New

Europe & Central Asia Division Intern

Brussels, Belgium

Europe & Central Asia Division Intern

Application Deadline: 6 December 2024

Internship Description: The Europe and Central Asia (“ECA”) Division at Human Rights Watch (HRW) is currently seeking a student to intern in the Brussels office. Ideally, the candidate should be available to intern full-time 35 hours per week for six months beginning early January 2025 (start date and schedule negotiable). Interns are expected to work from the Brussels office of HRW.

Responsibilities:

The internship will focus on EU policy to address human rights and rule of law concerns in the ECA region, including in the European Union, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, the Western Balkans, and Turkey. The intern will gain a strong understanding of the work of the ECA division and will intern closely with the division’s researchers and its advocacy arm. The internship will primarily focus on conducting background desk research; drafting advocacy and research materials; participating in meetings with government and/or EU Officials, diplomats and parliamentarians; and supporting with contact and information datasheets.

Students will also have opportunities to attend lectures, trainings, professional development workshops, 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 university and through social commitment and apply them in a professional setting.

Qualifications:

Eligible applicants include students enrolled in a university or other academic institutions for the duration of the internship term. The successful candidate should have strong knowledge of the workings of the EU institutions and their policies. Students with relevant coursework focusing on the EU, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Western Balkans, Turkey, human rights, migration, and international law are strongly encouraged to apply.

Strong writing and research skills with previous experience in EU policy, human rights, or in countries of the region is highly desirable. Fluency in speaking, reading, and writing in English is essential. Speaking, reading, and writing skills in another European language is desirable. 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.

Applicants who are offered an internship must possess valid work authorization in Belgium for the duration of the internship.

Compensation: Interns who are currently enrolled students, completing this internship as a required part of their university program, must provide proof of external funding and will 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, 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 our 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 internships@hrw.org. 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 strong because it is diverse. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Human Rights Watch does not discriminate on the basis of disability, age, gender identity and expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or criminal record. We welcome all kinds of diversity. Our employees include people who are parents and nonparents, the self-taught and university educated, and from a wide span of socio-economic backgrounds and perspectives on the world. Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer.

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.