Human Rights Watch (HRW) is inviting applications for an Africa Division Intern position based in Nairobi, Kenya, offering an undergraduate student the opportunity to gain practical experience working on human rights issues across the Great Lakes region.
The internship will focus on HRW projects relating to Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. The position is part-time, with a minimum commitment of 20 hours per week, and is expected to run from November 2026 through January 2027, although dates and working hours are flexible.
Applications close on 28 August 2026.
HRW Africa Division Internship 2027 Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Human Rights Watch |
| Position | Africa Division Intern |
| Location | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Region | Great Lakes |
| Countries covered | Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda |
| Contract type | Internship / Short-term assignment |
| Work arrangement | Part-time |
| Minimum hours | 20 hours per week |
| Expected period | November 2026 – January 2027 |
| Application deadline | 28 August 2026 |
| Eligible applicants | Undergraduate students |
| Monthly stipend | KES 30,000 gross, pro-rated according to hours |
| Work authorization | Valid authorization to work in Kenya required |
About the HRW Africa Division Internship
The Africa Division of Human Rights Watch is seeking an undergraduate student intern to support its work on human rights issues affecting the Great Lakes region of Africa.
The internship provides an opportunity to apply academic knowledge in a professional human rights environment while working alongside HRW staff and gaining exposure to research, analysis, data management and regional developments.
What Will the HRW Intern Do?
The successful intern will primarily support the Africa Division through research and analytical activities.
Responsibilities include:
- Monitoring press coverage and compiling reports on news from the Great Lakes region
- Supporting research assignments
- Assisting with data management and analysis
- Drafting documents concerning issues in the Great Lakes region
- Attending internal and external meetings
- Supporting the planning of substantive meetings
- Undertaking additional projects based on the intern’s interests and abilities
The internship may also provide opportunities to attend lectures, training sessions, professional development workshops and special events relating to human rights.
Interns can also network with other HRW interns, volunteers and employees.
Who Can Apply?
The position is specifically aimed at undergraduate students.
Applicants must remain undergraduate students for the entire duration of the internship.
HRW is seeking candidates who are:
- Well organized
- Self-motivated
- Reliable
- Detail-oriented
- Strongly interested in human rights
- Familiar with the human rights situation in the Great Lakes region
Relevant university coursework is considered highly desirable.
Language Requirements
Excellent oral and written English is required.
Strong verbal and written command of Kiswahili and French is preferred.
Candidates with language skills relevant to the Great Lakes region may therefore be particularly well suited to the position.
Technical Skills
Applicants should have strong computer and internet research skills.
The vacancy specifically identifies knowledge of:
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Excel
- Internet applications
- Internet research
as essential skills.
Work Authorization in Kenya
Candidates who are offered the internship must have valid work authorization in Kenya for the entire duration of the internship.
This is an important requirement for applicants who are not already authorized to work in Kenya.
HRW Internship Salary and Stipend
Internship compensation varies according to jurisdiction, local laws and HRW policy.
For interns in Kenya, Human Rights Watch states that the internship provides a gross monthly stipend of KES 30,000.
The stipend is pro-rated according to the number of internship hours and is intended to help offset living expenses.
Academic Credit and Professional Development
Students may be able to arrange academic credit for the internship, depending on the requirements of their educational institution.
The internship can provide direct exposure to the operations of an international human rights organization, close supervision from HRW staff and opportunities to interact with international organizations as well as foreign and domestic government officials.
Applicants should check with their individual universities or academic institutions regarding academic credit requirements.
How to Apply for the HRW Internship
Applicants should submit their applications through the Human Rights Watch online careers portal.
Candidates should attach:
- CV or resume
- Letter of interest or cover letter
- Brief writing sample that has not been edited by another person
HRW recommends submitting these documents as PDF files.
The organization asks applicants not to make phone calls or email inquiries about the position.
Only complete applications will be reviewed, and because HRW receives a large number of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
HRW Africa Division Internship Deadline
The application deadline is:
28 August 2026
The internship is expected to begin in November 2026 and run through January 2027, with flexible dates and working hours.
Applicants should apply as early as possible rather than waiting until the deadline.
Why Apply for This Human Rights Watch Internship?
The HRW Africa Division internship could be particularly valuable for students interested in:
- Human rights
- International development
- African affairs
- International relations
- Conflict and peace studies
- Political science
- Journalism
- Law
- Research
- Public policy
- Humanitarian affairs
- Data analysis
The role combines regional research, media monitoring, data management, writing and exposure to the work of an international human rights organization.
For students interested in careers in human rights and international affairs, the opportunity also offers practical experience and interaction with professionals working across the international development and human rights sectors.
Final Thoughts
The Human Rights Watch Africa Division Internship 2027 provides an opportunity for an undergraduate student in Nairobi to contribute to HRW’s work on the Great Lakes region while developing practical research, writing, analytical and data-management skills.
The internship focuses on Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, with a minimum commitment of 20 hours per week. Interns in Kenya will receive a gross monthly stipend of KES 30,000, pro-rated according to internship hours.
Applicants must remain undergraduate students throughout the internship and must have valid authorization to work in Kenya.
The application deadline is 28 August 2026.
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