Internship Description: The Communications department of Human Rights Watch is currently seeking two students with journalism experience to intern in its New York office:

Media Coverage Intern

Assist staff in closely monitoring coverage of Human Rights Watch in English- and foreign-language media.  Drawing on internet research, this intern will help collect media hits, log them in a database, and assemble print-on-demand press packs for reports, to be used in evaluating impact and for development outreach. Familiarity with international media, and fluency in a Windows environment are required. Language skills are also advantageous, but not required. The successful applicant is detail-oriented, assertive and self-starting, unafraid to ask questions, an excellent time manager, and has a positive attitude.

Media List Intern

This intern will help conduct research to expand and maintain lists of journalists reporting on human rights issues, broadening the impact and reach of HRW's statements and reports.  Familiarity with the news media and writers at major publications is advantageous for this internship placement. Familiarity with international media, and fluency in a Windows environment are required. Language skills are also advantageous, but not required. The successful applicant is detail-oriented, assertive and self-starting, unafraid to ask questions, an excellent time manager, and has a positive attitude.

Other projects can be assigned as they arise and match the applicant's interests and abilities, including research, translation, web support and media outreach.

Internships are generally unpaid, although work-study funds are available.  Students are often able to arrange academic credit, as HRW internships offer direct exposure to the workings of an international human rights organization, close supervision by the HRW staff, interaction with other US and international organizations and foreign and domestic government officials, 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 exceptionally well-organized, self-motivated and reliable, with a strong interest in international human rights.  Familiarity working with journalists and knowledge of foreign languages (particularly Arabic and French) are both highly desirable.  Web and digital media skills are also a big plus.  Computer skills (i.e., Microsoft Office, database programs and internet applications) are required.  Interns must be available for 20 to 30 hours per week, and for a period of at least four months.

How to Apply: Please apply immediately (no calls or email inquiries, please) by emailing a letter of interest, résumé, contact information for two references, and a brief, unedited writing sample (of no more than two pages) to hrwpress@hrw.org.  Please use "Communications Internship Application" as the subject of your email, and specify in the body for which of the two internships you are submitting an application.  Only complete applications will be reviewed.

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.

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.