Disability Rights Division Intern

Disability Rights Division Intern

Application Deadline: October 4, 2024

The Disability Rights Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking a law student, graduate level LL.M. student, or graduate student in a relevant field with a demonstrated strong interest in disability rights and international human rights to intern part-time. The ideal candidate will be based in an HRW office in New York or Washington, D.C and will be available October 2024 through December 2024, (dates and times are flexible).

Responsibilities: 

1. Conducting background desk research on a range of disability rights issues in the United States and Americas region;
2. Monitoring media, reviewing laws and policies, and conducting desk research on disability and human rights violations in a variety of countries;
3. Interning closely with Disability Rights Division staff;
4. Drafting documents including, but not limited to advocacy letters and background material for reports and other publications; and
5. Other projects may be assigned as they arise and match the intern’s interests and abilities.

Students may also have opportunities to attend lectures, trainings, 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.

Qualifications:

1. Applicants must be an enrolled law student, graduate level LL.M. student, or graduate student;
2. Proficient oral and written communication skills in English is required; proficiency in Spanish is essential;
3. Well-organized, self-motivated, and reliable candidate;
4. Previous desk research experience;
5. Interest and/or experience in the disability and/or the Americas region with an understanding of, and a strong interest in international human rights;
6. Coursework in disability rights, environmental health, human rights, law, and/or policy; and
7. Internet research and computer skills (i.e. Microsoft Office, internet applications).

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

Salary: Interns in the US will be paid an hourly wage of USD 17.00 per hour. Human Rights Watch offers interns in the US 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. 

How to Apply: Please apply immediately by visiting our online job portal at: https://careers.hrw.org and attaching a CV/resume, letter of interest, and a writing sample. No calls or email inquiries, please. 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, or if you require accommodations during the application process, please email [email protected]. Due to the large response, application submissions via email will not be accepted and inquiries regarding the status of applications will go unanswered.

Human Rights Watch is strong because it is diverse. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Human Rights Watch does not discriminate on the basis of disability, age, gender identity and expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or criminal record. We welcome all kinds of diversity. Our employees include people who are parents and nonparents, the self-taught and university educated, and from a wide span of socio-economic backgrounds and perspectives on the world. Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer. 

Human Rights Watch is an international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization known for its in-depth investigations, its incisive and timely reporting, its innovative and high-profile advocacy campaigns, and its success in changing the human rights-related policies and practices of influential governments and international institutions.