Development & Outreach Department Intern

Job Posting Organization:
Human Rights Watch (HRW) is an international human rights organization that was established to monitor and advocate for human rights globally. It is renowned for its in-depth investigations, incisive reporting, and innovative advocacy campaigns. HRW has a diverse workforce and operates in multiple countries, focusing on changing human rights-related policies and practices of influential governments and international institutions. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, actively seeking a diverse applicant pool and encouraging candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Job Overview:
The Development and Outreach Department of Human Rights Watch is seeking an intern for its Berlin office. This internship is designed for students who are interested in gaining practical experience in development and fundraising within a large international non-profit organization. The intern will work full-time for a duration of three months, ideally from mid-January 2027 to mid-April 202

• The internship will provide the intern with valuable knowledge and skills in event planning, database management, and donor relations, while also offering insights into the organization's priority human rights issues. Interns will participate in planning and department meetings, and they will have opportunities to attend in-house trainings and briefings, enhancing their overall internship experience.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The primary focus of the internship will be on event planning leading up to HRW Berlin's major fundraising event, the 2027 Voices for Justice Dinner, scheduled for March 12, 202

• The intern will assist the development team with various tasks, including event logistics and planning, drafting and editing documents related to donor relations, supporting the creation and editing of graphic design and event materials, and maintaining documents and database records. Additionally, the intern will coordinate donor communication and outreach efforts to support fundraising initiatives. Other tasks may be assigned based on the intern's interests and the needs of the team.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must be enrolled students for the duration of the internship and preferably studying in Germany. The internship must be a compulsory prerequisite from the University, and interns must submit a 'Bescheinigung über ein Pflichtpraktikum' prior to starting. Candidates should be well-organized, self-motivated, reliable, flexible, and detail-oriented, with excellent time management skills. A demonstrated commitment to human rights and/or international issues is essential, along with the ability to effectively represent HRW's mission and programs. Strong oral and written communication skills in both German and English are required, as well as proficiency in computer skills, particularly Microsoft Excel. Experience in team collaboration is desirable, and frequent attendance in the office and at events is mandatory.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should be an enrolled student, preferably in a program that relates to human rights, international relations, or a similar field. The internship must fulfill a mandatory internship requirement from the student's university, ensuring that the experience is relevant to their academic studies and career aspirations.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandatory, candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in fundraising, outreach, and special events within a human rights context. Experience in collaborative environments and any previous internships or volunteer work related to non-profit organizations or human rights advocacy will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in both German and English is mandatory for this position, as the intern will be required to communicate effectively in both languages. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a full-time position, requiring a maximum of 35 hours per week over a three-month period. Interns will receive a gross monthly stipend of EUR 556 to help offset living expenses, in accordance with HRW policy. Students may also be able to arrange academic credit for their internship. The application process requires candidates to submit a CV, a cover letter in English, and a brief writing sample in German. Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and inquiries regarding application status will not be answered.