Development & Outreach Department Intern

Job Posting Organization:
Human Rights Watch (HRW) is an international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization that is renowned for its thorough investigations, timely reporting, and impactful advocacy campaigns. Established to promote and protect human rights globally, HRW operates in numerous countries and employs a diverse workforce committed to social justice. The organization is dedicated to changing policies and practices related to human rights through rigorous research and advocacy efforts. HRW's mission is to ensure that human rights are respected and upheld, and it actively seeks to engage individuals from various backgrounds to contribute to its work.

Job Overview:
The Development and Outreach Department Intern position at Human Rights Watch Canada is designed for currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate students who are interested in gaining practical experience in human rights work and fundraising efforts. The intern will work part-time, approximately 10-15 hours per week, for a duration of three months, starting in late March 2026 and concluding in July 202

• The role involves supporting the Development team in various administrative and logistical tasks, participating in event organization, and assisting with donor communications. This internship provides a unique opportunity to learn about the operations of a prominent human rights organization while contributing to meaningful outreach and fundraising initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: scheduling meetings for the Development team, managing mailings, responding to inquiries, and assisting with event logistics. Specific duties include organizing materials for events such as the annual Voices for Justice dinner, maintaining detailed guest lists, tracking dietary restrictions and mobility requirements, conducting data input into the Salesforce database, monitoring RSVPs, and communicating with donors and supporters. The intern will also support the recruitment and onboarding of event volunteers, conduct research on potential donors and foundations, draft content for the HRW get-local website, and undertake additional projects as assigned that align with their interests and skills.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate students for the entire duration of the internship. The internship must be part of a program approved by the student's educational institution. Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail are essential. Previous experience in event planning is preferred, along with self-motivation and reliability. Candidates should possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including donors and external partners. The ability to prioritize tasks, work independently, and collaborate with a global team is required. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are mandatory, and proficiency in MS Office applications, particularly Excel, is required. Familiarity with Salesforce or other donor databases is a plus, as is a strong interest in human rights issues.

Educational Background:
The position requires candidates to be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program. The internship must be part of an academic program that is recognized by the educational institution of the applicant. This ensures that the internship experience is aligned with the student's academic and professional development goals.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have some experience related to event planning or organizational roles, although specific prior experience in human rights work is not mandatory. The focus is on candidates who demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn and contribute to the mission of Human Rights Watch.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as effective communication is crucial for interacting with donors, supporters, and team members. While English is the primary language needed, additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly if they enhance the intern's ability to engage with diverse communities or stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This internship is part-time, requiring 10-15 hours of work per week over a three-month period. The internship is compensated with a gross monthly stipend of CAD 1,500, which will be pro-rated based on the intern's schedule. Interns are encouraged to seek academic credit for their work, as the internship provides valuable exposure to the operations of an international human rights organization. Applicants must possess valid work authorization in Canada for the entire duration of the internship. Human Rights Watch is committed to diversity and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.