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Human Rights Officer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Human Rights Campaign

Paralegal

Washington, DC · On-site

$75K - $94K/yr

The Office of the General Counsel at the Human Rights Campaign is responsible for managing all of ... and officer changes, and serve as an administrator on board portal application to do the same.

Department of State Headquarters

Editor

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$143K - $187K/yr

Reviews and often significantly rewrites draft human rights reports from posts to ensure their ... other State Department Officers as well as other U.S. governmental agency officials and ...

Recovery Centers of America

Field CEO

Waldorf, MD · On-site

The CEO is accountable for advancing the organization's mission, delivering high-quality patient ... Adhere to Virginia Human Rights regulations (12VAC35-115) and implementing policies that safeguard ...

Recovery Centers of America

Field CEO

Waldorf, MD · On-site

The CEO is accountable for advancing the organization's mission, delivering high-quality patient ... Adhere to Virginia Human Rights regulations (12VAC35-115) and implementing policies that safeguard ...

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All JobsHuman Rights Officer JobsHuman Rights Officer Jobs in Washington, DC

Human Rights Officer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$26.6K

$86K

$206.8K

How much do human rights officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for human rights officer in Washington, DC is $86,039.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,300.00 and $111,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a human rights officer do?

A Human Rights Officer is responsible for monitoring, reporting, and advocating for the protection of human rights in a specific region or context. Their work often involves investigating allegations of human rights violations, engaging with governments and civil society, and advising on best practices for promoting human rights standards. They may also conduct training, draft reports, and support the implementation of international human rights treaties. Their role is crucial in ensuring accountability and fostering respect for human rights globally.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a human rights officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Human Rights Officer, you typically need a background in law, international relations, or social sciences, along with expertise in human rights frameworks. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management systems, and monitoring/reporting tools like OHCHR's UPR Info is common. Excellent analytical thinking, cultural sensitivity, and strong communication skills are vital for engaging with diverse communities and stakeholders. These skills ensure accurate documentation, effective advocacy, and the ability to promote and protect human rights in complex environments.

What are some common challenges faced by human rights officers in the field?

Human Rights Officers often work in complex environments where they may encounter resistance from local authorities, cultural barriers, or security concerns. Balancing the need to document human rights violations objectively while ensuring the safety of victims and witnesses can be particularly challenging. Additionally, resource constraints and high caseloads may require strong organizational and prioritization skills. Collaboration with local organizations and international bodies is crucial to ensure effective advocacy and impact.

What is the difference between Human Rights Officer vs Human Rights Advocate?

AspectHuman Rights OfficerHuman Rights Advocate
CredentialsBachelor's degree in law, social sciences, or related field; often requires experience in human rights workSimilar educational background; often involves advocacy training or certifications
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, NGOs, international organizations; involved in monitoring, reporting, and complianceNGOs, community groups, public campaigns; focused on raising awareness and lobbying
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by organizations implementing human rights policies and complianceCommonly used by activists, NGOs, and advocacy groups

While both roles focus on promoting human rights, Human Rights Officers typically work within organizations to ensure compliance and monitor violations, whereas Human Rights Advocates actively campaign and raise awareness to influence policy and public opinion.

What are the most commonly searched types of Human Rights Officer jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Human Rights Officer jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Human Rights Officer jobs in Washington, DC?

For Human Rights Officer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Human Rights Officer jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Human Rights Officer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Human Rights Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Human Rights Officer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,039 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

Leahy Vetter I

PCI Professional Services LLC

Washington, DC • On-site

$109K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Summary
The Leahy Vetter I provides support to the Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs and reports to the Program Manager. The position is 100% on-site.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Work alongside and take direction from the AF Leahy Vetter II for all AF Bureau-related Leahy duties.
  • Serve as a point of contact for Leahy vetting matters for the AF and East Asia and Pacific (EAP) Bureau, including applicable embassies and consulates.
  • Provide back-up Leahy, vetting support to other regional bureaus when required.
  • Assist Leahy Vetter II in providing daily support to Leahy vetting counterparts at post on both the Department’s policy and technical aspects of vetting.
  • Process Leahy vetting requests via the INVESTc (International Vetting and Security Tracking-cloud) System, in coordination with embassies and consulates, as well as the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL).
  • Utilize classified resources from the Bureau for Intelligence and Research (INR) to research the human rights records of security force members and units nominated for US training or assistance. In performing classified searches, analyze sources and content to determine whether there has been a gross violation of human rights or other derogatory offense.
  • Complete vetting requests within ten (10) working days of receipt from posts.
  • Report vetting results findings to the requesting post, funding bureau/agency, and the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL), per provided protocol. Verify and assess findings with DRL and post counterparts and make recommendations to applicable AF and EAP officers on its position(s) regarding any potential eligibility determinations.
  • Assist Leahy Vetter II in maintaining both unclassified and classified lists of security force units implicated in gross violations of human rights for reference in the Leahy vetting process and future eligibility determinations.
  • Use classified and unclassified databases, to check security forces members’ and/or units’ name for derogatory information. If no derogatory information has been uncovered, approve request utilizing INVESTc. If derogatory information has been found, inform the responsible DRL or other relevant officer, the regional bureau vetting POC and work with relevant offices to adjudicate such information.
  • Assist Leahy Vetter II in compiling data on office vetting requests. In the absence of Leahy Vetter II, participate in bureau meetings on issues related to human rights vetting.
  • Using open source and classified resources to assist Leahy Vetter II to develop foreign security force organizational charts.
  • Assist Leahy Vetter II in mapping credible allegations of gross violations of human rights, geographically, functionally and in time. Advise which foreign units are ineligible for security assistance.
  • Assist Leahy Vetter II in developing individual country remediation strategies.
  • Travel, including Africa, as required.
Education and Qualifications
  • Must be a U.S. citizen and possess or be able to obtain a Top Secret clearance. Preference will be given to those with active security clearance.
  • Master’s Degree or equivalent and one (1) year of relevant professional experience; or bachelor’s degree or equivalent and three (3) years of relevant professional experience; or High School Diploma or equivalent and seven (7) years of relevant professional experience
  • Familiarity of international standards of human rights
  • Familiarity of the principles, theories, and practices of international relations; ability to apply these to the Department Leahy law implementation program to promote the values of democracy and human rights throughout the world
  • Ability to learn about security forces, military organizations (to include common unit and rank structures), and equipment in Africa, especially of non-democratic countries
  • Ability to develop professional working relationships with officers throughout the Department and with other foreign affairs agencies
  • Knowledge of research and analytical methods to validate, evaluate, and interpret information obtained from a variety of sources
  • Demonstrated skill in oral and written communications to prepare and present analysis, to defend recommendations and proposals, and to participate in meetings and discussions
  • Ability to learn to use open source and classified information sources to map foreign security force units and actions geographically and functionally
  • Familiarity with individuals, organizations, and other sources of expertise in the field of human rights in security assistance activities in the academic and non-governmental sector
  • Demonstrated fluency of English speaking and writing

PCI Federal (PCIF) and its subsidiaries are an equal-opportunity employer. PCIF does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, national origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation or identity, Veterans or Disability status.

Preference may be extended to qualified Native American Indian candidates in accordance with applicable federal law.

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