Human Rights Watch Is Hiring: Africa Division Intern – Uganda and Tanzania | KES 30,000 Monthly Stipend
Human Rights Watch is hiring an Africa Division Intern to support research on Uganda and Tanzania. The Kenya-based internship offers a KES 30,000 monthly stipend. Apply by 27 August 2026.
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Human Rights Watch Africa Division Intern 2026
Human Rights Watch (HRW) is hiring an Africa Division Intern to support ongoing human rights research and projects focusing on Uganda and Tanzania.
The internship is based in the HRW Nairobi office and is suitable for currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate students as well as recent graduates.
The intern will support desk research, monitor news media, assist with Swahili translations, and contribute to meetings and other research activities.
📅 Application Deadline: 27 August 2026
💰 Monthly Stipend: KES 30,000 gross, pro-rated according to internship hours.
Internship Overview
| Opportunity | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Human Rights Watch |
| Position | Africa Division Intern |
| Focus | Uganda and Tanzania |
| Office | Nairobi |
| Internship Type | Part-time |
| Hours | 18–35 hours per week |
| Expected Start | Early October 2026 |
| Expected End | January 2027 |
| Stipend | KES 30,000 gross per month |
| Deadline | 27 August 2026 |
The internship dates and working hours are flexible, although applicants should ideally be available between 18 and 35 hours per week.
About Human Rights Watch
Human Rights Watch is an international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization known for conducting in-depth investigations, producing research and reports, and advocating for changes in policies and practices affecting human rights.
Interns have the opportunity to apply skills gained through their studies in a professional international human rights environment.
What Will the Africa Division Intern Do?
The successful intern will primarily support HRW projects and research relating to Uganda and Tanzania.
Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting desk research on human rights issues.
- Carrying out legal and background research.
- Monitoring Ugandan and Tanzanian news media.
- Compiling reports from news sources.
- Assisting with translation of documents in Swahili when necessary.
- Attending internal meetings.
- Taking notes and minutes during meetings.
- Supporting other projects that match the intern’s interests and abilities.
The role provides practical exposure to human rights research and international advocacy work.
Professional Development Opportunities
HRW interns may also have opportunities to participate in:
- Human rights lectures.
- Training sessions.
- Professional development workshops.
- Special events.
- Networking opportunities with HRW employees and other interns.
- Activities involving international organizations and government officials.
This can provide valuable exposure for students and recent graduates considering careers in human rights, international development, research, advocacy, policy, or international organizations.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants may be:
- Currently enrolled undergraduate students.
- Currently enrolled graduate students.
- Recent graduates from an accredited undergraduate or graduate programme.
Candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in human rights and be able to work independently and reliably.
Key Requirements
Applicants should have:
- Strong interest in human rights.
- Excellent organizational skills.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Self-motivation and reliability.
- Relevant academic coursework where applicable.
- Strong computer skills.
- Experience conducting internet-based research.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office and Excel.
- Proficient reading and writing skills in Swahili.
Knowledge of an indigenous Ugandan language is considered beneficial.
Kenya Work Authorization
Applicants who receive an internship offer must possess valid work authorization in Kenya for the duration of the internship.
Candidates should therefore ensure they meet this requirement before applying.
Human Rights Watch Internship Stipend
Internship compensation varies depending on jurisdiction and HRW policy.
For interns in Kenya, the advertised compensation is:
KES 30,000 Gross Per Month
The stipend will be pro-rated based on the number of internship hours and is intended to help offset living expenses.
Students may also be able to arrange academic credit through their educational institutions.
Why Consider This HRW Internship?
This opportunity could be valuable for students and recent graduates who want to build experience in:
- Human rights research
- International development
- Legal research
- Policy research
- Advocacy
- African affairs
- Journalism and media monitoring
- International organizations
- Human rights documentation
The Uganda and Tanzania focus also provides an opportunity to develop deeper knowledge of human rights issues in East Africa.
Application Requirements
Applicants should prepare:
- CV/resume
- Letter of interest or cover letter
- Brief writing sample
HRW requests that the writing sample be unedited by others and preferably submitted as a PDF.
Only complete applications will be reviewed.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply through the official Human Rights Watch recruitment portal.
Application Deadline: 27 August 2026
Official Vacancy – Apply Here:
https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/humanrightswatch/jobs/8687223002
Applicants should submit their applications as soon as possible and carefully review all requirements before applying.
HRW states that due to the large number of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Important Note for Applicants
The internship is based in Nairobi and focuses on research relating to Uganda and Tanzania. While the work itself involves these two countries, applicants must have valid authorization to work in Kenya for the internship period.
The ability to read and write Swahili is a required qualification, making this particularly relevant for candidates with strong Swahili language skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Human Rights Watch internship paid?
Yes. HRW states that interns in Kenya will receive a gross monthly stipend of KES 30,000, pro-rated according to internship hours.
What countries does this internship focus on?
The internship primarily supports HRW projects and research concerning Uganda and Tanzania.
Where is the internship based?
The internship is based at the Human Rights Watch Nairobi office in Kenya.
How many hours per week is the internship?
The preferred availability is 18–35 hours per week.
When does the internship start?
The internship is expected to begin in early October 2026 and continue through January 2027, with dates and times flexible.
Is Swahili required?
Yes. Proficient reading and writing skills in Swahili are required.
Can recent graduates apply?
Yes. HRW states that currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate students and recent graduates may apply.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 27 August 2026.
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Final Thoughts
The Human Rights Watch Africa Division Intern 2026 opportunity offers students and recent graduates a chance to gain practical experience supporting human rights research focused on Uganda and Tanzania.
With a KES 30,000 gross monthly stipend, opportunities for professional development, and exposure to an international human rights organization, the internship could be particularly valuable for candidates interested in human rights, research, policy and international development.
If you meet the requirements, particularly the Swahili language and Kenya work authorization requirements, consider submitting your application before 27 August 2026.
Disclaimer
ResearchJobsHub is an independent careers platform and is not affiliated with Human Rights Watch. Applicants should verify all vacancy information and submit applications through the official HRW recruitment portal.
