ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Human Rights Assistant Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsHuman Rights JobsHuman Rights Assistant JobsHuman Rights Assistant Jobs in Washington, DC

Human Rights Assistant information

See Washington, DC salary details

$30K

$50.1K

$68K

How much do human rights assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for human rights assistant in Washington, DC is $50,111.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,500.00 and $54,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a human rights assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Human Rights Assistant, you need a solid understanding of international human rights laws, research skills, and at least a bachelor's degree in law, political science, or a related field. Familiarity with data management systems, case tracking tools, and proficiency in Microsoft Office are typically required, along with knowledge of UN or NGO reporting procedures. Strong communication, cultural sensitivity, and organizational skills help you effectively engage with diverse populations and manage sensitive information. These skills ensure that human rights documentation, advocacy, and support activities are accurate, respectful, and impactful.

What are some common challenges faced by human rights assistants in their daily work?

Human Rights Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing a high volume of casework, handling sensitive or distressing information, and balancing administrative duties with research or fieldwork. They may also need to coordinate with multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and affected individuals, which requires strong communication and organizational skills. Staying up to date with evolving human rights laws and practices can be demanding but is crucial for providing accurate support and advocacy.

What is a human rights assistant?

Human Rights Assistants are entry-level professionals who support the work of human rights organizations, agencies, or departments. Their responsibilities often include gathering and analyzing information on human rights issues, preparing reports, assisting with field missions, and supporting advocacy efforts. They play a crucial administrative and research role, helping to ensure that human rights programs run efficiently and that violations are documented accurately. Human Rights Assistants may work for governments, international organizations like the United Nations, or non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This role is ideal for individuals passionate about social justice and international affairs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Human Rights jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Human Rights jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Human Rights Assistant jobs in Washington, DC?

For Human Rights Assistant jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Human Rights Assistant jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Human Rights Assistant jobs in Washington, DC are:

Human Rights Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Human Rights Assistant job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,111 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

Human Rights Accountability Legal Intern - Fall 2026

Human Rights First

Washington, DC

Internship

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Human Rights Accountability Legal Intern - Fall 2026

The Accountability Legal Intern will assist with research and analysis aimed at strengthening our team’s ability to effectively advocate for targeted sanctions against human rights abusers and corrupt officials around the world using Magnitsky-style sanctions programs from the U.S., UK, EU, Canada, and Australia. In particular, the intern will be asked to perform legal and policy background research and maintain databases to improve our understanding of the applicability, use, and effects of different sanctions programs. The intern will also be asked to perform research and writing related to specific instances of serious human rights abuse and/or corruption as we work to identify individuals for consideration as possible designees under various government sanctions programs, including the Global Magnitsky sanctions program and similar programs from other jurisdictions. In addition, the intern will be asked to conduct research and draft materials to support Congressional advocacy efforts related to this and other related work to promote and protect Magnitsky sanctions and other accountability tools and institutions, such as the International Criminal Court. The intern will gain professional experience in legal analysis, persuasive writing, and engagement with a diverse range of partners. The intern may also be involved in our efforts to protect accountability institutions and human rights activists from attack by the Trump administration and other actors.
Interns must be located in the United States.
How will the intern make a difference in the Human Rights space through this internship?
The intern’s work will make Human Rights First and its partners more effective advocates in seeking accountability for human rights abuses and corruption, by helping make the strongest case possible for sanctions in specific instances and by improving our overall understanding of the impact and implementation of these tools. The intern’s work will also support Human Rights First’s efforts to protect accountability tools and institutions from attacks and misuse.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Support attorneys in policy, legal, and data research projects to inform our efforts and those of our coalition partners related to human rights and anti-corruption sanctions and advocacy.
  • Monitor and report on events occurring around the world that are relevant to our work.
  • Work with attorneys reviewing Magnitsky case files to provide information and answer questions.
  • Conduct research to gather information and assist in preparing files for Global Magnitsky recommendations for the U.S. and other major Magnitsky jurisdiction governments involving serious human rights abuse or corruption.
  • Track, via internal databases, different government, NGO coalition, and HRF metrics.
  • Assist with coordinating NGO training sessions on targeted sanctions.
  • Assist with advocacy to government entities and the public regarding the Global Magnitsky sanctions program and other related Magnitsky-style programs (drafting blogs, op-eds, factsheets, other publications).
  • Opportunity for additional responsibilities based on performance.

Desired Skills and Experience

  • Strong research and writing skills.
  • Significant knowledge of the human rights context in at least one region of the world, and/or significant knowledge of human rights issues facing vulnerable and marginalized groups.
  • Ability to apply legal standards to the facts of specific cases.
  • Knowledge of human rights and/or anti-corruption concepts, methods, statutes, and instruments desirable.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Foreign language skills desirable.
Education: Law student (J.D. or LLM) preferred.
Compensation: Unpaid
Submission Deadline: July 24, 2026
Start Date: September 8, 2026
End Date: December 11, 2026
Time Commitment: 10-12 hours/week
Application Instructions: Please include a cover letter, resume, and two writing samples (ideally related to human rights or corruption).


Human Rights First is committed to recruiting, retaining, and developing staff from a diversity of backgrounds, including members of racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, people of all socioeconomic backgrounds, people of all nationalities, and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. We believe that a diverse staff and an inclusive work environment that welcomes a range of perspectives make us stronger and more effective.

Apply