Internship Description:  The Development and Outreach Department of Human Rights Watch ("HRW") in the Los Angeles office is seeking a current student to assist department staff with general departmental responsibilities including, but not limited to, writing acknowledgment letters and other correspondence; updating and maintaining department databases and files; and supporting the organization's community of volunteers and advocates.  The intern will help staff execute special events and other outreach initiatives.
 
This internship is best suited for those individuals interested in gaining experience within a large, well-organized, international non-profit organization.  Interns will gain knowledge of fundraising, event management and information tracking, as well as knowledge of the organization's priority human rights issues. 
 
Internships are unpaid.  Interns are required to commit to a minimum of 15 hours per week spread over two to three weekdays for a minimum of three months.  Academic credit can often be arranged as Human Rights Watch internships often offer direct exposure to the workings of an international human rights organization, close supervision by the Human Rights Watch staff, interaction with community activists and opportunities to attend lectures, trainings, and special events relating to human rights.  Students should check with their individual academic institutions for requirements.
 
Qualifications:  Applicants should be well-organized, self-motivated and reliable, with a strong interest in human rights.  Experience and/or interest in working with volunteers are preferred.  Availability for a minimum of 15 hours per week, three days per week and occasional night events is a must.  Computer skills (i.e. Microsoft Office, Internet applications) are required.  Graphic and web design experience is a plus.  The intern must be an enrolled student during the internship term.  
 
Applicants who are offered an internship, but who are not US permanent residents, US citizens, or in possession of a valid student visa, must apply for a J-1 visa through a sponsoring organization.  This process can take several weeks and applicants will have to incur their own costs.
 
How to Apply:  Please apply immediately by sending a letter of interest, resume, three names or letters of reference, and a brief, unedited writing sample (no calls or email inquiries, please) to LAjobs@hrw.org.  Please use "Development Internship Application" as the subject of your email.  Only complete applications will be reviewed.  
 
More information on the LA internship program can be found at: http://www.hrw.org/en/cities/la/internships
 
Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in its hiring practices and, in order to build the strongest possible workforce, actively seeks a diverse applicant pool.
 
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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.