LGBT Rights Program Intern at Human Rights Watch – Paid International Development Internship
LGBT Rights Program Intern at Human Rights Watch – Paid International Development Internship
Apply now for the LGBT Rights Program Intern position at Human Rights Watch. This paid internship is ideal for students passionate about human rights and international development jobs.
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Launch Your Human Rights Career with a Paid Internship
If you’re a student or recent graduate looking to launch your career in international development jobs or human rights advocacy, the LGBT Rights Program Internship at Human Rights Watch (HRW) in Nairobi, Kenya offers a career-shaping opportunity. This position provides hands-on experience in monitoring legislation, conducting research, and supporting advocacy initiatives across Africa, particularly in relation to LGBT rights.
With a strong emphasis on real-world skills, legal exposure, and international collaboration, this internship fits squarely within the interest area of those seeking United Nations job vacancies, remote UNDP roles, or careers in social justice and policy advocacy.
This is not just another unpaid opportunity. Human Rights Watch offers a monthly stipend of KES 30,000, making it one of the more competitive and supportive internships in the international development sector.
About Human Rights Watch and the LGBT Rights Program
Human Rights Watch is one of the world’s most respected international human rights advocacy organizations. The LGBT Rights Program is tasked with documenting violations against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people around the globe and advocating for their protection through legal and policy reform.
The Nairobi-based internship supports this program’s mission, focusing on key regions such as West and Central Africa, with a particular spotlight on countries like Ghana, where anti-LGBT legislation continues to pose severe risks to community safety and human rights.
Internship Responsibilities and Learning Objectives
Research and Monitoring Tasks
Interns will engage in a variety of research-based activities, including:
- Monitoring Ghanaian policies and anti-LGBT legislation
- Conducting desk research using legal and policy documents
- Reviewing academic literature, media reports, and government records
Field Data and Case Study Work
- Interviewing victims and witnesses (remotely) under staff supervision
- Compiling case histories and evaluating state responses to violations
- Contributing to report drafts and advocacy briefings
Advocacy and Strategic Planning
- Participating in strategy sessions with HRW staff
- Assisting in the release of reports, press releases, and campaigns
- Attending webinars, lectures, and internal training sessions
Ideal Candidate Profile
Human Rights Watch is looking for individuals with:
- Enrollment in or recent completion of an undergraduate or graduate program
- Strong interest in LGBT issues, human rights, or international development jobs
- Fluency in English; knowledge of French is an asset
- Excellent written communication and analytical skills
- Authorization to work in Kenya (HRW does not sponsor work permits)
This internship will run from mid-July 2025 to January 2026, with a flexible schedule of approximately 30 hours per week.
Compensation and Credit
Unlike many unpaid internships in the field of international affairs, this position offers a monthly stipend of KES 30,000(approx. USD 225), helping to offset living expenses in Nairobi. Students may also be eligible to earn academic credit based on their institution’s guidelines.
Interns will have opportunities to engage in high-level policy discussions, interact with senior researchers, and gain exposure to the real-world dynamics of global human rights work.
Why This Internship Stands Out
Whether you’re pursuing a future in UN jobs 2025, remote UNDP roles, or advocacy with international NGOs, this internship:
- Builds concrete research and advocacy skills
- Deepens your understanding of international legal frameworks
- Places you at the heart of one of the world’s leading human rights organizations
- Expands your global professional network
Many former HRW interns have gone on to secure full-time roles in UN agencies, international development organizations, or global advocacy campaigns. This is an excellent stepping stone into long-term opportunities in the United Nations system or broader human rights sector.
How to Apply for the LGBT Rights Program Intern Role
Interested candidates must apply online via Human Rights Watch’s job portal:
Apply Here: https://careers.hrw.org
Deadline to apply: 19 June 2025
You’ll need to submit the following documents:
- Updated CV or resume
- Cover letter outlining your interest in the internship and relevant experience
- A brief writing sample (1–2 pages)
Only complete applications submitted through the portal will be reviewed. Due to volume, HRW does not accept applications via email and will only contact shortlisted candidates.
Final Thoughts: A Gateway into Global Human Rights and Development
The LGBT Rights Program Intern position in Nairobi offers a rare opportunity to combine academic learning with real-world policy engagement. As international attention turns to UN jobs 2025, United Nations job vacancies, and inclusive global development, this internship is perfectly timed for young professionals who want to make a difference.
From legal monitoring to advocacy campaigning, this internship is ideal for those seeking meaningful experience in human rights research and advocacy—particularly in contexts of legal discrimination and social justice.
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