Asia Division Intern

Application Deadline: 11 August 2024

The Asia Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking student interns in the Tokyo office. Ideally, the interns will be available part-time from September 2024 through the end of March 2025. The interns will focus on projects surrounding domestic and international issues of Japan.

Students will also have opportunities to attend lectures, trainings, professional development workshops, 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.

Responsibilities:

The internship will mainly focus on assisting with HRW research on domestic and international human rights issues related to Japan, as well as with advocacy on those issues. The interns will build skills in conducting desk research, analyzing data, and organizing advocacy efforts regarding issues in Asia and beyond. The interns may have opportunities to attend external meetings with staff in the Asia division. Other projects may be assigned as they arise and match the student’s interests and abilities.

Qualifications:

Interns must be undergraduate students for the duration of the internship term. Students with relevant coursework in human rights are encouraged to apply. Applicants should be well-organized, self-motivated and reliable, with strong attention to detail. A demonstrated strong interest in human rights is highly desirable. Computer skills (Microsoft Office, Excel, internet applications) and internet research skills are essential. Advanced level proficiency in Japanese and English (both in writing and speaking) is highly desirable.

Applicants who are offered an internship must possess valid work authorization in Japan for the duration of the internship.

Compensation:

Interns will receive a gross stipend of 800 yen per day that they are in the office for lunch expenses in accordance with HRW policy and the intern. Interns will be reimbursed up to 2000 yen per day they are in the office for transportation. Students are often able to arrange academic credit, as HRW internships may offer direct exposure to the workings of an international human rights organization, close supervision by the HRW staff, and interaction with other U.S and 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 portal at: https://careers.hrw.org and attaching a CV/resume, letter of interest, and a writing sample in both Japanese and English. 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 based anywhere 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.