Fellowship opportunity at the Human Rights Watch
The Alan R. and Barbara D. Finberg Fellowship is open to candidates who hold an advanced (graduate) degree or have a degree granted by June 2024 in the fields of law, journalism, international relations, area studies, or other relevant disciplines from universities worldwide. Human Rights Watch welcomes applications from people of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, women, LGBTI persons, and persons with disabilities.
Deadline: 9 October 2023
The successful candidate may have the option to work remotely but may be expected to work from the office. Citizens of all nationalities are encouraged to apply.
JOB DESCRIPTION
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 where HRW has an office may be considered. The fellowship begins in September 2024.
Fellows monitor human rights developments in various countries, conduct on-site/in-office investigations, draft reports and/or other materials 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: international alternatives to immigration detention; migrant workers’ rights in Gulf countries; barriers to secondary education for Syrian refugee children in Jordan ; hazardous child labor in artisanal gold mining in Tanzania; threats to local communities from unrehabilitated coal mines in South Africa; and the private takeover of public housing in New York City.
Human Rights Watch will ensure that fellows receive training and mentorship, including regular and timely feedback and guidance on professional growth. Human Rights Watch is committed to ensuring a balanced workload for Fellows and monitoring staff well-being.
QUALIFICATIONS
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 another 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 to work collaboratively within HRW, as well as with external partners, are required.
- Demonstrated awareness of and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations are required.
- Ability to make sound decisions consistent with functions is required.
Salary and Benefits: The salary range for 2024-2025 fellows is US $70,000, plus excellent employer-paid benefits. HRW will pay reasonable relocation expenses and will assist employees in obtaining necessary work authorization, if required.
APPLICATION
Apply on the online job portal.
Attach a CV/resume, letter of interest, and a brief writing sample (unedited by others).
Successful applicants should be available for an interview from mid-December 2023 to early January 2024.
Find more information here.
