The Middle East and North Africa Division (MENA) of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is currently seeking an intern in the Amman Office. The selected candidate will intern closely with the MENA Division researchers and research assistant. Ideally, the candidate will intern for three months starting in June 2019 with the possibility for extension.
Internships are unpaid. However, students may be able to arrange academic credit, as Human Rights Watch internships often offer direct exposure to the workings of an international human rights organization, close supervision by HRW staff, and interaction with other US and international organizations and foreign and domestic government officials. Students should check with their individual academic institutions for requirements.
Students will also have opportunities to attend lectures, trainings, professional development workshops, and/or special events relating to human rights, as well as network with other HRW interns, volunteers, and employees. As an HRW intern, students will take skills acquired in school and apply them in a professional setting.
- Research: The intern will conduct various short and long-term desk research assignments, mostly focusing on HRW’s Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) work, using sources in English and Arabic. The intern may have the opportunity to help HRW staff conduct phone and/or in-person interviews with victims of and witnesses to human rights violations under close staff supervision and guidance. The intern may have opportunities to attend conferences and events in Amman related to ongoing projects. The intern will learn how to use databases and contribute to the production and release of reports and press releases.
- Monitoring and Advocacy: The intern will monitor and summarize political and policy developments in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. The intern may have opportunities to attend internal advocacy strategy meetings.
- Excellent oral and written command of English and Arabic are essential.
- Applicants should demonstrate precise attention to detail, the ability to follow through, conscientiousness about checking one’s own work, a positive attitude, a proactive approach, and good judgment.
- Applicants should be well-organized, self-motivated, and reliable with a strong interest in human rights. Computer skills (i.e., Microsoft Office, internet applications) are required.