The Africa Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking an undergraduate student intern based in the Nairobi office. The intern will focus on HRW projects surrounding the Great Lakes region, including Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda. 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.
Responsibilities
The internship will consist primarily of:
📰 Monitoring the press and compiling reports on news from the Great Lakes region
🔍 Supporting on research assignments, data management, and analysis
📝 Drafting documents regarding issues in the Great Lakes region
🤝 Attending and supporting in the planning of substantive internal and external meetings
➕ Other projects may be assigned as they arise and match the student's interests and abilities
Students may also have opportunities to attend lectures, trainings, professional development workshops, and/or 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.
🌍 Also based in Kenya and worth a look: ESC Humanitarian Volunteering in 🇰🇪 Kenya supporting early childhood education → https://youthworkshub.org/21993
Who Can Apply
The intern must be an undergraduate student for the duration of the internship term. Applicants should be well-organized, self-motivated and reliable, with strong attention to detail. A strong interest in human rights and a firm understanding of the human rights situation in the Great Lakes are essential, and relevant coursework is highly desirable. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required, and excellent verbal and written command of Kiswahili and French is preferred. Computer skills (Microsoft Office, Excel, internet applications) and internet research skills are essential. Applicants who are offered an internship must possess valid work authorization in Kenya for the duration of the internship.
🔎 Another research-focused placement worth exploring: Editorial and Social Media Internship at IRK Magazine in 🇫🇷 France → https://youthworkshub.org/19102
The Details
🗓️ Duration: part-time, a minimum of 20 hours per week, beginning November 2026 through January 2027 (dates and times are flexible)
📍 Location: Nairobi, Kenya
💶 Compensation: interns in Kenya will receive a gross monthly stipend of KES 30,000 per month, pro-rated based on internship hours, to help offset living expenses in accordance with HRW policy
🎓 Academic credit: students are often able to arrange academic credit; students should check with their individual academic institutions for requirements
How to Apply
Please apply immediately by visiting the online job portal and attaching a CV/resume, letter of interest/cover letter, and a brief writing sample (unedited by others), preferably as PDF files. No calls or email inquiries. Only complete applications will be reviewed, and due to the large number of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted further.
Deadline
⏳ 28 August 2026
