France Director

About the role

<p><strong>FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY</strong><br><strong>France Director</strong><br><strong>Advocacy Department</strong><br><strong>Paris Office</strong><br><strong>Application Deadline: 23 August 2026</strong></p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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”).</p> <p>The France Director will supervise an Advocacy Officer and work closely with a Communications Manager in Paris.</p> <p><strong><u>Responsibilities</u></strong>:</p> <p><strong><em>French Advocacy and Media:</em></strong></p> <ol> <li>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;</li> <li>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;</li> <li>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;</li> <li>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, resp

Skills