Human Rights Watch (HRW) is inviting applications for an Africa Division Intern based in its Nairobi office, with the internship focusing on human rights research and projects in Uganda and Tanzania. The application deadline is August 27, 2026.
The internship offers students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience with an international human rights organization while supporting research, media monitoring and other projects related to Uganda and Tanzania.
The position is expected to begin in early October 2026 and continue through January 2027. The schedule is flexible, with HRW ideally seeking interns who can work between 18 and 35 hours per week.
Africa Division Intern: Key Details
- Organization: Human Rights Watch
- Position: Africa Division Intern
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Focus: Uganda and Tanzania
- Internship period: October 2026 to January 2027
- Hours: 18–35 hours per week
- Monthly stipend: KES 30,000 gross, pro-rated according to internship hours
- Application deadline: August 27, 2026
- Work authorization: Valid authorization to work in Kenya is required
What Will the Intern Do?
The successful candidate will support the Africa Division with research and other activities related to HRW’s work in Uganda and Tanzania.
Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting legal and background research on human rights issues in Uganda and Tanzania.
- Monitoring Ugandan and Tanzanian news media.
- Compiling reports and relevant information from media sources.
- Assisting with the translation of documents in Swahili when required.
- Attending internal meetings and assisting with note-taking and minute-taking.
- Supporting other projects based on the needs of the team and the intern’s interests and abilities.
Interns may also have opportunities to attend lectures, training sessions, professional development workshops and special events related to human rights.
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is open to currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent graduates from accredited undergraduate or graduate programs.
Human Rights Watch is seeking candidates who are:
- Well organized and reliable.
- Self-motivated and able to work independently.
- Detail-oriented.
- Strongly interested in human rights issues.
- Familiar with internet-based research.
- Comfortable using Microsoft Office, Excel and other computer applications.
Relevant academic coursework is highly desirable.
Language Requirements
Proficient reading and writing skills in Swahili are required.
Knowledge of an indigenous Ugandan language would be an additional advantage.
Work Authorization
Applicants who receive an internship offer must have valid work authorization in Kenya for the entire duration of the internship.
Human Rights Watch Internship Stipend
Interns based in Kenya will receive a gross monthly stipend of KES 30,000.
The stipend will be pro-rated according to the number of internship hours and is intended to help offset living expenses in accordance with Human Rights Watch policy and applicable local requirements.
Students may also be able to arrange academic credit for the internship through their educational institutions. Applicants interested in academic credit should check directly with their universities or colleges for applicable requirements.
Why Consider This Human Rights Internship?
The internship provides students and recent graduates with an opportunity to gain practical experience inside an international human rights organization.
The role combines research, media monitoring, legal research, translation and administrative support. Interns can also gain exposure to HRW staff, other interns and professionals working in the human rights sector.
For candidates interested in human rights, international affairs, law, journalism, research, African affairs or international organizations, the position could provide valuable professional experience.
How to Apply for the HRW Internship
Applicants should submit their applications through the Human Rights Watch online careers portal.
Human Rights Watch Careers Portal
Applicants should attach the following documents:
- CV or résumé
- Letter of interest or cover letter
- Brief writing sample, preferably submitted as a PDF and unedited by others
HRW advises candidates to apply as soon as possible rather than waiting until the deadline.
Only complete applications will be reviewed, and because of the large number of applications expected, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Candidates experiencing technical problems with the online application can contact internships@hrw.org. However, applications submitted by email will not be accepted.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the Human Rights Watch Africa Division Intern position is August 27, 2026.
The internship is scheduled to begin in early October 2026 and continue through January 2027, with dates and working hours offering some flexibility.
Interested students and recent graduates should review the eligibility requirements and submit a complete application through the HRW careers portal before the deadline.
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