Internship Opening Middle East And North Africa Division Beirut Office Fall - Winter 2016

Internship Description:  The Middle East and North Africa Division (“MENA”) of Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) is currently seeking an intern in the Beirut office to focus on the following: Research: The intern will assist with various short- and long-term research assignments using sources in English and Arabic and. Under the supervision of HRW staff, the intern may conduct interviews over the phone and/or in person with victims of and witnesses to human rights violations.  The intern will attend conferences and events in Beirut related to ongoing projects, assist with database management, and contribute in the production and release of reports and press releases. Monitoring and Advocacy: The intern will follow and report back on Syria and Lebanon political and policy developments and will also have the opportunity to attend internal advocacy strategy meetings.  Other duties and projects will be assigned as they arise. The student will intern closely with the Syria/Lebanon Researcher, the MENA Research Assistant, and the MENA Deputy Director. Ideally, the candidate will be available full-time for a minimum of three months.  This internship starts on December 1 and ends on the 28th of February, 2016, with the possibility of an extension. The internship is unpaid.  Students are often able to arrange academic credit, as HRW internships often offer direct exposure to the workings of an international human rights organization, close supervision by the HRW staff, interaction with international organizations and foreign and domestic government officials, and opportunities to attend lectures, trainings and special events relating to human rights. Students should check with their individual academic institutions for requirements. Applicants should demonstrate precise attention to detail, the ability to follow instructions, conscientiousness about checking one’s own work, a positive attitude, a proactive approach, and good judgment.  Applicants should be well-organized, self-motivated, and reliable with a strong interest in human rights and some familiarity with Syrian and Lebanese politics.  Computer skills (i.e., Microsoft Office, internet applications) are required. Applicants who are offered an internship, but who are not Lebanese permanent residents or Lebanese citizens, must possess a valid visa for the duration of the internship. The process of obtaining an appropriate visa can take several weeks and applicants will have to incur their own costs. Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in its hiring practices and, in order to build the strongest possible workforce, actively seeks a diverse applicant pool.   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.