Development & Outreach Department Intern

Human Rights Watch (HRW) is responsible for protecting and promoting the human rights of people around the world, including pushing for an end to human rights abuses and advocating for accountability and effective remedies where violations occur.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking two students for an internship with our Development & Outreach Department, in the Sydney office. Ideally, the interns will be available part-time, to intern up to 20 hours per week, for three months, beginning in mid-February 2027 through end of April 2027. There is some flexibility with the start date and there is a possibility of extending. Interns must be based within commuting distance of the Sydney office and will be expected to work from the Sydney office at least 2 days per week (Tuesdays and Thursdays).

Interns will be offered a range of tasks that cover elements of the work carried out by the Development & Outreach Departments. Outreach and development related tasks include:

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   Utilizing databases for supporting with tasks relating to event planning;

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   Supporting with fundraising and outreach events;

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   Collaborating with the team to cultivate individual donors, foundations, and corporations, mainly based in Sydney and Melbourne; and

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   Other projects may be assigned as they arise and when they match the intern’s interests.

Interns are offered the opportunity to participate in the collegial atmosphere of all aspects of daily Human Rights Watch Sydney office activities. When possible, interns are invited to join weekly HRW staff meetings, online meetings with global development colleagues, and to attend external HRW events, which could include donor meetings, receptions, public briefings and the Voices for Justice Dinner. Students will also have opportunities to attend lectures, trainings, professional development workshops, as well as network with other HRW interns, volunteers, and employees. As an HRW intern, students will take skills acquired from their educational institution and apply them in a professional setting.

This position is best suited for tertiary students interested in interning in a large, well-organized, international non-profit organization.

1. Applicants must be currently enrolled students for the duration of the internship term;

2. Applicants should have strong organizational skills, a proactive approach to projects, and demonstrate reliability with a strong interest in international human rights is required;

3. Experience with fundraising, media, social media, government relations, event planning, and Salesforce is desirable; and

4. Computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office) are strongly preferred. 

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.