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Communications Intern

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Communications Intern

Application Deadline: 23 September 2024

The Communications Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is currently seeking an undergraduate or graduate student with an interest in media and communications to intern for the Spring 2024 semester in the Sydney office. The student will intern closely with staff in the Communications Division and learn about media monitoring and strategy. Ideally, the candidate will be available 10 hours per week beginning in October through December 2024 (dates and time are flexible).

Responsibilities:

The internship will primarily focus on:

  1. Analyzing HRW’s media mentions using analytics tools;
  2. Drafting briefing documents to be used as a resource by researchers and directors;
  3. Conducting desk research to expand and maintain lists of journalists reporting on human rights issues; and
  4. Other projects (e.g. research and media outreach), may be assigned as they arise and match the intern’s interests.

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 school and apply them in a professional setting.

Qualifications: The intern must be an enrolled student for the duration of the internship. Students studying journalism, political science, communications, or another relevant field are strongly encouraged to apply. This position is best suited for individuals interested in interning in a large, well-organized, international non-profit organization.

  1. Applicants should be well-organized, self-motivated, reliable, sensible, and quick-thinking with strong analytical skills. 
  2. A demonstrated strong interest in news media is required and a demonstrated strong interest in international human rights and social media is desirable.
  3. Previous experience with media, communications, and data analysis is not required.
  4. Excellent oral and written command of English is essential. 
  5. Proficiency in a second language is a plus with preference given to Arabic and Chinese.
  6. Computer skills (i.e., Microsoft Office, internet applications) are required.

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

Compensation: Interns will be reimbursed up to $15 per day for lunch if they are in the office and up to $20 per day for transportation if they are in the office. 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.

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