Assistant, Youth Advocacy - Student Taskforce

Job Posting Organization:
The Student Task Force (STF) is a youth leadership-training program sponsored by Human Rights Watch (HRW). Established to empower high school students, STF focuses on advocating for the human rights of children. The organization aims to mentor students in leadership skills and activism, fostering their confidence and maturity. This initiative enables students to become effective voices for change and social justice within their communities. For more information about the Human Rights Watch Student Task Force, you can visit their website at www.hrwstf.org. HRW is recognized for its commitment to human rights advocacy and operates in numerous countries worldwide, engaging in various initiatives to promote social justice and human rights awareness.

Job Overview:
The Youth Advocacy Assistant position is designed to provide advocacy assistance to the STF team. The selected candidate will be expected to work part-time, with a commitment of 16 to 27 hours per week during the academic year, specifically from August 4, 2025, to May 22, 202

• The role requires afternoon and early evening availability, and the candidate must be based within commuting distance of the Los Angeles office. The position involves supporting the implementation of advocacy activities aligned with the 2025-2026 human rights action plans, which includes providing administrative support in creating advocacy materials and assisting with advocacy activities at assigned schools. The assistant will also liaise with student leaders and faculty advisors at STF chapters, monitor activities, and support student leaders in planning and executing advocacy initiatives. Additionally, the assistant will help implement strategies to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be effective human rights activists, prepare communications, and provide general administrative support.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Youth Advocacy Assistant include:

• Supporting the implementation of advocacy activities for the 2025-2026 human rights action plans by providing administrative support in the creation of advocacy activities and materials.
• Assisting the STF team with advocacy activities at assigned schools.
• Liaising with student leaders and faculty advisors at STF chapters, monitoring assigned activities, and reporting back to the STF Senior Manager.
• Supporting student leaders in planning and executing advocacy activities at assigned STF chapters.
• Assisting with weekly virtual leadership meetings with students from multiple campuses.
• Helping implement strategies and tools to equip students to be knowledgeable and effective human rights activists.
• Preparing, formatting, editing, and distributing communications, correspondence, and documents for assigned STF chapters.
• Providing administrative support, including proofreading, formatting, distributing materials, scheduling meetings, and responding to inquiries.
• Carrying out other duties as required by the STF team.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Youth Advocacy Assistant position include:

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience/training in a related field is desired.
• Candidates currently enrolled in university courses are encouraged to apply.
• A passion for human rights work is essential.
• A minimum of one year of relevant work experience is preferred.
• Experience working with middle school, high school, and/or university students is required.
• Experience with advocacy and working with volunteers is highly desirable.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are required.
• Prior office/administration experience, meticulous attention to detail, flexibility, and strong organizational skills are required.
• Proficiency in computer skills, including MS Word, MS Excel, and internet applications such as MailChimp, is required. 1
• Experience with graphic design, web design, social media, and online communication tools is preferred. 1
• The candidate should be a quick learner, creative thinker, and productive worker capable of meeting frequent deadlines. 1
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well under pressure while managing multiple tasks simultaneously are required. 1
• Self-motivation and the ability to prioritize with minimal supervision, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team, are essential. 1
• A commitment to HRW’s mission and human rights values is crucial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Youth Advocacy Assistant position includes a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience/training in a related field. Candidates who are currently enrolled in university courses are encouraged to apply, indicating that the organization values ongoing education and the fresh perspectives that students can bring to the role. A strong foundation in human rights, social justice, or related fields is preferred, as it aligns with the mission of the Student Task Force and Human Rights Watch.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for the Youth Advocacy Assistant position includes a minimum of one year of relevant work experience, which is preferred. This experience should ideally involve working with middle school, high school, and/or university students, as well as advocacy work and volunteer management. The role requires a candidate who has demonstrated their ability to engage with youth and facilitate advocacy initiatives effectively, showcasing their commitment to human rights and social justice.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is proficiency in English, both written and oral. Excellent communication skills are essential for effectively liaising with students, faculty advisors, and other stakeholders. While English is the primary language required, additional language skills may be considered a plus, particularly if they enhance the candidate's ability to engage with diverse student populations or contribute to advocacy efforts in multilingual contexts.

Additional Notes:
This position is part-time, requiring a commitment of 16 to 27 hours per week, and is expected to start no later than Monday, August 4, 202

• The salary for this position is $22.76 per hour. Applicants must possess valid US work authorization to be eligible for this role. The application deadline is June 7, 2026, and candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The organization emphasizes diversity and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply, highlighting its commitment to equal opportunity and inclusion in the workplace.