Amnesty International Crisis Researcher Jobs 2026: London and Madrid
Amnesty International is inviting applications for a Crisis Researcher position within its Crisis Response Programme. This opportunity is suitable for experienced human rights professionals with expertise in international humanitarian law, human rights investigations, and research in armed conflict or major crisis situations.
The successful candidate will contribute to investigations documenting human rights violations, including violations associated with armed conflict, large-scale atrocities, and mass displacement. The role involves producing high-quality research, supporting advocacy initiatives, and helping influence policies aimed at protecting human rights worldwide.
The position is available in London, United Kingdom, or Madrid, Spain, under a 12-month fixed-term contract.
Amnesty International Crisis Researcher Jobs 2026: Overview
- Organisation: Amnesty International
- Job Title: Crisis Researcher
- Job Reference: 4284
- Programme: Crisis Response
- Job Locations: London, United Kingdom, or Madrid, Spain
- Contract Type: Fixed-term contract
- Contract Duration: 12 months
- Working Hours: 35 hours per week
- Salary: £65,610 per annum for London; salary depends on location
- Application Deadline: 8 November 2026, at 23:59 UK time
Applicants should note that Amnesty International cannot provide relocation assistance or visa sponsorship for this position.
About the Crisis Researcher Position
The Crisis Researcher will help Amnesty International respond rapidly to armed conflicts and other major human rights emergencies. Working with country experts and colleagues across the organisation, the successful candidate will investigate alleged violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
The position requires a combination of field-based and remote research. Investigations may involve gathering evidence, verifying information, interviewing relevant sources, and documenting violations affecting communities experiencing conflict or displacement.
The researcher will also prepare reports, briefings, and other publications to communicate findings to policymakers, media organisations, advocacy groups, and the wider public.
An important aspect of the position is ensuring that research contributes to meaningful action. The successful candidate will collaborate with campaigning and communications teams to raise awareness of human rights violations and support strategies for addressing them.
The role also requires an intersectional approach to investigations, considering how human rights violations affect people differently based on factors such as age, gender, race, ethnicity, and disability.
Key Responsibilities
The Crisis Researcher will undertake several responsibilities, including:
1. Conducting Human Rights Investigations
Investigate human rights violations in situations of armed conflict and major crises. This includes combining fieldwork with remote research methods to collect and verify evidence and produce reliable documentation under tight deadlines.
2. Preparing Research Reports
Draft high-quality research reports, briefings, media articles, and other publications. The researcher will coordinate reviews, incorporate specialist feedback, and help ensure that findings are communicated accurately and effectively.
3. Supporting Advocacy and Campaigning
Work with colleagues to develop and implement advocacy strategies based on documented human rights violations. Research findings should help inform policy discussions, influence decision-makers, and strengthen efforts to protect affected populations.
4. Building Professional Networks
Develop and maintain relationships with human rights defenders, activists, legal professionals, United Nations representatives, humanitarian organisations, and government officials. These relationships will support information gathering, verification, and the development of effective response strategies.
5. Strengthening Crisis Response
Contribute to the continued development of Amnesty International’s research and reporting methods, supporting innovation and effective collaboration across the organisation.
Qualifications and Experience Required
Applicants should have substantial experience in human rights research, investigations, or comparable reporting in armed conflict or major crisis situations.
The essential requirements include:
- At least three years of experience working in armed conflict or major crisis contexts and conducting human rights investigations or comparable reporting.
- Expert knowledge of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, including their practical application.
- Excellent writing skills and experience producing research reports, media articles, opinion pieces, government correspondence, or similar documents.
- The ability to communicate complex findings clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Strong awareness of security risks and the ability to exercise sound judgement in challenging situations.
- Experience engaging ethically and sensitively with survivors of human rights violations and people who may have experienced trauma.
- Familiarity with relevant research methodologies, potentially including satellite imagery, photo and video verification, and quantitative research.
- Fluency in English and the ability to draft publications in English.
Experience working across different geographical regions would be an advantage. Proficiency in additional languages is also desirable.
Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, discretion, and a commitment to equality, inclusion, and anti-racism.
Salary and Employee Benefits
For the London-based position, the advertised salary is £65,610 per year. The salary for the Madrid-based position will depend on the location.
Amnesty International offers a range of employee benefits designed to support staff wellbeing and professional development.
These include 37 days of annual leave, inclusive of public holidays and grace days, a pension scheme, life assurance, and an employee assistance programme.
Where Is the Crisis Researcher Job Located?
The position is available at Amnesty International’s International Secretariat in either London or Madrid.
Applicants must indicate their preferred office location when submitting their application.
Important: Relocation assistance and visa sponsorship are not available for this short-term appointment. Applicants should therefore consider their eligibility to work in their preferred location before applying.
How to Apply for Amnesty International Crisis Researcher Jobs 2026
Interested candidates should review the official vacancy information and submit their applications through Amnesty International’s recruitment portal.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official vacancy page using the application link below.
- Review the job description and essential requirements carefully.
- Prepare an application highlighting your human rights research, investigative experience, legal knowledge, and writing skills.
- Indicate whether you prefer the London or Madrid office.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
Application deadline: 8 November 2026, at 23:59 UK time.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early because the organisation reserves the right to close the vacancy before the advertised deadline if circumstances require it.
Final Thoughts
The Amnesty International Crisis Researcher position offers experienced human rights professionals an opportunity to contribute to investigations, strengthen human rights documentation, and support advocacy during armed conflicts and major crises.
With a competitive advertised salary for London, a 12-month contract, and the opportunity to contribute to international human rights work, this position may appeal to candidates with strong investigative, legal, and research backgrounds.
Before applying, ensure that you meet the essential experience requirements and can work in your preferred location without employer-provided sponsorship.
Explore the official vacancy and apply before 8 November 2026.
