Legal Internship at Human Rights Watch in New York

The US Program at Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is seeking a legal intern currently enrolled in law school to participate in research. This internship will commence in January and last until April. The intern will research international human rights law and policy relevant to HRW. Current projects include solitary confinement of juveniles, police response to sexual violence, immigration topics and incarceration of elderly and medically incapacitated inmates.

Internships are generally unpaid, although work-study funds are available.Students are often able to arrange academic credit, as HRW internships often offer direct exposure to the workings of an international human rights organization, close supervision by the HRW staff, interaction with other international organizations and foreign and domestic government officials, and opportunities to attend lectures, trainings, and special events relating to human rights. Students should check with their individual academic institutions for requirements.

Ideally, the candidate will be available for a minimum of 15 hours per week, although timing can be flexible.

Qualifications:Applicants should be well-organized, self-motivated and reliable, with a strong interest in international human rights. Relevant coursework is highly desirable and knowledge of Spanish is a plus. Computer skills (i.e., Microsoft Office, Internet applications) are required. The intern must be an enrolled student during the internship term.

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 sponsoring organization. This process can take several weeks and applicants will have to incur their own costs.

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.

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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.

How to Apply: Please apply immediately by sending a letter of interest, resume, two names or letters of reference, and a brief, unedited writing sample (no calls or email inquiries, please) to usprog_jobs@hrw.org. Please use “Winter 2012 legal internship” as the subject of your email. Only complete applications will be reviewed.