Kyrgyzstan: Assistant

The Operations Department and the Europe and Central Asia Divisions of Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) are seeking an Assistant to be responsible for providing day-to-day operational support in finance, human resources, facilities, administration and IT to ensure the smooth and efficient running of HRW’s Bishkek office and to provide research assistance to the staff. This position reports to the Bishkek Office Director and the Regional Administrative Manager based in Geneva, Switzerland.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Finance

1. Act as the local Finance representative and assist with the implementation of Finance policies locally;
2. Manage the bank accounts and cash flows for the Bishkek office;
3. Assist the Regional Administrative Manager in establishing and monitoring the office budget;
4. Record all monthly financial activity into the organization’s financial system;
5. Process financial transactions including monthly payroll, bill payments, expense reimbursements and disbursements;
6. Run internal and external financial reports;
7. Process and track expenditures and revenue transactions, and maintain extensive filing systems; and
8. Liaise with financial service vendors such as auditors, accountants, and governmental tax offices.

Human Resources

1. Act as the local HR representative and assist with the implementation of HRW HR policies locally;

2. Respond to staff on general HR queries;

3. Assist with the recruitment, on-boarding and departure of local staff, fellows, consultants and interns;

4. Maintain a good understanding and working knowledge of compliance with local employment laws;

5. Administer and process local employee payroll, pensions, health benefits and insurance;

6. Liaise and assist HR staff in headquarters with legal and HR audit issues locally;

7. Liaise with local government offices, insurance and pension providers, and other HR service providers;

8. Maintain a unified filing system and attendance management database; and

9. Coordinate office social events and related logistics.

Facilities and Administration

1. Maintain the smooth and effective functioning of the office;

2. Handle general office maintenance and facilities issues, and liaise with the premises landlord;

3. Liaise with suppliers and providers and negotiate commercial and services contracts in a cost effective manner;

4. Assist with travel arrangements and follow-up;

5. Answer general post, email, and telephone enquiries; and

6. Maintain office security and protocols and ensure office safety standards are in compliance with local regulations.

Information Technology

1. Liaise with IT/Helpdesk to troubleshoot computer problems and back up and update network files as necessary; and
2. Liaise with IT or local phone service and internet provider to troubleshoot phone and internet problems.

Research Responsibilities

1. Attend and take minutes at meetings, court hearings, roundtables, and briefings, as requested;
2. Draft meeting request letters to government officials and others;
3. Provide research and advocacy assistance to the office staff;
4. Assist office staff in preparing reports for discussion with governmental officials, NGOs, IGOs and other external partners;
5. Translate documents to and from English, Russian, and Kyrgyz and interpret for office staff during court hearings, meetings, and interviews held in Russian and Kyrgyz;
6. Monitor Kyrgyz and Russian language media and prepare media round-ups for staff; and
7. Carry out other tasks are requested.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in law, journalism, international relations, social science, nonprofit or project management, or a related field is required. Certifications in finance/accounting and/or administration are highly desirable.

Experience: A minimum of three years of experience working in an office environment is required. Financial and/or administrative experience, preferably in a multinational organization, is highly desirable. Experience assisting in field research is desirable.

Related Skills and Knowledge:

1. Excellent organizational, administrative, financial and analytical skills are required.

2. Strong analytical skills and ability to work well under pressure while juggling multiple tasks simultaneously and working effectively toward deadlines are required.

3. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Russian are required; fluency in Kyrgyz or other Central Asian languages is highly desirable.

4. Good judgment, discretion and the ability to maintain confidentiality are required.

5. Ability to make sound decisions consistent with functions is required.

6. Strong computer knowledge including advanced ability with Microsoft Excel and Word is required.

7. Strong interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively within HRW, as well as with external partners, are required.

8. Self-motivation and the ability to take initiative, problem-solve, and prioritize with minimal supervision, and work independently as well as function as a member of a team with staff in multiple locations globally are required.

9. Experience with finance and human resources databases is highly desirable.

10. Experience working for an international, preferably human rights organization in a support function is highly desirable.

11. Demonstrated ability to work successfully with a team of talented professionals in multiple global locations is highly desirable.

Other: Applicants for this position must possess current work authorization in Kyrgyzstan valid for a minimum of two years from start date.

Salary and Benefits: HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers competitive compensation and employer-paid benefits.

Please apply immediately or by 11:59pm ET on January 10, 2017 by visiting our online job portal at http://careers.hrw.org/opportunities/show/?jobid=1343. 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 an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in its hiring practices and, in order to build the strongest possible workforce, actively seeks a diverse applicant pool.

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.