FIXED-TERM, FULL-TIME JOB VACANCY

Media Archivist

Multimedia Division

Multiple Locations Considered (New York preferred)

Application Deadline: May 31, 2022

The Multimedia Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking a Media Archivist to evaluate and organize digital audiovisual collections and support technical systems for the Documentary video production unit. The Documentary unit is part of the Development Department at HRW, crafting visual messaging to raise public awareness of the human rights violations HRW investigates and documents.

This is a fixed-term, full-time position for one year, with the possibility for extension. This position will ideally be based in one of HRW’s offices (Amman, Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Johannesburg, London, Los Angeles, Nairobi, New York, Tunis, or Washington D.C,), and reports to the Associate Director of Archives and Digital Systems based in New York.

Due to COVID-19, many of our global offices are operating in reduced capacities. The successful candidate may be required to work remotely if local requirements necessitate it. We recognize that this moment, during the pandemic, is a uniquely difficult time for most people, particularly those with caregiving responsibilities, and we aim to be as flexible and supportive as possible in both the recruitment for and onboarding of this position.

Responsibilities:

1. Oversee acquisition of digital collections to storage and the HRW digital asset management system;
2. Perform archival processing and normalization of digital collections;
3. Ensure a full set of high-resolution assets, including final master files, original source media, and project files are submitted by the production team to the archive for each project;
4. Evaluate digital collections for errors and omissions in use of arrangement templates, naming standards, and submission of proper materials;
5. Train staff to follow archival standards;
6. Monitor automated cataloging functions within the digital asset management system (DAM) and create batch cataloging records for completed projects when necessary;
7. Perform Adobe Premiere sequence setup with media from the HRW Archive and reconnect previous projects to original source media;
8. Field incoming footage requests from staff and search archives for material;
9. Support technical workflow for the organization’s digital media production unit using Adobe Premiere/macOS;
10. Work with HRW IT and vendors to maintain digital systems used by the Documentary video production unit, including DAMs and data storage servers;
11. Provide technical support and training for the Documentary video production unit for data management platforms including video distribution portal and digital asset management systems;
12. Provide consultation to staff and outside collaborators for efficient data transmission from the field, including upload to HRW’s centralized technical architecture; and
13. Reconcile data on ancillary drives and storage media against data stored in collections and eliminate duplicate media.

Qualifications:

Education: A master’s degree or equivalent experience in Information Systems, Information Technology, Media Archiving, Communications, or similar related field is required.

Experience: A minimum of two (2) years of experience in digital archiving with at least five (5) years of professional experience in Information Technology, video production, or archiving/preservation.

Related Skills and Knowledge:

1. Proficiency performing archival processing for digital collections is required.
2. Familiarity with HD video file formats, acquisition, media management, and sound recording is required.
3. Familiarity with the BASH programming language and use of command line in macOS environment is preferred.
4. Understanding of common metadata standards for archival description and digital preservation (EAD, OAIS, PREMIS) preferred.
5. Exceptional oral and written communication skills in English required; proficiency in another language is desirable.
6. Experience training staff to follow archival standards and practices is preferred.

Salary and Benefits:  HRW seeks exceptional applicants and offers competitive compensation and employer-paid benefits. HRW also offers a relocation assistance package and will assist employees in obtaining necessary work authorization, if required; citizens of all nationalities are encouraged to apply.  $75,000-$82,000

How to Apply: Please apply immediately or by May 31, 2022 by visiting our online job portal at careers.hrw.org and attaching a letter of interest and CV or resume. 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, or if you require accommodations during the application process, 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.