Europe & Central Asia Division Intern 

Application Deadline: 14 October 2026

Internship Description: The Europe and Central Asia (“ECA”) Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is currently seeking a student to intern in the Berlin office. Candidates are expected to intern directly from the Berlin office of HRW. Ideally, the candidate should be available to intern full-time, 35 hours per week, for three months beginning in either late October 2026 or early November 2026 (start date and schedule negotiable).

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.

The internship will focus on a broad range of human rights and rule of law issues across Europe and the post-Soviet space including developments in EU member states, UK, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and Turkey. The intern will gain a strong understanding of the work of the Europe and Central Asia Division and will intern closely with the divisional director, the division’s researchers and its advocacy staff.

Responsibilities:

1. Conducting background desk research, drafting research and advocacy materials, and monitoring and analyzing political, legal, and human rights developments across the region;

2. Assisting with preparing briefings, supporting outreach to government officials, diplomats, journalists, and civil society partners;

3. Depending on the focus of ongoing projects, the intern may have opportunities to participate in meetings, for instance in German government ministries and in parliament, attend external events, and contribute to rapid-response research; and

4. Other related assignments will be given as they arise and match the interns interest.

The intern 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: 

1. Eligible applicants include students enrolled in a university or other academic institutions for the duration of the internship term.

2. Applicants must be eligible for a pflichtpraktikum, i.e. this should be a mandatory internship in relation to their studies.

3. The successful candidate should have strong knowledge of the workings of the EU institutions and their policies.

4. Students with relevant coursework focusing on the EU, Eastern Europe, Russia, Ukraine and Central Asia, Turkey, human rights, and international law are strongly encouraged to apply.

5. Strong writing and research skills with previous experience in EU policy, human rights, or in countries of the region is highly desirable.

6. Fluency in speaking, reading, and writing in English is essential. Speaking, reading, and writing skills in German, is desirable.

7. Applicants should be well-organized, self-motivated, and reliable with a strong interest in human rights.

8. Computer skills (i.e., Microsoft Office, internet applications) are required.

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

Compensation: Interns 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, 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.