Human Rights Fellowship, Human Rights Watch, U.S.A. (2018)

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.

- Fellows typically work full-time for one year in Human Rights Watch’s New York or Washington, D.C. office. In some instances other locations may be considered. The Fellowship begins in September 2018.
- Fellows monitor human rights developments in various countries, conduct on-site investigations, draft reports on human rights conditions, and engage in advocacy and media outreach aimed at publicizing and curtailing human rights violations.
- Past fellows have conducted research and advocacy on numerous different issues in countries all over the world. Examples include projects on: police corruption and access to justice in Liberia; accessibility for people with disabilities in Russia; youth in solitary confinement in US prisons; hazardous child labor in artisanal gold mining in Tanzania; police abuse of gay men in Kyrgyzstan.

Eligibility

Education
Recent graduates (at the Master’s level) in the fields of law, journalism, international relations, area studies, or other relevant disciplines from universities worldwide. LL.Ms are also eligible. Graduates with LL.B. degrees or advanced degrees in other relevant disciplines may also be considered. For this cycle, we will consider Finberg Fellowship applicants with degrees received after January 2015 and before August 2018 as “recent graduates.”

Experience
Prior research experience, including experience conducting interviews, ideally in the context of human rights research, is required.

Related Skills and Knowledge
- Demonstrated strong background in international human rights and commitment to building a career in human rights are required.
- Excellent oral and written communications skills in English are required.
- Proficiency in one language in addition to English is strongly desired as is familiarity with countries or regions where serious human rights violations occur.
- Self-motivation, ability to multi-task effectively, including having good planning and organizing skills and ability to work under pressure are required.
- Strong initiative and follow-through, exceptional analytical skills, the capacity to think creatively and strategically, excellent editing skills, perseverance and flexibility while maintaining HRW’s high methodological standards are required.
- Strong interpersonal skills in order to work collaboratively within HRW, as well as with external partners, are required.
- Ability to make sound decisions consistent with functions is required.

Fellowship

The salary for 2018-2019 fellows is US $60,000, plus excellent employer-paid benefits. HRW will pay reasonable relocation expenses and will assist employees in obtaining necessary work authorization, if required; citizens of all nationalities are encouraged to apply.

Further details:
Human Rights Fellowship, Human Rights Watch, U.S.A. (2018)