Human Rights Watch Health and Human Rights Internship Programme
Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is seeking an enthusiastic and qualified current graduate student to intern in the Health and Human Rights Division for the Spring 2016 (dates are flexible). Supervised by HRW staff, the intern will primarily focus on research and advocacy projects, such as:
- Conducting legal research on a range of issues related to health and human rights, including HIV/AIDS, palliative care, drug policy, LGBTQ rights, environmental health, and sex work;
- Assisting in drafting advocacy documents such as letters, op-eds, and submissions to the United Nations; and
- Engaging in other research and advocacy efforts as the opportunity arises.
Internships are unpaid. Students may be able to arrange academic credit, as HRW internships often offer direct exposure to the workings of an international human rights organization, close supervision by the HRW staff, interaction with other international organizations and foreign and domestic government officials, and opportunities to attend lectures, trainings, and special events relating to human rights. Students should check with their individual academic institutions for requirements.
Qualifications
Candidates should be fluent in English, well-organized, self-motivated, strong writers, and good team players. Interest and/or experience in human rights issues are highly desirable. Fluency in another language (Spanish, French, and/or Arabic) is highly preferred. Computer skills (i.e., Microsoft Office, internet applications) are required. The intern must be an enrolled student for the duration of the internship term. Ideally, the successful candidate will be expected to intern 15-20 hours a week.
Applicants who are offered an internship, but who are not US permanent residents, US citizens, or in possession of a valid student visa, must apply for a J-1 visa through a sponsoring organization. This process can take several weeks and applicants will have to incur their own costs.
How to Apply
Please apply by emailing a letter of interest, resume, two names or letters of reference, and a brief, unedited writing sample (no calls or email inquiries, please) to health@hrw.org. Please use “2016 Spring Health and Human Rights Internship” as the subject of your email. Only complete applications will be reviewed. Due to the large number of applications, only short-listed candidates will be contacted further.