Advocacy Department and Communications Divisions Intern

Advocacy Department and Communications Divisions Intern

Application Deadline: 22 November 2024

Internship Description: The Advocacy Department and Communications Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is currently seeking a master's degree student intern for its Paris office. Ideally, the intern will be available full-time 35 hours per week, for six months, starting in early January 2025 (dates and times are flexible).

Responsibilities The student will intern closely with members of the Advocacy and Communications team, especially the France Director, the Advocacy Coordinator, and the Press Officer in Paris. The internship will primarily focus on the following activities:

Advocacy

• Monitoring official statements and developments on thematic and geographic issues;
• Supporting with the distribution of press releases and talking points to relevant authorities;
• Helping organize and attending meetings with decision makers and NGOs;
• Drafting meeting reports to ensure reporting and follow up;
• Conducting desk research and drafting various advocacy documents such as memos and briefing documents; and
• Assisting with translating documents from and to French and English.

Communications

• Drafting posts for social media to promote HRW’s publications in French;
• Monitoring other organizations’ and media’s publications on social media and helping strategize our own publications;
• Assisting with translating our daily newsletter in French;
• Monitoring media coverage for HRW’s publications in French media;
• Supporting with updating our press lists and research journalists who are covering certain topics;
• Collaborating with the team to pitch HRW press releases and reports to journalists; and
• Participating in organizing of press conferences and media briefings.

This internship is best suited for individuals interested in gaining experience within a small office of a large, well-organized, international non-profit organization. In order to provide a valuable and well-rounded internship experience, interns may attend planning and department staff meetings and may have the opportunity to attend in-house trainings and briefings. 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:

• Currently enrolled Master's Degree student (Bac +4 or +5) studying Geopolitics, Political Science, International Relations, International Law, Journalism, or any other related fields are highly preferred;
• Perfect command of French (oral and written) and advanced English skills are required;
• Knowledge of French and international media and institutions and the French association landscape is essential;
• Some experience in an association and/or experience abroad is desirable; and
• Well-organized, self-motivated, and reliable applicants with a strong interest in human rights are highly preferred.

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

Compensation: Interns will receive an allowance of 5.50 euros per hour of office attendance. Human Rights Watch will also reimburse 50% of the intern’s transportation costs. 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, letter of interest, and writing sample (all documents in French). 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 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.