Disability Rights Division Intern

Application Deadline: 27 November 2023

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 interest in disability and/or international human rights to intern part-time in the Nairobi office. Ideally, the candidate will be available January 2024 through May 2024, with flexible hours.

Responsibilities:

• Conducting background desk research on a range of disability rights issues, including shackling in Ghana and Nigeria, and support for people with disabilities to live in the community;
• Monitoring media, reviewing laws and policies, and conducting desk research on disability, and human rights violations in a variety of countries;
• Interning closely with Disability Rights Division staff;
• Drafting documents including, but not limited to 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 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:

• Proficient oral and written communication skills in English;
• Well-organized, self-motivated, and reliable candidate;
• Previous desk research experience;
• Interest and/or experience in disability and/or international human rights;
• Coursework in disability rights, 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 Kenya for the duration of the internship.

Compensation: Interns will receive a gross monthly stipend of KES 30,000 per month, (pro-rated based on internship hours), to help offset living expenses in accordance with HRW policy. Students may also 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 [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.