France Director

FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY
France Director
Advocacy Department
Paris Office
Application Deadline: 23 August 2026

Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking applicants for the position of France Director to develop and implement advocacy and media engagement strategies before the French government and its key organs and institutions, on the full range of countries and foreign policy issues addressed by the organization, including those dealt with by EU institutions. Serving as a key advocacy and communications strategist, the France Director will ensure the highest standards of quality and efficacy for HRW’s diverse advocacy and media efforts and help transform HRW’s research into concrete improvements in human rights practices within France, or in its foreign and security policy, or by leveraging its influence within the UN, EU, and other multilateral institutions of which France is a member.

The successful candidate will function as our link to policy- and decision-makers and the media on our global portfolio of issues, as well as on domestic human rights concerns. In advance of the 2027 elections, we are seeking an effective leader, strategic thinker and compelling communicator to lead HRW’s advocacy and media in France. They will also oversee our Paris office, work directly with HRW’s France Works Council, and build a culture in which staff from a broad range of backgrounds can thrive.

The France Director will have a solid understanding of the current human rights landscape domestically and overseas, a strong track record of engaging with policy circles and the wider public, a sophisticated grasp of the media landscape and be a compelling public speaker. This position is based in Paris, willing to work from the office [as needed/3-4 days per week], and reports to the Chief Advocacy Officer (“CAO”).

The France Director will supervise an Advocacy Officer and work closely with a Communications Manager in Paris.

Responsibilities:

French Advocacy and Media:

1. Lead HRW’s advocacy in France and work with HRW colleagues to develop and implement advocacy and media strategies on the full range of countries and issues addressed by HRW, including domestic issues in France;
2. Promote the work of HRW in France to influence decisionmakers, mainly key high-level officials at the Elysée, Foreign Ministry, Matignon, Parliament, and other government ministries and agencies as necessary, building access to and staying in regular contact with key policymakers and departments, working with members of Parliament, speaking at public events and seminars, influencing think tanks and other policy/advisory bodies, interacting with NGO partners in the human rights movement on a national and international stage; and otherwise leveraging France to be a more consistent actor for human rights worldwide;
3. In close coordination with the Communications team, act as a spokesperson in French media ; support HRW’s strategy to promote its work effectively to traditional and social media in France, reinforce its influence and advance growth and engagement of the French audience, including by: building relevant relationships and contacts with journalists and media outlets; writing and speaking on human rights issues; telling compelling stories, crafting succinct soundbites and messages, and deploying diverse and innovative storytelling skills to promote human rights values to the broader public. Help HRW colleagues understand how and when to seize press and advocacy opportunities in France, both on global and domestic issues;
4. Coordinate closely with HRW advocates around the globe, at the UN (based in New York and Geneva), at the EU (based in Brussels), the Advocacy Director of the Europe and Central Asia Division on all EU- and ECA-related advocacy, respectively, as well as other advocates working on EU member states. Collaborate with the various parts of HRW, including the Advocacy and Media teams around the globe, to identify and create opportunities that support research and advocacy efforts involving France and the EU;
5. Work in partnership with the France Development Director to build relationships with donors and financial prospects by representing HRW – sharing research, advocacy and impact – in an authentic and inspiring way;
6. Work with non-governmental organizations, civil society partners, and other key actors on collaborative advocacy efforts, strengthening strategic partnerships as appropriate;
7. Contribute to internal HRW policies and strategic debates. Provide regular information, political analysis, perspective, and guidance on France’s human rights policies to the organization, and the foreign and security implications derived from them, in particular to regional and thematic divisions and HRW’s other advocates;
8. Perform other responsibilities, as required.

Paris Office Leader

1. Serve as a leader to currently approximately 20 HRW staff based in France, building and strengthening a sense of community, connection and trust with the wider organization.
2. Act as an HRW representative in corporate governance matters for the local entity, supported by Finance, the General Counsel’s office, and other relevant departments, where applicable. This includes attendance at, and oversight of documents required for local entity board meetings.
3. Act as a signatory to relevant bank accounts and authorize payments when needed, adhering to HRW’s financial policies and controls.
4. In coordination with Global Human Resources, act as a signatory on local employment contracts, immigration forms, and other employment-related documents.
5. Work in partnership with the Operations Office Administrator (OA), Regional Operations Director, senior leadership and the HRW France Works Council to support information sharing with office staff on organizational developments, issues and resources and elevating concerns and needs of office staff to leadership.
6. Serve as a representative of the HRW France legal entity in relation to the HRW France Works Council and seek to maintain an approach of constructive engagement with this body.
7. Work to build and maintain an inclusive environment by holding regular staff meetings, helping to create a safe space with open communication for staff.
8. Liaise with Global Human Resources, the General Counsel’s Office and the HRW France Works Council in cases of office grievances, personal conduct issues, investigations or other serious matters.
9. Serve as the main point of contact during security situations, responsible for participating in the development and review of office security plans and accounting for staff in collaboration with the OA, Regional Operations Director, Director of Physical Security, Director of Information Security, and the HRW France Works Council.22

Qualifications:

Education: A graduate degree in in international relations, journalism, law, social sciences or equivalent work experience is required.

Experience: A minimum of ten years of policy advocacy work experience, including at least four years of management experience, is required. Work experience in an international environment, with culturally diverse teams and across multiple time zones, is strongly desired.

Related Skills and Knowledge:

1. Substantial knowledge of the French political landscape, government ministries and agencies, and direct experience performing policy advocacy with one or more of these bodies is required.
2. Significant human rights experience and expertise, and a demonstrated commitment to human rights.
3. Must be an effective, concise public speaker and possess excellent speaking, writing, and editing skills in English and French.
4. Good judgment and excellent analytical and strategic-thinking capabilities.
5. Demonstrated management skills, with the ability to lead, support, and motivate colleagues, navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, foster trust and collaboration, and contribute to an inclusive and respectful working environment.
6. The ability to work quickly and effectively under pressure; the capacity to pay close attention to detail while working in a fast-paced environment and juggling multiple tasks.
7. Strong coordination skills and the ability to work effectively independently, as part of a team, and in partnership with other organizations.

Salary and Benefits: HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers competitive compensation and generous employer-paid benefits. The salary range for this role is EUR 112,000–132,000.

How to Apply: Please apply immediately or by 23 August, 2026, by visiting our online job portal at careers.hrw.org and uploading a cover letter and a resume/CV, in PDF format. Please keep your cover letter to no longer than one page in length, and please be sure to highlight your relevant qualifications. 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, please email recruitment@hrw.org. 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.