Internship – Middle East and North Africa Division, Human Rights Watch

Internship Description:

The Middle East and North Africa Division (“MENA”) of Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is currently seeking an intern in the Beirut office to focus on the following:

• Research: The intern will perform various short- and long-term research assignments using sources in English and Arabic and, with HRW staff, may conduct interviews over the phone and/or in person with victims of and witnesses to human rights violations. The intern will attend conferences and events in Beirut related to ongoing projects, assist with database management, and contribute in the production and release of reports and press releases.

• Monitoring and Advocacy: The intern will follow and report back on Syria and Lebanon political and policy developments and will also have the opportunity to attend internal advocacy strategy meetings.

Other duties and projects will be assigned as they arise. The student will intern closely with the Syria/Lebanon Researcher, the MENA Research Assistant, and the MENA Deputy Director. Ideally, the candidate will be available full-time for a minimum of three months. This internship starts on August 31st and ends on November 27th with the possibility of an extension.

The internship is unpaid. Students are may be able to arrange academic credit, as HRW internships often offer direct exposure to the workings of an international human rights organization, close supervision by the HRW staff, interaction with 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:

This position is open to graduates or students in law, social studies, international relations, political science, or related subjects with strong writing and research skills. Excellent oral and written command of English and Arabic are essential. Applicants should demonstrate precise attention to detail, the ability to follow instructions, conscientiousness about checking one’s own work, a positive attitude, a proactive approach, and good judgment. Applicants should be well-organized, self-motivated, and reliable with a strong interest in human rights and some familiarity with Syrian and Lebanese politics. Computer skills (i.e., Microsoft Office, internet applications) are required.

Location: Beirut, Lebanon

Application deadline: August 1, 2015

Read more and apply here.