The Africa Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking a student intern to be based in its Johannesburg Office

admin April 2, 2023

3 minutes read

DEADLINE: 15 April 2023

The Africa Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking a student intern to be based in its Johannesburg Office

The Africa Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking a student intern to be based in its Johannesburg Office. The intern will focus on gender-based violence and health rights in South Africa. Ideally, the intern will be available for a minimum of 10-15 hours per week from May to July 2023.

Interns are not expected to report to the office and remote arrangements will remain an option for the foreseeable future. However, interns may have the option of reporting to an office on a voluntary basis.

Responsibilities:

The internship will consist primarily of desk research on different aspects of women’s rights in South Africa, with a focus on enforced/coerced sterilization of women living with HIV. Other responsibilities may include other small research assignments, press monitoring and compiling reports, data management and analysis, and drafting documents regarding human rights issues in South Africa. The intern’s duties may also include attending external meetings. Other projects may be assigned as they arise that match the student’s interests and abilities.

The intern will also have opportunities to attend virtual lectures, trainings, professional development workshops, and/or special events relating to human rights, as well as network with other HRW interns, volunteers, and employees. The HRW intern will take skills acquired in school and apply them in a professional setting.

Qualifications:

The intern must be an enrolled student for the duration of the internship term. Applicants should be well-organized, self-motivated, and reliable, with strong attention to detail. A strong interest in human rights, specifically concerning South Africa and Southern Africa, is essential. Relevant coursework is highly desirable. Computer skills (Microsoft Office, Excel, internet applications) and internet research skills are essential. Proficient reading and writing abilities in English are essential.

Applicants who are offered an internship must possess valid authorization to intern in South Africa.

Compensation: Interns will receive a gross monthly stipend of R 6,000 per month, which will be pro-rated based on the number of hours they are in the “office”, to help offset living expenses in accordance with HRW policy. Students are often able to arrange academic credit, as HRW internships may offer direct exposure to the workings of an international human rights organization, close supervision by HRW staff, and interaction with other international organizations and foreign and domestic government officials. Students should check with their individual academic institutions for requirements.

How to Apply

Please apply immediately by visiting the online job portal at: https://careers.hrw.org and attaching a CV/resume, letter of interest/cover letter, and a brief writing sample.

No calls or email inquiries, please. Only complete applications will be reviewed. Due to the large number of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted further.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application submission, please email [email protected] Due to the large response, application submissions via email will not be accepted and inquiries regarding the status of applications will go unanswered.

Human Rights Watch is an international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization known for its in-depth investigations, its incisive and timely reporting, its innovative and high-profile advocacy campaigns, and its success in changing the human rights-related policies and practices of influential governments and international institutions.