Human Rights First builds respect for human rights and the rule of law to help ensure the dignity to which everyone is entitled and to stem intolerance, tyranny, and violence. More »
New York Internship Program
New York Office
January 2008
Human Rights First believes that building respect for human rights and the rule of law will help ensure the dignity to which every individual is entitled and will stem tyranny, extremism, intolerance, and violence.
Human Rights First protects people at risk: refugees who flee persecution, victims of crimes against humanity or other mass human rights violations, victims of discrimination, those whose rights are eroded in the name of national security, and human rights advocates who are targeted for defending the rights of others. Human Rights First works to prevent violations against these groups and to seek justice and accountability for violations against them.
Human Rights First is practical and effective. We advocate for change at the highest levels of national and international policymaking. We seek justice through the courts. We raise awareness and understanding through the media. We build coalitions among those with divergent views. And we mobilize people to act.
About the Internship Program
Human Rights First welcomes a limited number of interns in its New York office throughout the year. Positions are often available in our five program areas as well as other departments. During the academic year, interns typically commit to 10 – 12 hours a week for a minimum 10-week period. During the summer most interns work full-time. Internships are open to undergraduate, graduate and law school students and recent graduates. Interns engage in a variety of substantive ongoing projects. The precise nature of the work varies by program; examples of work include:
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Research, analysis and drafting of memoranda on substantive and procedural issues, legal issues and legislative matters;
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Documenting and reporting on human rights conditions;
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Supporting program staff on broader advocacy initiatives, including research, preparation of advocacy materials and assisting with outreach to designated constituencies;
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Bluebooking, proof-reading and cite-checking legal filings, memoranda, briefing materials and publications.
Human Rights First is unable to offer funding for internships. Many interns are able to find funding through their schools.
2008 Everett Public Service Internships: This year, the Everett Public Service Internship Program is placing four summer interns in the offices of Human Rights First - two in our NY office and two in Washington, DC. If you wish to be considered for an Everett Internship, please indicate as much in your cover letter. All HRF internship positions are eligible, provided that the individual intern meets the Everett Public Service Internship Program's requirements.
For more information, please visit http://www.everettinternships.org/
NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE
Application Procedure
Please submit your resume and cover letter via e-mail to interns_ny@humanrightsfirst.org. We kindly ask that you specify your preferred program/department in the subject line of your e-mail and submit all documents as attachments. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Unfortunately, due to the large volume of applications we receive we are only able to contact those candidates selected for an interview.
Preferred qualifications: strong interest in and commitment to human rights; excellent written and oral communication skills; experience working and/or living abroad; fluency in one or more foreign languages; and a sense of humor.
Internships are available in the following program areas and departments (see individual descriptions for specific requirements):
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Communications Department
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Development Department (special events)
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Fighting Discrimination Program
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Law & Security Program (law students only)
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Refugee Protection Program (law students only)