Freelance International Human Rights Lawyer Jobs

Robert and Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center seeks a full-time Asia Legal Fellow for the International Advocacy & Litigation Team to engage in projects that will expand civic space and promote accountability in South and Southeast Asia, with a focus on Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Myanmar. In particular, the Asia Legal Fellow will conduct projects in support human rights defenders and partners in Bangladesh to press for legal and institutional reforms and to support victims in pursuing justice for extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and torture. Applications are considered on a rolling basis, with priority given to those submitted by Sunday, October 18, 2026. The anticipated start date for this position is Summer or Fall 2027.

Founded in 1968, Kennedy Human Rights Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works to realize Senator Robert F. Kennedy's dream of a peaceful and just world. Led by human rights lawyer and activist Kerry Kennedy, our team of attorneys and issue experts advocate for human rights issues and pursue strategic litigation to hold governments accountable at home and around the world. The International Advocacy & Litigation Team works in collaboration with partner organizations and human rights defenders in Asia, Africa, and Latin America by providing legal and advocacy support, conducting strategic litigation, connecting partners to key decision-makers and influencers, and seeking protection for defenders when their lives are at risk.

The projects conducted during this fellowship will seek to advance accountability and expand civic space in KHRC's priority countries in the Asia region and may include the following:

• Conduct legal and factual research and draft memoranda on the human rights situation in priority countries in the region (e.g. Bangladesh, Cambodia, Myanmar, etc.) and on thematic issues (e.g. freedom of expression, international criminal law standards).
• Prepare documents in support of advocacy before the U.S. and foreign governments, international organizations, and U.N. special procedures to promote accountability and civic space in priority countries.
• Analyze proposed legislation and legal reforms in priority countries, particularly Bangladesh, and develop recommendations in line with international standards.
• Conduct research and draft recommendations for Global Magnitsky targeted sanctions against perpetrators of serious abuses of human rights, such as extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary detention.
• Prepare alternative reports for submission to U.N. treaty bodies (e.g. Human Rights Committee, Committee on Torture) or for the Universal Periodic Review.
• Prepare documents in support of litigation before international tribunals (e.g., United Nations Treaty Bodies), a case before the U.N. Working Group on Arbitrary Detention on behalf of a detained human rights defender, and/or an amicus brief filed in a domestic court or with national human rights commissions in South or Southeast Asia.
• Develop long-term strategies and advocacy campaigns in collaboration with human rights defenders and civil society partners domestically and internationally on issues related to civic space and accountability.

A successful candidate must have the following skills and experiences:

• A Juris Doctorate (J.D.), J.D. equivalent, or LL.M. degree is required;
• Ability to meet in-person and collaborate at least twice a week in KHRC's Washington, DC office based on project needs and partner meetings;
• Ability to obtain outside funding to fully cover the costs of the fellowship;
• Authorization to work in the United States;
• A demonstrated commitment to human rights and justice;
• Exceptional analytical skills and an ability to write and speak clearly and persuasively;
• Strong fact-finding, legal research, writing, and editing skills;
• Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative and follow through on projects to completion;
• Previous experience with international human rights advocacy and/or litigation (e.g. with United Nations treaty bodies);
• Strong attention to detail and ability to scope out errors, including a willingness to own and fix mistakes;
• Exceptional time management, including the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects at once;
• Innovative thinking, willingness to voice your opinions, and a strong work ethic are essential;
• Strong sense of teamwork that builds positive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders and a willingness to help others;
• Believes in inclusivity when working with colleagues with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives; and
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a small team.

Preferred but not required qualifications:

• Fluency in a language in addition to English spoken in our regional priority countries (e.g., Bengali, Burmese, or Khmer) is highly desired but not required.
• Experience working in South or Southeast Asia is preferred but not required.

Fellowship Funding:

This is an externally-funded fellowship for which KHRC will act as a host organization. The applicant must have the ability to obtain outside funding to fully cover the costs of a fellowship stipend and health insurance benefits. KHRC is unable to provide any funding for this fellowship. An applicant need not have secured funding before applying to KHRC, provided that the applicant can propose specific sources of funding that they plan to pursue in their cover letter. As a host organization, KHRC may apply jointly with a successful applicant for sources of fellowship funding.

Benefits and other Perks:

• KHRC values your growth: This fellowship provides the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from experienced human rights lawyers on our team, participate in strategy meetings, attend human rights events in DC, and connect to our vast network in the field of international human rights law and advocacy.
• KHRC loves to celebrate human rights advocates and our hard work! We do so by hosting award ceremonies, galas, summer outings, holiday parties, potlucks, domestic and international staff retreats, and spur-of-the-moment social outings, which our fellows are invited to participate in.

How to Apply:

• Submit your resume and cover letter to careers@rfkhumanrights.org with "Your Name + Asia Legal Fellow" in the subject heading.
• In your cover letter please include how you heard about this role and why you're interested in this position.

No phone calls please. Kennedy Human Rights Center will contact qualified candidates directly.

Kennedy Human Rights Center is an equal opportunity employer and believes we are stronger and more effective by working internally and externally with people of all abilities, diverse backgrounds, and a range of perspectives, particularly those who have historically been marginalized or underrepresented. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for this position without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We do not discriminate in our hiring practices and in order to build the strongest possible workforce, actively seek a diverse applicant pool. If you're in need of an accommodation at any time during the application and hiring process please contact us by emailing your request to hr@rfkhumanrights.org with the subj. line "Accommodation Request". Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Having documents in alternate formats or read aloud
• Having interviews in a more accessible location/format