Amnesty International Jobs 2026: Regional Researcher SARO in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Are you an experienced human rights researcher looking for an international career opportunity in South Asia? Amnesty International is inviting applications for the position of Regional Researcher, South Asia Regional Office (SARO) in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This permanent position offers an opportunity for an experienced professional to investigate human rights concerns, develop research strategies and contribute to campaigns promoting justice, freedom and equality.
The successful candidate will play an important role in shaping Amnesty International’s research and campaigning priorities across the region. The position is particularly suited to professionals with extensive research experience, strong analytical abilities, political judgment and a commitment to protecting human rights.
With an annual salary of USD 69,292 and a comprehensive employee benefits package, this opportunity may appeal to researchers seeking to advance their careers within an internationally recognised human rights organisation.
Overview of the Amnesty International Job Opportunity
Before applying, prospective candidates should familiarise themselves with the essential details of this vacancy.
- Job Title: Regional Researcher, South Asia Regional Office (SARO)
- Job Reference: 4290
- Organisation: Amnesty International
- Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Job Type: Permanent
- Working Hours: 35 hours per week
- Annual Salary: USD 69,292
- Application Deadline: 3 November 2026, at 23:59 UK time
- Job Category: Human Rights, Research, Advocacy and International Development
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early. Amnesty International reserves the right to close the vacancy before the advertised deadline if it receives an overwhelming number of applications or if organisational priorities change.
About Amnesty International
Amnesty International is a global human rights movement with more than 10 million people campaigning for a world in which everyone enjoys their human rights.
The organisation works internationally to expose human rights abuses, promote accountability and advocate for justice, freedom and equality. Through independent research, public campaigning, lobbying and collaboration with civil society organisations, Amnesty International seeks to influence governments and other powerful actors to respect and protect human rights.
Working for Amnesty International provides professionals with an opportunity to contribute their expertise to research and advocacy initiatives addressing critical human rights challenges.
Key Responsibilities of the Regional Researcher
The Regional Researcher will lead the development and implementation of research and campaigning strategies aligned with Amnesty International’s priorities in South Asia.
A major responsibility will be monitoring and investigating human rights developments across relevant countries. The successful candidate will gather information, assess evidence and produce independent, accurate and timely analysis to inform the organisation’s positions and advocacy activities.
The role also involves planning and participating in field research missions. These activities may include fact-finding, interviewing relevant contacts, assessing human rights concerns and preparing political and security briefings. The researcher may also represent Amnesty International during field missions, subject to relevant security assessments.
Another important aspect of the position is stakeholder engagement. The successful candidate will communicate the organisation’s findings and positions to government representatives, intergovernmental institutions, civil society organisations, journalists and other relevant stakeholders.
The researcher will also establish and maintain relationships with human rights defenders, legal professionals, United Nations agencies and other contacts who can support reliable information gathering and verification.
In addition, the role requires producing comprehensive research reports, publications, internal briefings and other materials for different audiences. The researcher will contribute expert analysis to the organisation’s wider research, advocacy and campaigning work.
Required Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Amnesty International is seeking an experienced professional with a strong background in human rights research or related fields.
Applicants should have at least seven years of proven experience conducting research on human rights or related issues. Candidates should also possess specialist knowledge and preferably first-hand experience of at least one country in South Asia.
An in-depth understanding of the region’s political, social, legal, economic, cultural and gender-related issues will be important. Candidates should be able to analyse complex developments, exercise sound political judgment and develop strategies that can contribute to meaningful human rights outcomes.
Strong writing and communication skills are essential. Applicants must demonstrate experience producing substantial research reports and other written materials for different audiences, including policymakers, civil society organisations and the media.
The position also requires the ability to communicate fluently in English and at least one other regional language, both orally and in writing.
Candidates should be comfortable engaging with external stakeholders, presenting research findings and communicating sensitive information professionally and diplomatically.
Prospective applicants should consult the official job description for the complete list of responsibilities and requirements before submitting an application.
Salary and Employee Benefits
The position offers an annual salary of USD 69,292, alongside a benefits package designed to support employee wellbeing and professional development.
Amnesty International lists several employee benefits, including:
- 37 days of annual leave, inclusive of public holidays and grace days.
- A pension scheme.
- An employee assistance programme.
- Life assurance.
- Opportunities for employee development.
- A professional working environment that encourages engagement and participation.
Candidates should consult Amnesty International’s official careers information for further details about the benefits applicable to this position.
How to Apply for the Amnesty International Regional Researcher Job
Interested and suitably qualified candidates can apply through Amnesty International’s official recruitment portal.
Application deadline: 3 November 2026, at 23:59 UK time.
APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Before applying, review the full job description carefully and ensure that your application clearly demonstrates your research experience, regional knowledge, language proficiency, analytical abilities and relevant professional achievements.
Applicants should submit their applications as early as possible because the organisation may close the vacancy before the advertised deadline.
Final Thoughts
The Regional Researcher SARO position offers an opportunity for an experienced human rights professional to contribute to evidence-based research, regional advocacy and strategies addressing human rights violations in South Asia.
For candidates with at least seven years of relevant research experience, strong writing skills and an understanding of the region, this permanent position in Colombo could represent a valuable international career opportunity.
