Africa Division Intern

Application Deadline: 27 August 2026

The Africa Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking an intern based in the Nairobi office. The internship will primarily focus on ongoing projects and research in Uganda and Tanzania and support those teams as needed. Ideally, the intern should be available part-time 18-35 hours per week, beginning in early October 2026 through January 2027 (dates and times are flexible).

Responsibilities

1. Conducting desk research, including legal and background research on human rights issues in Uganda and Tanzania;
2. Monitoring and compiling reports on Ugandan and Tanzanian news media;
3. Assisting in translating documents in Swahili when necessary;
4. Attending and providing support on internal meetings, including note and minute taking; and
5. Other projects may be assigned as they arise and match the intern’s interests and abilities.

Students may also have opportunities to attend lectures, trainings, professional development workshops, and/or 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 school and apply them in a professional setting.

Qualifications

1. Applicants can be currently enrolled undergraduate/graduate students or recent graduates from an accredited undergraduate/graduate program for the duration of the internship term.
2. Applicants should be well-organized, self-motivated and reliable, with strong attention to detail.
3. A strong interest in human rights is essential.
4. Relevant coursework is highly desirable. 
5. Proficient reading and writing skills in Swahili are required.
6. Proficient reading and writing skills in any indigenous Ugandan language is beneficial.
7. Computer skills (Microsoft Office, Excel, internet applications) and experience completing internet research are essential.

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

Compensation: 

Internship compensation varies by jurisdiction based on local laws and HRW policy. Interns in Kenya will receive a gross monthly stipend of KES 30,000 per month, which will be pro-rated based on internship hours, to help offset living expenses in accordance with HRW policy. Students may also be able to arrange academic credit, as Human Rights Watch internships often 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 our online job portal at: https://careers.hrw.org and attaching a CV/resume, letter of interest/cover letter, a brief writing sample (unedited by others), preferably as PDF Files. 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 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.