The Environment and Human Rights Program (“EHR”) of Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is seeking an enthusiastic and qualified current undergraduate student in communications, human rights, environmental health, or a related field to intern part-time in the New York or Washington, D.C. offices for the Spring 2018 semester. The student will intern closely with EHR’s director to contribute to building the program's media presence and focus on media projects related to EHR’s research priorities. Ideally, the intern will be available beginning in February 2018 until May 2018 (dates are flexible).
Internships are unpaid. Students are often able to arrange academic credit, as HRW internships offer direct exposure to the workings of an international human rights organization, close supervision by the HRW staff, interaction with other international organizations and foreign and domestic government officials, and opportunities to attend lectures, trainings, and special events relating to human rights. Students should check with their individual academic institutions for requirements.
- Media monitoring: The intern will monitor media coverage of HRW research projects and track new developments.
- Research: The intern will conduct desk research on journalists reporting on environment and human rights issues. The intern will also help identify future newsworthy events that could be potential media pegs for written products.
- Social media: The intern will contribute to building EHR’s social media presence, including compiling suggested tweets and Facebook posts of relevant articles and researching new accounts to engage over social media.
- Other projects related to research, media outreach, and writing may be assigned as the opportunity arises.
- Candidates should be well-organized, self-motivated, strong writers, and good team players. Candidates interested in learning about human rights related to environmental issues are encouraged to apply. Interest and/or experience in journalism, human rights, and/or social media is desirable. Strong written and oral command of English is essential. Fluency in a second language is a plus. Computer skills (i.e., Microsoft Office, internet applications) are required.
- Applicants who are offered an internship, but who are not US permanent residents, US citizens, or in possession of a valid student visa, must apply for a J-1 visa through a sponsoring organization. This process can take several weeks and applicants will have to incur their own costs.