Women’s Rights Division Intern

Job Posting Organization:
Human Rights Watch (HRW) is an international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization that was established to conduct in-depth investigations and provide incisive and timely reporting on human rights issues. HRW is known for its innovative and high-profile advocacy campaigns and has a proven track record of influencing the human rights-related policies and practices of governments and international institutions. The organization operates globally, with a diverse workforce that reflects a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. HRW actively seeks to promote diversity within its ranks and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Job Overview:
The Women’s Rights Division Intern position at Human Rights Watch is designed for graduate or undergraduate students who are passionate about human rights, particularly in the context of women's rights and environmental issues. The internship will take place in one of HRW's offices located in New York, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Los Angeles, or Silicon Valley. The ideal candidate will be available from early September 2025 until the end of November 2025, committing to 20 hours of work per week, with flexible days and hours. Interns will work closely with the Women’s Rights Division staff, assisting in research and advocacy efforts related to women's rights violations in the United States, particularly those linked to fossil fuels, toxic chemicals, and reproductive rights. This role will provide interns with valuable skills in research methodology and advocacy, as well as substantive knowledge and legal analysis related to these critical issues. Interns will also have opportunities to attend lectures, trainings, and professional development workshops, enhancing their understanding of human rights and expanding their professional network.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern’s responsibilities will include conducting desk research on topics related to fossil fuels, toxic chemicals, reproductive rights, and their intersection with women’s rights issues in the United States. Interns will gain familiarity with international human rights law and standards concerning violence against women and girls, discrimination, inequality, and poverty, as well as the right to health and a healthy environment. They will build knowledge and conduct analysis on relevant federal and state laws and policies, support the drafting of sections of research reports, blogs, and background briefings, and assist in advocacy planning and coalition work at the intersection of reproductive rights and environmental justice. Additionally, interns will participate in meetings with partners, attend relevant events, monitor media stories on environmental violence and reproductive health harms, and gain familiarity with the work of other divisions within HRW, including thematic or regional research, fundraising, advocacy, communications, and operations.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited, degree-granting undergraduate program (preferably at the senior level) or a graduate program for the duration of the internship. A demonstrated passion for or strong interest in human rights, particularly at the intersections of climate change, fossil fuels, toxic chemicals, reproductive rights, and women’s rights, is required. Strong organizational skills, a proactive approach to projects, and reliability are essential. Candidates must possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, and knowledge of or a demonstrated commitment to women’s rights is highly desirable. Fluency in English is required, while fluency in Spanish is considered a plus. Proficiency in computer skills, including the Microsoft Office Suite and internet applications, is also essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes enrollment in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program. Ideally, candidates should be at the senior level of their undergraduate studies or pursuing a graduate degree. This educational foundation will provide the necessary knowledge and skills to engage effectively with the complex issues surrounding women's rights and environmental justice.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for this position is primarily academic, as applicants are expected to be current students in relevant degree programs. While prior experience in human rights advocacy or related fields is beneficial, it is not strictly required. The internship is designed to provide practical experience and exposure to the workings of an international human rights organization, making it suitable for students looking to apply their academic knowledge in a professional context.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all communications and documentation will be conducted in English. Additionally, fluency in Spanish is desirable, as it may enhance the intern's ability to engage with a broader range of materials and stakeholders in the field of women's rights and human rights advocacy.

Additional Notes:
The internship is a part-time position requiring a commitment of 20 hours per week, with flexible scheduling options. Compensation for the internship varies by jurisdiction based on local laws and HRW policy, with interns in the US receiving an hourly wage of USD 17.0

• Human Rights Watch offers interns in the US twenty (20) days of vacation prorated per year, depending on the length of the internship. Interns may also have the opportunity to arrange for academic credit through their educational institutions, as the internship provides direct exposure to the workings of a large, international human rights organization, close supervision by HRW staff, and interaction with other US and international organizations. HRW encourages a diverse applicant pool and is committed to equal opportunity employment.