Overview

The Environment and Human 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 interest in environment and international human rights. The ideal candidate will be based in New York and will be available starting late-January to early May 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.

Responsibilities:

• Conducting desk research on a range of environmental rights issues, including toxic pollution, climate change, and protecting environmental defenders;
• Monitoring media coverage of HRW research projects, tracking new developments related to environmental rights issues, and reviewing laws and policies;
• Drafting documents including advocacy letters and background material for reports and other publications; and
• Other projects may be assigned as they arise and match the intern’s interests and abilities.

Students will also have opportunities to attend lectures, 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.

Qualifications:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English;
• Previous research experience;
• Interest and/or experience in the environmental field with an understanding of –and a strong interest in – international human rights;
• Coursework in environmental health, human rights, law, and/or policy; and 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 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.

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, 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.

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 ability, 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 governments and international institutions.