Human Rights Watch (HRW), Geneva
Intern
Deadline for application: as soon as possible

Human Rights Watch (HRW) 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. 

HRW is seeking applicants to intern with the Geneva Advocacy team. The Geneva-based internship will focus on the activities of the advocacy team before, during and after the 34th Human Rights Council session and 26th and 27th Universal Periodic Review, as well as various Treaty Body reviews and other meetings. Ideally, the candidate will intern for three months starting in the Winter 2016, with a possibility for extension, and intern five days a week with flexible hours.
Responsibilities
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 and its mechanisms.
• 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 with tasks related to HRW's advocacy activities.

This internship is unpaid. However, interns 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, 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 oral and written communications skills in English and French are an asset. 
• Computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office, Outlook) are required. 
• The successful applicant will be a disciplined self-starter and a strong team player.
• Applicants should be well-organized, self-motivated, and reliable and 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 human rights system is an asset.

Applicants who are offered an internship, but who are not Swiss or EU citizens or permanent residents, must possess a valid Swiss visa for the duration of the internship.
Equal Opportunity Employer

Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in its hiring practices and, in order to build the strongest possible workforce, actively seeks a diverse applicant pool.

• Vacancy on the HRW website.