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

Leahy Vetter I

Washington, DC · On-site

$100K - $114K/yr

Utilizes classified resources to research the human rights records of security force members and units nominated for training or assistance. In performing classified searches, analyze sources and ...

Staff Accountant

Washington, DC · On-site

$55K - $67K/yr

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

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 ...

Civil Rights Investigator

MD · On-site

$40 - $45/hr

This position reports to the Director, Equity & Human Rights. The Investigator is responsible for ... General research regarding jurisdiction and the parties to complaints. This may include but is not ...

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Human Rights Researcher information

See Washington, DC salary details

$34K

$128.1K

$186.2K

How much do human rights researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for human rights researcher in Washington, DC is $128,052.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,900.00 and $174,400.00 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 are popular job titles related to Human Rights Researcher jobs in Washington, DC? For Human Rights Researcher jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Human Rights Researcher jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Human Rights Researcher jobs in Washington, DC are:
Leahy Vetter I

Leahy Vetter I

Cherokee Federal

Washington, DC • On-site

$100K - $114K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Job Description
Leahy Vetter I
***This position requires an active Top Secret clearance.***
Assist in the development, execution, data management, and management support of office and program tasks.
Compensation & Benefits:
Estimated Starting Salary Range for Leahy Vetter I: $100K -$114,914.32
Pay commensurate with experience.
Full time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K and other possible benefits as provided. Benefits are subject to change with or without notice.
Leahy Vetter I Responsibilities Include:
  • Works alongside and takes direction from the Senior Leahy Vetter II for all Bureau-related Leahy duties.

  • Serves as a point of contact for Leahy vetting matters, including applicable embassies and consulates.

  • Provides back-up Leahy vetting support to other regional bureaus when required.

  • Assists Leahy Vetter II in providing daily support to Leahy vetting counterparts at post on both the policy and technical aspects of vetting.

  • Processes Leahy vetting requests via the INVEST (International Vetting and Security Tracking) System, in coordination with embassies and consulates, as well as other Bureaus.

  • Utilizes classified resources to research the human rights records of security force members and units nominated for 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.

  • Reports vetting results findings to the requesting post, bureau/agency, and other applicable bureaus, per provided protocol. Verifies and assesses findings and makes recommendations to applicable officers on its position(s) regarding any potential eligibility determinations.

  • Assists 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.

  • Uses classified and unclassified databases, to check security forces members' and/or units' name for derogatory information.

  • Assists 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.

  • Uses open source and classified resources to assist Leahy Vetter II to develop foreign country security force organizational charts.

  • Assists Leahy Vetter II in mapping credible allegations of gross violations of human rights, geographically, functionally and in time. Advises which foreign units are ineligible for security assistance.

  • Assists Leahy Vetter II in developing individual country remediation strategies.

  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Leahy Vetter I Experience, Education, Skills, Abilities requested:
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or related experience.

  • Requires TOP SECRET/SCI Security Clearance.

  • Familiarity of international standards of human rights.

  • Familiarity of the principals, 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 foreign countries, especially of non-democratic countries.

  • Requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or experience related to the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal

Company Information:
Cherokee Nation Systems Solutions (CNSS) provides support, services, and solutions to federal and commercial customers. The company takes a personalized approach to solving our clients' toughest challenges, helping you make the most of your skills. CNSS is part of Cherokee Federal - a team of tribally owned federal contracting companies. For more information, visit cherokee-federal.com.
#CherokeeFederal #LI-SM2 #AppC
Similar Searchable Job Titles:
Human Rights Vetting Specialist
Security Assistance Analyst
International Relations Coordinator
Human Rights Compliance Officer
Intelligence Analyst
Keywords:
Leahy vetting
Human rights
Security forces
International relations
Security assistance
Legal Disclaimer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations.

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About Cherokee Federal

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Cherokee Federal - a division of Cherokee Nation Businesses - is a team of tribally owned federal contracting companies focused on building solutions, solving complex challenges, and serving the nation's mission around the globe for more than 60 federal clients. Our team of companies manages nearly 1,000 projects of all sizes across the construction, consulting, engineering and manufacturing, health, and technology portfolios. Since 2012, the Cherokee Federal team of companies has won more than $5 billion in government contracts. Our 3,000+ employees work in 26 countries, 50 states and 2 U.S. territories. Why choose Cherokee Federal? Visit our website and learn about the great reasons to join our team. cherokee-federal.com

Industry

Architectural services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Tulsa, OK, US

Year founded

1969

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