Deputy Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer

Human Rights Watch

 

Are you an experienced executive leader looking to make a global impact?  Human Rights Watch (HRW) is recruiting a Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer (COO) to help lead one of the world’s most respected international human rights organizations.

 

This is a rare executive opportunity for senior professionals with extensive leadership experience in operations, finance, organizational strategy, people management, and institutional development. The successful candidate will work alongside Human Rights Watch’s Executive Director to strengthen the organization’s global operations while supporting its mission to protect and promote human rights worldwide.

With an estimated salary of US$340,000–375,000 per year (for US-based appointments), this is one of the highest-paying international NGO executive opportunities currently available.

 

Business Operations

 

About Human Rights Watch

 

Human Rights Watch is an independent international organization dedicated to investigating human rights abuses, producing evidence-based research, and advocating for policy change across more than 100 countries.

 

Its work spans civil and political rights, freedom of expression, conflict, migration, children’s rights, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, criminal justice, and humanitarian law. Through research and advocacy, HRW works with governments, international organizations, civil society, and the media to advance justice and accountability worldwide.

 

About the Role

 

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Chief Operating Officer will oversee Human Rights Watch’s global operational strategy and ensure the organization operates efficiently, effectively, and in alignment with its mission.

 

The COO will translate strategic priorities into operational action while enabling the Executive Director to focus on fundraising, advocacy, partnerships, board engagement, and long-term organizational strategy.

As a member of the Executive Committee, the successful candidate will help shape the future direction of Human Rights Watch while ensuring operational excellence across the organization.

 

Key Responsibilities

 

The Chief Operating Officer will provide leadership across multiple operational functions, including:

Executive Leadership

 

• Lead organizational operational strategy

• Translate strategic goals into action

• Support long-term institutional planning

• Strengthen organizational performance

• Promote operational excellence

 

Financial & Operational Management

 

Oversee:

 

• Finance and Accounting

• Global Financial Operations

• Information Security & Technology

• People & Culture

• Real Estate

• Security

• Legal operations

 

Risk & Governance

 

Responsibilities include:

Compensation & Benefits

 

• Enterprise risk management

• Financial oversight

• Organizational compliance

• Performance monitoring

• Governance and accountability

 

People Leadership

 

The successful candidate will:

 

• Lead global workforce development

• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion

• Strengthen staff wellbeing

• Support leadership development

• Build a collaborative organizational culture

 

Who Should Apply?

 

This opportunity is ideal for experienced executives with backgrounds in:

 

Human Rights & Liberties

 

• Executive Leadership

• Chief Operating Officer

• Chief Executive Officer

• Nonprofit Leadership

• International Development

• Human Rights

• Global Operations

• Finance

• Strategy

• Organizational Development

• Public Administration

• Corporate Leadership

 

Required Experience

 

Human Rights Watch is seeking candidates with:

 

Management

 

• 15+ years of executive-level leadership experience

• Experience leading large, complex international organizations

• Strong financial management expertise

• Change management experience

• Organizational strategy experience

• Risk management expertise

• Proven people leadership

• Commitment to human rights and social justice

 

Experience in both nonprofit and private sector leadership environments is welcomed.

 

Skills HRW Is Looking For

 

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

 

• Strategic leadership

• Operational excellence

• Financial management

• Organizational transformation

• Change management

• Team leadership

• Stakeholder engagement

• Communication

• Decision-making

• Risk management

• Innovation

• Collaboration

 

Why Work at Human Rights Watch?

 

Joining Human Rights Watch offers the opportunity to:

 

Ethics

 

• Lead one of the world’s leading human rights organizations

• Influence global operational strategy

• Work with internationally respected experts

• Drive organizational transformation

• Build high-performing global teams

• Support impactful human rights work worldwide

• Receive a competitive executive compensation package

 

HRW also offers a comprehensive employee benefits programme and opportunities for international collaboration and travel.

 

Salary & Benefits

 

For candidates based in the United States, the estimated salary is:

 

US$340,000–375,000 per year

 

Clubs & Organizations

 

Compensation for appointments in other countries will vary according to local market conditions.

 

Human Rights Watch also offers a comprehensive Total Rewards package, including employee benefits and professional support.

 

Why FlexJobSpace Recommends This Opportunity

 

Senior international NGO executive vacancies of this calibre are rare. This role offers experienced leaders the opportunity to shape the operational future of one of the world’s most influential human rights organizations while working alongside globally recognised experts in advocacy, research, law, and public policy.

 

For executives seeking meaningful international leadership careers, this is an exceptional opportunity.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. Where can the position be based? The role may be based in multiple Human Rights Watch offices, with a preference for New York, Washington DC, or London.

2.  What salary is offered? For US-based appointments, the estimated salary is US$340,000–375,000 per year.

3.  Is international travel required? Yes. The role is expected to involve significant international travel.

4. When is the application deadline? The vacancy is open until filled, so interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

 

How to Apply

 

Interested candidates should submit their application directly as instructed by Human Rights Watch.

 

Prepare:

 

• Updated Executive CV

• Cover Letter

• Supporting documents