Researcher, Koreas

FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY RESEARCHER, KOREAS Asia Division Seoul, Korea Application deadline: November 29 th , 2026 The Asia Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking a Researcher/Advocate on the Koreas. The Researcher/Advocate will investigate and analyze human rights abuses in North Korea and advocate for an end of these abuses. The Researcher/Advocate will also work to elevate human rights in South Korean foreign policy. 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 in Washington DC. This position will be hired as a consultant, initially on a one-year contract that can be renewed annually upon agreement by both parties. The position will be based in Seoul, South Korea where the consultant will work remotely. Responsibilities: • Research, monitor and document the human rights situation in North Korea by collecting and analyzing information from a wide variety of sources including governments, media, academia, NGOs, victims, witnesses, journalists, diplomats, security forces and others; • Write and publicize reports, briefing papers, letters, news releases, op-eds, and submissions to international bodies, governments and companies to expose and end abuses in North Korea; collect supporting documents and materials such as photographs and videos; • Assist in the development and implementation of local, regional, and international strategies to change abusive laws, policies, and practices; • Respond to queries from the media, public, and colleagues in the human rights community and take initiative to project concerns in public debates; • Assist the Director of the Division and HRW’s Development and Global Initiative Department in conducting fundraising, when needed; • 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; • 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; • Advance the Asia Division’s work, including through innovative and creative research and advocacy projects and plans; • Work with the Asia Division and staff in the Advocacy and Communications Department to identify opportunities and support all research and advocacy efforts involving the South Korean government; • Work collaboratively across HRW’s programmatic divisions to support their work in the Korean peninsula; • Travel internationally, as required; • Deliver outputs in a timely manner and consistent with the agreed strategy and priorities of the Asia division, and • 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 North Korea is required. Experience working in or knowledge of South Korea’s civil society, media, parliament or government is preferred. Related Skills and Knowledge: • Ability to identify, research, analyze and effectively communicate important human rights developments in North Korea is required. • 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-source techniques is required. • Knowledge of and experience working in international human rights and familiarity with international human rights law are