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LGBT Rights Program Intern

Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

LGBT Rights Program Intern 

Application Deadline: 19 June 2025

General Description:

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Rights Program of Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is seeking an undergraduate or graduate student to intern part-time in our Nairobi office.

Ideally, the candidate will be available for a minimum of 30 hours per week beginning in mid-July 2025 until January 2026, (dates and hours are flexible). The intern will assist the LGBT Rights Program with several projects focused on LGBT rights in Africa, including monitoring the anti-LGBT legislation in Ghana, conducting background research, in-depth case studies of rights violations, and preparing written products.

Responsibilities:

The internship will focus on the following:

  • Conducting short-term desk research assignments and basic legal research using available resources including reviewing media, policy papers, academic reports, and using complex research tools such as specific legal libraries and platforms;
  • Monitoring legislation and the Ghanaian policies related to human rights (specifically women and minorities);
  • Conducting remote interviews with victims of and witnesses to human rights violations, under close staff supervision and guidance;
  • Executing data-analysis, identifying and understanding key issues, and supporting in the drafting of a basic level report;
  • Compiling case histories and researching relevant state policies;
  • Presenting information in a compelling manner;
  • Taking part in some basic advocacy strategy meetings, and attending remote conferences and events related to ongoing projects; and
  • Assisting with the production and release of reports, press releases, and other written products.

Additional Opportunities:

The intern 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: 

Education:

  • Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited undergraduate/graduate program for the duration of the internship term.
  • Recent graduates are also eligible to apply.

Related Skills and Knowledge:

  • Strong interest in gender and sexual minorities issues in Africa, particularly related to LGBT in West and Central Africa;
  • Demonstrated commitment to human rights/or international issues and relevant coursework is highly desirable;
  • Proficiency and/or Knowledge of French is preferred.
  • Computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office, internet applications) and experience completing social science research; and
  • 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 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 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.

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