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Human Rights Researcher Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Human Rights Campaign (HRC)

Staff Accountant

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$62K - $81K/yr

... Human Rights Campaign (HRC), its Political Action Committee, and the Human Rights Campaign ... research and resolve discrepanciesin a timely manner. * Support seasonal event activities (e.g ...

Brown University

Project Coordinator

Washington, DC · On-site +1

... human rights, peacebuilding, and the transformative power of sport. Operating at the cutting edge of cross-disciplinary academic research and global social impact, this role serves as the central ...

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All JobsHuman Rights Researcher JobsHuman Rights Researcher Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Human Rights Researcher information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$31K

$116.9K

$170.1K

How much do human rights researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for human rights researcher in Silver Spring, MD is $116,922.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,300.00 and $159,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Human Rights Researcher job?

A Human Rights Researcher investigates, analyzes, and reports on human rights issues, violations, and policies. They gather data from various sources, conduct interviews, and compile findings into reports or policy recommendations. Their work supports advocacy efforts, informs legal and governmental actions, and raises awareness about human rights concerns. Researchers may work for NGOs, international organizations, think tanks, or governmental agencies. Their role is essential in promoting justice, accountability, and policy reform.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Human Rights Researcher position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Human Rights Researcher, you need a solid background in international law, social sciences, and research methodologies, often supported by at least a bachelor's or master’s degree in a related field. Familiarity with data analysis software, qualitative and quantitative research tools, and databases such as LexisNexis or Westlaw is highly advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective written and verbal communication skills set standout candidates apart. These skills are crucial for producing credible research, influencing policy, and advocating effectively for human rights issues.

What are some common projects or tasks that a Human Rights Researcher might work on?

Human Rights Researchers often work on projects such as drafting country or situation-specific reports, conducting field and desk research, analyzing government policies or legal documents, and collecting first-hand accounts from affected populations. Daily tasks may involve collaborating with advocacy teams, contributing to grant proposals, and synthesizing large volumes of data into accessible findings for policymakers and public audiences. Researchers frequently coordinate with international organizations or local partners to ensure the accuracy and impact of their work. This role offers variety and the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to social justice, often within a team-oriented and mission-driven environment.

What job categories do people searching Human Rights Researcher jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Human Rights Researcher jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Human Rights Researcher jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Human Rights Researcher job openings:
Human Rights Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Human Rights Researcher job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,922 per year, or $56.2 per hour.
Program Officer (SME II), Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) Global Programs (GP), De

Program Officer (SME II), Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) Global Programs (GP), De

Contracting Resources group

Washington, DC

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Contracting Resources Group, Inc. (CRG) is a Woman-Owned Small Business, specializing in several core markets within the Federal Government. Our professional services depth includes program management and evaluation, strategic communications, acquisitions management, and IT solutions. CRG is a leading management consulting firm, in part because of our ability to attract the highest quality team members through our emphasis on culture, competitive compensation, and benefits packages. Since 2002, CRG has consistently received top performance ratings from customers and teaming partners and industry awards, including Inc. Magazine's 5000 list of the Fastest Growing Companies in America, the Department of Labor HireVets Platinum Medallion award, and the Washington Business Journal, Inc. 5000, and Baltimore Sun's Best Places to Work awards.
Description:
CRG is seeking a full-time Program Officer II to provide support to the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor's Office of Global Programs (DRL/GP) at the U.S. Department of State. The Program Officer shall be responsible for ensuring effective execution of program requirements: establishing systematic methods of program execution, evaluation, and advocacy; determining whether funding is warranted and available and assessing activities to determine funding requirements; analyzing program and budget proposals and presenting them to the State Department and interagency panels; preparing justification or recommendation memoranda for review and approval by appropriate officials; and providing follow-up problem-solving assistance, guideline interpretations, and technical consultations as required to applicants. The Program Officer shall assist with Departmental briefings to congressional staffers on these programs.
The Program Officer represents and communicates DRL's program objectives to other State Department and U.S government offices involved in programming Democracy Fund and Human Rights and Democracy Funds (HRDF) and other transfer funding to include, but not be limited to, regional bureaus, Office of Acquisitions Management, Office of the Legal Advisor, Congressional Liaison office, Office of Management and Budget. The Contractor shall liaise and consult on program administration, financial planning and acquisition of programming funds. The Contractor shall respond to Congressional requests for information regarding programs and DRL program objectives. The Contractor shall also provide information to the NGO community and other implementing organizations regarding the USG and DRL grants processes.
The Program Officer maintains, updates and develops as necessary systems for the efficient and accessible retrieval of documents regarding the allocation, notification, transfer and implementation of Democracy Fund, HRDF, transfer funding, and special Congressionally-mandated funds, and tracks the award of grants.
The Program Officer shall apply internal control measures to protect organizational integrity and prevent unauthorized use or misappropriation of sensitive and classified material; report instances of security violations/problems to the appropriate supervisory/management official; assume full responsibility for safeguarding all classified and sensitive (but unclassified) material and equipment in assignment area(s).
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Coordinate with the grants officer representative in the administration and coordination of programs
  • Assist Team Lead and Deputy Directors to oversee program funding for assigned portfolio.
  • Help develop goals, objectives and programs for utilization of the foreign assistance funding.
  • Collect grant documentation for review by decision-making committees who will select grant recipients within available funding levels.
  • Liaise with offices involved in administration, financial planning and acquisition of program funding.
  • Skillfully communicate verbally and in writing to provide briefings, status reviews, and advice upon request to the other DRL program staff and senior personnel on grant issues.
  • Work on designated portfolio to ensure pre-award, award, and ongoing management and monitoring of programs globally.
  • Monitor grantee budget execution and drawdowns to ensure program objectives are met and are in accordance with 2 CFR 200.
  • Negotiate program solicitation language with regional bureaus, Post leadership, and within DRL.
  • Advise senior Bureau officials on development of goals, objectives and programs for utilization of foreign assistance funding.
  • Remain informed on the changing political environment in the designated portfolio as well as global issues impacting the region by regularly meeting with grantees, human rights defenders, researchers, and other funders.
  • Communicate DRL's program objectives to other State Department and U.S government offices involved in programming Democracy Fund and Human Rights and Democracy Funds (HRDF) and other transfer funding to include, but not be limited to, regional bureaus, Office of Acquisitions Management, Office of the Legal Advisor, Congressional Liaison office, Office of Management and Budget.
  • Coordinate with policy colleagues to prepare paper and brief DRL Bureau leadership for meetings on issues related to a specific region or thematic area.
  • Prepare budget and programmatic reports that track grant obligation data and program successes for active grants.
  • Review and provide analysis of program proposals to decision-making panels who will select grant recipients within available funding levels.
  • Prepare responses to auditor inquiries on programs.
  • Assist with responding to Congressional requests for information regarding programs and DRL program objectives.
  • Attend stakeholder workshops and conferences on topics related to their duties and responsibilities, provide program monitoring and technical assistance to grantees, while supporting the FTE.
  • Preferred candidates may have demonstrated expertise and knowledge in the following regional or thematic areas: Western Hemisphere Affairs, South Central Asia, East-Asia Pacific, Africa, Europe. Near- Eastern Affairs, Democracy, Human Rights, Labor, Internet Freedom, International Religious Freedom, Gender, Marginalized Populations, Rapid Response, Security and Human Rights, Global Affairs Portfolio, Monitoring and Evaluations.

Additional responsibilities may include:
  • Liaise with U.S. embassies and consulates regarding the award, management, and monitoring of grants.
  • Drafting reports and other documents for the team and program staff.
  • Drafting and clearing internal papers and memoranda regarding evaluations.
  • Organize and participate in meetings, trainings, and/or conference events.
  • Undertake additional training to ensure they obtain relevant skills needed to advance U.S. policy and programming priorities and meet requirements of this SOW. Attend trainings or conferences to further knowledge in relations to duties and responsibilities listed above and/or hone expertise in one or more following areas regional or thematic area: Western Hemisphere Affairs, South Central Asia, East-Asia Pacific, Africa, Europe. Near- Eastern Affairs, Democracy, Human Rights, Labor, Internet Freedom, International Religious Freedom, Gender, Marginalized Populations, Rapid Response, Security and Human Rights, Global Affairs Portfolio, Monitoring and Evaluations.
  • As needed and as resources permit, the Contractor shall be asked to directly support the travel of senior DRL Bureau and U.S. Department of State officials and/or at the direction of and in coordination with the Grants Officer Representative and/or Grants Officer, conduct program monitoring visits at the project implementation site to monitor grantee activities.
  • Report on program activities monitored and analyze to support both the Grants Officer Representative and/or the Grants Officer in their evaluation of programs.

Action Items:
  1. Develop and finalize Notice of Funding Opportunities in coordinate with Program Specialists
  2. Conduct panels throughout the grant review process
  3. Communicate with Grant Officer, and process memos to finalize awards
  4. Track status of procurement actions and awards packages report for portfolio teams.

Requirements:
  • The Contractor shall have knowledge of and experience in international programming in addition to relevant education and training, ideally with a strong understanding of domestic and foreign NGO administration.
  • Must have a strong understanding of different types of foreign assistance funds.
  • Must be able to obtain/hold a Secret security clearance (U.S. Citizenship required).
  • Awareness of the requirements and understanding of 2 CFR 200
  • Must be able to travel globally to highly sensitive areas as needed.
  • Experience working in professional, fast-paced and demanding environments.
  • The ability to manage competing priorities with minimal supervision.
  • Must be able to obtain security clearance.

*This position is currently Hybrid with the potential to transition to In Office*
Education:
  • Bachelors' degree with 7-9 years of experience or a master's degree with 5-7 years of experience will be reviewed for position.

Benefits
Full-time employees are eligible for 401k, Roth, Employee and Family Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, Supplemental Insurance, 11 Federal Holidays, and a minimum of three weeks PTO which includes sick and personal leave. CRG provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
CRG is an equal opportunity employer. We make employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business need. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other state or federally protected category.

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