW’s global objectives.
• Oversee financial management of the divisions, ensuring budgets are administered responsibly.
• Promote staff resilience, work‑life balance, and a positive, inclusive workplace culture.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion, proactively addressing bias and discrimination.
• Collaborate with the Program Director and other deputies to shape organization‑wide strategy and innovation.

Required profile

• Proven senior leadership and people‑management experience in a nonprofit or research‑focused environment.
• Deep knowledge of international human‑rights issues, research methodologies, and advocacy practices.
• Demonstrated ability to implement writing, research, and ethical standards at scale.
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and staff well‑being.
• Strategic thinker with experience developing and executing programmatic strategies.

Required skills