Human Rights Watch's ("HRW") Terrorism and Counterterrorism Program is seeking a qualified current graduate student (J.D. preferred) to intern with HRW's counterterrorism advisor in the organization's New York office. The counterterrorism advisor is a lawyer and former journalist who works on US detention and national security issues. She researches and writes reports and also advises on how to use the media to shape public opinion on the importance of incorporating human rights into US counterterrorism policy. The intern will engage directly with the counterterrorism advisor on a variety of issues but primarily will conduct factual and legal research on issues concerning US counterterrorism issues, as well as help with the promotion of HRW's advocacy goals, through the press and social media.
The internship is unpaid. However, the close level of supervision, exposure to important issues and the inner workings of a large human rights organization, as well as opportunities to attend lectures, trainings and special events related to human rights, often enable students to arrange for academic credit. Students should check with their individual academic institutions for requirements.
Qualifications: Applicants should be well-organized, self-motivated and reliable, and have demonstrated research experience. Relevant coursework in national security, familiarity with US counterterrorism policies, and work towards a law degree, are a plus. Computer skills (i.e., Microsoft Office, Excel, Internet applications) are required. Experience with more advanced computer programs that can assemble graphics and compile statistics is highly desirable. The intern must be an enrolled student for the duration of the internship (i.e. if they are on summer break they must be resuming classes at the end of the summer).
Applicants who are offered an internship, but who are not US permanent residents, US citizens, or in possession of a valid student visa, must apply for a J-1 visa through a sponsoring organization. This process can take several weeks and applicants will have to incur their own costs.
The internship will run roughly from late May/early June to August/September. Specific start and end dates are negotiable. Intern will be expected to work at least 10 hours per week with additional hours dependent on availability.
