Student Task Force Internship at Human Rights Watch

Summer 2011
Apply Immediately

Human Rights Watch (HRW) 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 of influential governments and international institutions.

Currently, the LA office has openings for a summer Student Task Force (STF) intern. Ideally, the selected candidate would begin immediately and continue until the beginning of the academic school year (mid-August). Based in LA, STF is a Human Rights Watch-sponsored youth leadership-training program that brings together high school students from all over Los Angeles and empowers them to advocate for the rights of children. HRW interns and STF teachers work in partnership to mentor students in leadership skills and activism, fostering confidence and maturity among students and enabling them to become effective voices for change and social justice within their communities. Each STF intern has many opportunities for substantive responsibility, which makes the STF internship a rewarding and uplifting learning experience.

Responsibilities of the STF intern include, but are not limited to:

•Creating and organizing advocacy opportunities for the STF campaigns that focus on children rights issues;

•Researching curriculum and developing meeting outlines, strategies and tools to equip students to be knowledgeable and effective human rights activists;

•Maintaining ongoing relationships with local student leaders and faculty advisors;

•Organizing and leading meetings with student leaders and committees to create and test materials;

•Coordinating outreach events with participating STF high schools, student leaders, faculty advisors and like-minded organizations; and

•Assisting with other office-related tasks, as assigned.

Internships are unpaid. Interns are required to commit to 15 hours per week for a minimum of three months. Academic credit can often be arranged as HRW internships offer direct exposure to the workings of an international human rights organization, close supervision by HRW staff, interaction with community activists, and opportunities to attend lectures, trainings, and special events relating to human rights. Students should check with their individual academic institutions for requirements.

Qualifications: 
The ideal STF intern should be well-organized, self-motivated and reliable, with a strong interest in children’s human rights. Experience with curriculum and resource development is highly desired. Academic background in political science, international studies, or global studies is a plus. Availability for 15 hours per week, and occasional night events is a must. Computer skills (i.e. MS Word, MS Excel, and Internet applications) are required. Experience with graphic design, web design, and online communication tools are a plus. Applicants must be able to provide their own transportation to the HRW office in West Los Angeles.

For more information on the Student Task Force, please visit http://www.hrwstf.org.
Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer.

Please apply immediately by emailing the following four items to LAjobs@hrw.org: 
1) Cover letter, indicating availability in the first paragraph, as well as applicant's specific human rights interests (length – 1 pg.) 
2) Resume, including the names and contact information for three professional and/or academic references (length – 1 pg.) 
3) Professional/administrative writing sample (unedited by others) (length – 1-3 pgs.)

Please use “STF SUMMER INTERNSHIP APPLICATION” as the subject of your email. Only complete applications will be reviewed. Due to the large number of applications received for the position, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. No phone calls or email inquiries, please.