Human Rights Watch (HRW) Middle East & North Africa Division Internship 2021 – Apply

The Middle East and North Africa (“MENA”) division of Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is currently seeking a student intern for the summer 2021 semester in either the New York or Washington D.C. office. 

Application Deadline: 3rd May 2021

About the Award:  The selected candidate will intern closely with the Middle East and North Africa division associates and researchers. Ideally, the intern will be available for at least 15-20 hours a week for three months, starting in early-June 2021 (dates and times are flexible).

Due to COVID-19, many of our offices remain closed or are open at a limited capacity. HRW prioritizes the safety of our interns. In locations that have eased office restrictions and are open at a limited capacity, interns are not expected to report to the office and remote arrangements will remain an option for the foreseeable future. However, interns may have the option of reporting to an office on a voluntary basis in accordance with HRW’s COVID-19 policies.

Type: Internship

Eligibility: This internship is open to students in law, social studies, international relations, political science, or related subjects with strong writing and research skills. Applicants must be enrolled students for the duration of the internship term. Excellent oral and written command of English and Arabic are essential.  Applicants should demonstrate precise attention to detail, conscientiousness about checking one’s own work, a positive attitude, a proactive approach, and good judgment.  Applicants should be well-organized, self-motivated, and reliable with a strong interest in human rights and some familiarity with the current situation in the MENA region. Computer skills (i.e., Microsoft Office, internet applications) are required.

Applicants who are offered an internship must possess valid work authorization in the United States for the duration of the internship.

Eligible Countries: in Middle East & North Africa region

To be Taken at (Country): Either the New York or Washington D.C. office

Number of Awards: 1

Value of Award: Students will have opportunities to attend trainings, professional development workshops, and/or special events relating to human rights, as well as network with other HRW interns, volunteers, and employees. As an HRW intern, students will take skills acquired in school and apply them in a professional setting.

Responsibilities: The internship will focus on the following:

• Research: The intern will be given various short-term and long-term desk research assignments using sources in English, Arabic, or other regional languages.. The research will focus on a range of human rights and humanitarian law abuses across the Middle East and North Africa region. The intern may help HRW staff conduct phone interviews with victims of and witnesses to human rights violations under close staff supervision and guidance. The intern will also contribute to the production and release of reports and press releases.
• Monitoring and Advocacy: The intern will focus on monitoring and summarizing MENA political and policy developments. The intern may also have the opportunity to attend internal and/or external advocacy strategy meetings.
• Other assignments and projects will be assigned as the opportunity arises.  

Salary: Interns will be paid an  hourly wage of USD 15.00 per hour. Human Rights Watch offers twenty (20) days of vacation prorated per year pursuant to the work schedule and length of employment. Students may be able to arrange academic credit, as Human Rights Watch internships often offer direct exposure to the workings of an international human rights organization, close supervision by HRW staff, and interaction with other US and international organizations and foreign and domestic government officials. Students should check with their individual academic institutions for requirements. 

Duration of Award: 3 Months

How to Apply: Please apply immediately by visiting our online job portal at: https://careers.hrw.org  No calls or email inquiries, please. We ask that you submit a cover letter, resume, and 5 pages maximum writing sample. Only complete applications will be reviewed. Due to the large number of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted further.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application submission, please email internships@hrw.org. Due to the large response, application submissions via email will not be accepted and inquiries regarding the status of applications will go unanswered. 

• It is important to go through all application requirements in the Award Webpage (see Link below) before applying.
• GOODLUCK

Visit Award Webpage for Details