Amnesty International is seeking a dedicated and insightful West and Central Africa Researcher to join our Dakar-based regional team. This pivotal role will lead efforts to investigate, document, and expose human rights violations across West and Central Africa, driving high-impact research that underpins Amnesty's advocacy and campaigns. You will work closely with colleagues across the Amnesty Movement to shape regional strategies and ensure our response to human rights abuses is timely, accurate, and effective.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to Amnesty's global mission by producing authoritative research that challenges injustice and strengthens our voice in the fight for human rights.

Please note this is a fixed-term contract opportunity for 18 months. 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Shape and lead Amnesty's research agenda in West and Central Africa, delivering high-quality, action-oriented analysis that informs global advocacy and campaigning.
• Monitor, investigate and assess human rights developments across the region, ensuring Amnesty's voice is informed, accurate, and impactful.
• Conduct field missions and fact-finding in complex and sensitive contexts, including during crisis situations.
• Build and maintain strong networks with civil society actors, survivors, legal experts, and decision-makers to gather information and drive change.
• Represent Amnesty at high-level forums, in the media, and with national and international stakeholders.
• Draft compelling reports and advocacy materials that influence policy, shift public narratives, and uphold justice.
• Support internal collaboration by mentoring team members, shaping regional strategies, and enhancing our research capacity.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Deep understanding of the human rights landscape in West and Central Africa, with first-hand experience of working in the region.
• Proven expertise in researching complex political, social, legal, or human rights issues, including producing materials for diverse audiences.
• Strong political judgement and ability to identify strategic opportunities for impact.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills in both English and French.
• Demonstrated ability to lead in challenging environments and represent Amnesty with credibility and influence.
• Commitment to Amnesty International's mission and values, including equality, diversity, and impartiality.

Please see the attached job description for more information on responsibilities, skills and experience required.

ABOUT US

Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 10 million people who campaign for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all. We reach almost every country in the world.

Our aim is simple: an end to human rights abuses. Independent, international and influential, we campaign for justice, fairness, freedom and truth wherever they're denied. And whether we're applying pressure through powerful research or direct lobbying, mass demonstrations or online campaigning, we're all inspired by hope for a better world. One where human rights are respected and protected by everyone, everywhere.

At Amnesty International, we are passionate about what we do and we are proud of our achievements as a movement. To compensate our employees for the critical work they do, we reward them through a combination of an attractive and sector competitive salary and benefits package, high levels of engagement and involvement, and a commitment to employee development.

Benefits include 37 days annual leave (inclusive of public holidays and grace days), pension scheme, employee assistance programme, life assurance and many more benefits designed to suit your own personal lifestyle. All of this, in a professional, engaging environment.

For further information on our benefits, please visit https://www.amnesty.org/en/careers/benefits/

WHAT WE HOPE YOU WILL DO NEXT

If you are talented, passionate about human rights and want to use your skills, knowledge and experience to change the world then we would encourage you to click ‘Apply for this Role' below.

Freedom, Justice, Equality. Let's get to work.

N.B. We reserve the right to close a vacancy BEFORE the closing date in the event of an overwhelming response or a change in business priorities, therefore we recommend you apply now if you are interested.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: 

Amnesty International believes in a world that is fair, inclusive and equitable. Together, we're committed to being an anti-racist organisation with a diverse workforce that can better tackle the global human rights challenges that face our world today. We know that different voices, ideas, perspectives, experiences and knowledge, working together will enable us to better the lives of people around the world.

We are committed to building and sustaining an anti-racist, culturally diverse and inclusive organisation, where all employees feel valued, have a sense of belonging and an equal opportunity to fulfil their potential. We therefore strongly welcome applications from suitably qualified people regardless of their background; including underrepresented groups, LGBTQI+ individuals and those who may have or are living with a disability.

To see our full statement please visit this link: Racial equality, equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion policy - Amnesty International

Amnesty International is committed to being an inclusive employer and providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for all. If you would like to receive any information in a different way or would like us to do anything differently to help you apply for our roles, please get in touch with the team by emailing recruitment@amnesty.org