Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is seeking applicants to intern with the Advocacy team. The Geneva-based internship will focus on the activities of the advocacy team before, during and after the 32nd Human Rights Council session and 26th Universal Periodic Review, as well as various Treaty Body reviews and other meetings. The intern will be an active member of HRW's UN Advocacy Division, interning closely with other staff members to support advocacy activities. The internship will involve:
- Researching human rights issues concerning the Human Rights Council session
- Taking notes during Human Rights Council sessions, UPR and other UN meetings
- Attending negotiations of draft resolutions and de-briefing the team afterwards
- Drafting correspondence and advocacy materials related to the Council and HRW advocacy goals
- Organizing advocacy meetings and side-events at the Council
- Assisting in some administrative tasks related to HRW's advocacy activities
Ideally, the candidate will intern for three months starting in May 2016, with a possibility for extension, and intern five days a week with flexible working hours.
This internship is unpaid. However, interns may be reimbursed for their lunch and local travel costs as pre-approved by HRW and 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 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.
Qualifications: Strong proven oral and written communications skills in both English and French, other languages are an asset. Computer skills (Microsoft Office, Outlook, and Internet) are required. The successful applicant will be a disciplined self-starter and a strong team player. Applicants should be well-organized, self-motivated, reliable and will have a demonstrated commitment to human rights and/or international issues and the ability to master and represent well the mission and program of HRW. Knowledge of the UN system would be an asset.
Applicants who are offered an internship, but who are not Swiss or EU citizens, or in possession of a valid student visa, must apply for a working visa through a sponsoring organization. This process can take several weeks and applicants will have to incur their own costs.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please apply immediately (no calls or email inquiries, please) by emailing a letter of interest specifying language skills, a resume, two names or letters of reference, and a brief writing sample (unedited by others and no longer than 4 pages) to advocjobs@hrw.org. Please use“Internship GVA Advocacy” in the subject line of your email. Due to the large number of applications expected, we regret that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
