Safety and Security Team Intern
Multiple Locations Considered
Application Deadline: November 30, 2022
The Safety and Security Team of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking an advanced undergraduate student (either a junior or a senior) or first year graduate student to intern part-time in one of our US offices (New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, San Francisco), though other locations throughout the US will be considered. While the ideal candidate is US-based, they will be expected to work across time zones and with staff based around the world. The Safety and Security Team works across the organization to address the safety and security needs of all staff, including when conducting research, organizing events, or risks related to an increased profile due to affiliation with HRW. Ideally, the candidate will be available for 20 hours per week for 3 months starting in late January-early February 2023 through late April-early May 2023 (dates and times are flexible). It is preferable that the intern has morning hours (8-12 EST) available.
Due to COVID-19, many of our offices remain are operating in reduced capacity. HRW prioritizes the safety of our interns. In locations that have eased office restrictions and are open at a limited capacity, interns are not expected to report to the office and remote arrangements will remain an option for the foreseeable future. However, interns may have the option of reporting to an office on a voluntary basis in accordance with HRW’s COVID-19 policies.
Responsibilities: This internship will support both the physical and information security teams as they work to solidify best practices within the NGO security sector at HRW. This will include tasking around travel security planning, personal security planning, office security planning, and the development and updating of an internal risk matrix.
The intern will primarily focus on:
- Learning about and being exposed to a variety of security planning situations (including around personal, travel, and office security), through attending group and individual calls, and drafting meeting minutes. The intern will work closely with the operational security advisor and information technologist to revise and finalize those minutes into formal plan documents;
- Conducting independent, desk research to provide background for travel security plans and office security plans in anticipation of scheduled calls;
- Supporting the finalization of an internal organizational risk matrix and the routine review and updating of country risk ratings within this matrix; and
- Other projects may be assigned as they arise and match the intern’s interests and abilities.
This is an exciting opportunity to see how the “behind the scenes” work is conducted at an international organization. Students may also have opportunities to attend lectures, trainings, 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.
Qualifications:
- Applicants must be enrolled undergraduate or graduate-level students for the duration of the internship.
- Proficient oral and written communication skills in English; proficiency in other languages, preferably Arabic, French, or Spanish, is highly desirable but not required;
- Well-organized, self-motivated, and reliable candidate;
- Previous desk research experience an asset;
- Interest in the security sector and a desire to learn more about the operational workings of an NGO, with an understanding of, and a strong interest in international human rights;
- Experience with Microsoft Excel.
- Applicants who are offered an internship must possess valid work authorization in the United States for the duration of the internship.
Salary: Interns will be paid an hourly wage of USD 17.00 per hour. Human Rights Watch offers twenty (20) days of vacation prorated per year pursuant to the work schedule. Students may be able to arrange academic credit, as Human Rights Watch internships often offer direct exposure to the workings of an international human rights organization, close supervision by HRW staff, and interaction with other US 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 job portal at: https://careers.hrw.org and attaching a CV/resume, letter of interest, and a writing sample. 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.
