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Human Rights Internships Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

U.S Comm for Refuge

Intern

Arlington, VA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

... human rights issues and be able to conduct advocacy, education, and other outreach activities. Subject to overall organizational needs, interns will be placed in departments that align with their ...

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Human Rights Internships information

See Reston, VA salary details

$14

$27

$43

How much do human rights internships jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for human rights internships in Reston, VA is $27.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.25 and $29.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Human Rights Internships vs Human Rights Fellowships?

AspectHuman Rights InternshipsHuman Rights Fellowships
CredentialsTypically undergraduate or graduate studentsUsually advanced students or early-career professionals
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, often in NGOs or international organizationsFellowship programs with more responsibilities, often in research or policy roles
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, NGOs, international agenciesResearch institutes, advocacy groups, international bodies
Search & Comparison IntentEntry-level, internship opportunities in human rightsAdvanced, specialized roles for early-career professionals

Human Rights Internships are typically designed for students seeking entry-level experience, while Human Rights Fellowships target early-career professionals with more specialized responsibilities. Both roles are vital in the human rights sector but differ in scope, experience level, and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Human Rights Internships, and why are they important?

To thrive in Human Rights Internships, you typically need a background in international relations, political science, or law, along with strong research and analytical skills. Familiarity with legal databases, human rights documentation tools, and proficiency in multiple languages are often advantageous. Excellent communication, cultural sensitivity, and teamwork abilities help interns effectively engage with diverse stakeholders and sensitive issues. These skills are crucial for promoting human rights advocacy, conducting impactful research, and contributing to organizational objectives in complex environments.

What are human rights internships?

Human rights internships are temporary work placements, often at non-governmental organizations, international agencies, or governmental bodies, where students or recent graduates gain hands-on experience in the field of human rights. These internships typically involve research, advocacy, event planning, and support for projects related to promoting and protecting human rights. Interns can learn about international human rights law, policy development, and the workings of organizations dedicated to social justice. These positions are valuable for building careers in law, international relations, public policy, and non-profit sectors.

What kind of projects or tasks can I expect to work on during a human rights internship?

As a human rights intern, you can anticipate working on a variety of projects such as conducting research on current human rights issues, assisting with the preparation of reports and advocacy materials, and supporting outreach or educational initiatives. Interns often help monitor relevant news, attend meetings or events, and contribute to casework or policy analysis. Collaboration with team members—including lawyers, researchers, and other interns—is common, offering valuable exposure to real-world advocacy and project coordination in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
What job categories do people searching Human Rights Internships jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Human Rights Internships jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Human Rights Internships jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Human Rights Internships job openings:
Human Rights Internships jobs near you
Infographic showing various Human Rights Internships job openings in Reston, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,184 per year, or $27 per hour.
U.S. Fall Legal Internship

U.S. Fall Legal Internship

EarthRights International

Washington, DC • On-site

Internship

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Position: U.S. Fall Legal Internship
Location: Based in Washington D.C., with remote work available anywhere in the U.S
Reports to: U.S. Staff Attorneys
Pay: Unpaid. ERI is unable to provide a salary, stipend, or housing assistance, but will work with you to arrange course credit or a stipend through your school
Prerequisite: This internship is only available to law students who can receive course credit for their internship from their law school.
Starts: Fall 2026
Application Deadline: Rolling until July 15, 2026
EarthRights International, a nongovernmental, nonprofit organization that combines the power of law and the power of people in defense of human rights and the environment, is seeking fall interns for our District of Columbia office.
ERI's U.S. Fall Legal Interns are law students able to work full-time or part-time for at least 10-12 weeks during the fall semester. Legal interns provide legal research, writing, and program support for ERI activities all over the world. Law students may be J.D. or LL.M. students, but must have at least one year of U.S. legal training by the time of the internship.
Over the past 30 years, ERI has built a reputation as one of the leading legal organizations representing communities and individuals from around the world whose rights, livelihoods and homelands are harmed by corporations, financial institutions and governments. Our lawyers have worked closely with our clients, co-counsel, partner NGOs, campaigners and others to bring groundbreaking lawsuits and pursue legal advocacy to provide remedies and ensure legal accountability. Our cases have set legal precedents, brought millions of dollars of compensation to our clients, and changed the behavior of corporations and other institutions; one of our cases involving environmental harms to communities in India, Jam v. International Finance Corporation, was argued at the U.S. Supreme Court and set important precedent for future accountability of international financial institutions. Another, Doe v. Chiquita Brands International, resulted in the first U.S. jury finding of liability for human rights abuses abroad.
Legal interns participate in various projects associated with many of our cases, including legal research, writing and assistance in all phases of litigation. Interns also contribute to other legal work including development of new cases, monitoring and exploring developments in human rights and environmental law, researching and utilizing other mechanisms of corporate accountability, and helping to coordinate with and assist other groups bringing domestic or international cases. Interns are fully integrated into ERI's U.S. legal team and may work with any of ERI's attorneys and other staff in advocacy and communications programs.
Requirements:
  • A demonstrated commitment to using the U.S. legal system to serve vulnerable communities and/or protect human rights and the environment
  • Independent and creative thinking skills
  • Excellent legal research and writing skills
  • Ability to responsibly handle client, partner, and colleague relationships and protect the confidentiality of our work and our communications

Additional desired qualifications include:
  • Proficiency in languages other than English; Spanish fluency is highly desired
  • Experience in fields related to issues of human rights, environmental protection and indigenous peoples, including regional studies, development, environmental sciences, or others
  • Strong interpersonal skills, cultural competency skills, and ability to work in teams
  • Experience or interest in working with people from diverse cultures
  • A positive attitude

Application Procedures:
The deadline for applications for Fall 2026 is July 15, 2026. Applications are considered on a rolling basis; students are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible.
Students interested in the position of U.S. Fall Legal Intern should submit a cover letter, resume, and a legal writing sample of ten pages or less. Due to the volume of applications, ERI is unable to interview every applicant. We typically conduct virtual interviews.
EarthRights International is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in its hiring practices, and actively encourages people of color, women, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI people to apply.
For more information on the work of EarthRights International visit www.earthrights.org

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