LGBT Rights Program (ECA) Intern 

Application Deadline: 2 August 2026

Human Rights Watch’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Rights Program is seeking an intern for the Berlin office to support its work in the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region. The intern will focus on monitoring LGBT rights in ECA, conducting targeted research on law and policy in the region, and preparing written products.

Ideally, the candidate will be available 3-5 days per week (minimum 20 hours a week) beginning 1 September 2026 for three months (dates and hours are flexible), with the possibility to extend the internship a maximum of three months.

The candidate must be an enrolled student for the duration of the internship term and be eligible for a pflichtpraktikum, i.e. this should be a mandatory internship in relation to their studies.

Responsibilities:

1. Conducting various short and long-term desk research assignments on human rights law and policy in the ECA region;
2. Monitoring and summarizing LGBT rights developments in the ECA region;
3. Attending virtual and in-person conferences and events in order to complement their ongoing research tasks as the opportunity arises;
4. Joining meetings and interviews with allied civil society organizations and other actors in order to advance their research tasks and skills when appropriate;
5. Participating in remote interviews with victims of or witnesses to human rights violations under close supervision and guidance from Human Rights Watch (HRW) staff;
6. Attending internal strategy meetings to shape Human Rights Watch’s research and advocacy as the opportunity arises;
7. Depending on the candidate’s background and interest, the intern may collaborate with the LGBT Rights Program to shape HRW's work on a new LGBT rights issue or national context; and
8. Other related assignments will be given as they arise.

Students may also have opportunities to attend internal staff meetings, external 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. Currently enrolled student in law, international relations, political science, or related field.
2. Eligible for a "pflichtpraktikum" i.e. mandatory internship in relation to their study program. 
3. Background or strong interest in human rights, generally, and LGBT rights specifically, is highly preferred.
4. Strong writing and research skills are highly desirable. The candidate is encouraged to submit a writing sample on human rights, or a related field.
5. Full professional proficiency in English is required.
6. Advanced proficiency in Turkish, Russian, Ukrainian, Georgian, and/or Armenian is highly desirable. Any other language skills are desirable.
7. Computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite) are required.
8. Applicants should demonstrate precise attention to detail, a positive attitude, a proactive approach, and good judgment.

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

Compensation: Internship compensation varies by jurisdiction based on local laws and HRW policy. Interns based in Germany will receive a gross monthly stipend of EUR 556 to help offset living expenses in accordance with HRW policy. This gross stipend will be prorated per month to account for the intern’s schedule. 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 and 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.