Africa Division Intern (Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia)

The Africa Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking a university student intern based in the Johannesburg office beginning April 2026 through August 2026. Ideally, the candidate should be available to intern part-time, 18-20 hours per week, for the duration of the internship. The internship will primarily focus on ongoing projects and research in Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia.

1. →Conducting desk research including small research assignments;
2. →Monitoring media and compiling reports on news relating to Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia;
3. →Conducting data analysis and identifying and understanding key issues;
4. →Drafting documents regarding issues in Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia;
5. →Attending and supporting in the planning of substantive meetings; and
6. →Other projects may be assigned as they arise and match the intern's interests and abilities.

Students may also have opportunities to attend lectures, trainings, professional development workshops, and/or special events relating to human rights, as well as network with other HRW interns, volunteers, and employees. As an HRW intern, students will take skills acquired in school and apply them in a professional setting.

1. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program for the durations of the internship term.
2. Proficient reading and writing abilities in English are essential.
3. A strong interest in Human Rights, specifically concerning Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia, is essential.
4. Relevant coursework is highly desirable.
5. Applicants should be well-organized, self-motivated, and reliable, with strong attention to detail.
6. Computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office, Excel, internet applications) and experience completing internet research are essential.

Compensation: Internship compensation varies by jurisdiction based on local laws and HRW policy. Interns in South Africa will receive a gross monthly stipend of R 6,000 per month, which will be pro-rated based on internship hours, to help offset living expenses in accordance with HRW policy. Students may also be able to arrange academic credit, as HRW internships may offer direct exposure to the workings of an international human rights organization, close supervision by HRW staff, and interaction with other international organizations and foreign and domestic government officials. Students should check with their individual academic institutions for requirements.

How to Apply: Please apply immediately by visiting our online job portal at: https://careers.hrw.org and attaching a CV/resume, letter of interest/cover letter, and a brief writing sample. No calls or email inquiries, please. Only complete applications will be reviewed. Due to the large number of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted further.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application submission, please email internships@hrw.org. Due to the large response, application submissions via email will not be accepted and inquiries regarding the status of applications will go unanswered.

Human Rights Watch is strong because it is diverse. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Human Rights Watch does not discriminate on the basis of disability, age, gender identity and expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or criminal record. We welcome all kinds of diversity. Our employees include people who are parents and nonparents, the self-taught and university educated, and from a wide span of socio-economic backgrounds and perspectives on the world. Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer.

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.