Apply by: October 31, 2016
Organization: Human Rights Watch
The Asia Division of Human Rights Watch is seeking an undergraduate or graduate level intern for the fall of 2016, ideally to begin in September.
Description
The Asia Division of Human Rights Watch is seeking an undergraduate or graduate level intern for the fall of 2016, ideally to begin in September. This internship will primarily focus on conducting desk research, press coverage, responding to inquiries, and assisting with transition memos for the new administration. It may also entail database and file management, mission support, and some translation assignments. Other duties and projects will be assigned as they arise.
Responsibilities
The intern will learn and be exposed to:
- Conducting desk research;
- Using available resources to conduct said research, including reviewing media, academic reports, government statements and legislation of relevant countries in the Asia-Pacific region;
- Monitoring US government legislation and statements related to human rights and the Asia-Pacific;
- Press coverage of HRW products;
- Writing summaries and protocols;
- Responding to inquiries;
- Database and file management; and
- Occasional translation assignments or assistance.
Additional opportunities:
- Direct exposure to the workings of a leading international human rights organization;
- Close supervision by HRW staff to provide feedback and support;
- Access to HRW materials and publications;
- Gaining knowledge of report research and project development;
- Attending select in-house events such as a speaker series events, and other events organized within the organization, particularly for interns;
- Opportunities to attend lectures, trainings, special events, and meetings in DC relating to the human rights field;
- Academic credit (students should check with their individual academic institutions for requirements).
Internships are unpaid, although work-study funds may be available. Interns will report to the Asia Division associate and Asia Advocacy director in DC.
Qualifications
- Enrollment in an accredited undergraduate/graduate program for the duration of the internship is required.
- Applicants should be well-organized, self-motivated, and reliable, with excellent attention to detail.
- Applicants should have a strong, demonstrated interest in politics and human rights issues in one or more countries in the Asia Pacific.
- Applicants should also have demonstrated interest and experience working on US Government-related projects and/or advocacy.
- Computer skills (Microsoft Office, CongressPlus, Factiva, etc.) and experience using the internet as a research tool are required.
- The ability to read and write fluently in Mandarin Chinese – oral and written (knowledge of traditional characters is a plus) – is a significant plus, although not required. Applicants claiming proficiency in Mandarin may be asked to take a language test.
- The ability to read and write fluently in Thai, Burmese, Korean, Filipino, Bengali, Indonesian, Hindi, or Urdu, may be a plus.
Interns are asked to commit for a minimum of 15 hours per week for a minimum of three months. Although the timing is flexible, the student will ideally begin in early September and intern through early December.
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 sponsor organization. This process can take several weeks and applicants will have to incur their own costs.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in its hiring practices and, in order to build the strongest possible workforce, actively seeks a diverse applicant pool.
About Human Rights Watch
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.
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