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

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Human Rights Internships information

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How much do human rights internships jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for human rights internships in Washington, DC is $29.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.12 and $32.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a human rights internship?

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 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 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 popular job titles related to Human Rights Internships jobs in Washington, DC?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Human Rights Internships job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,166 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Internship: Executive Leadership & Special Projects (Winter 2027)

National Center on Sexual Exploitation

Washington, DC • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

ABOUT NCOSE & INTERNSHIP PROGRAM:

The National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) exists because people should be free to live and love without sexual abuse and exploitation! If you share this vision and want to help create a culture where all individuals can thrive, then we invite you to join us!

The Exploitation Prevention & Advocacy program enables you to participate in the ongoing work of defending human dignity. Internships offer a unique opportunity to combat sexual abuse and exploitation while gaining new skills through hands-on opportunities that seek to prevent exploitation before it begins. Interns also enjoy abundant opportunities to meet nationally recognized leaders in the field of anti-sexual exploitation and attend education briefings. The program also offers interns an opportunity to investigate their individual strengths and develop new skills.
NCOSE is focused on mass-scale prevention of sexual abuse and exploitation and deploys the tactics of corporate advocacy, public policy, civil litigation, and grassroots mobilization to reach this. Read about some of our recent victories here.


ABOUT THIS POSITION:

In order to implement the powerful tactics and projects for success, NCOSE works to end sexual abuse and exploitation entirely-rather than manage their impact-via a strong multidisciplinary team. Accordingly, NCOSE has brought together many of the world's top experts on these issues into one team in order to holistically address systems of sexual abuse and exploitation from all angles. As a result of our multidisciplinary approach-which includes unifying the movement, litigation, corporate and legislative advocacy-NCOSE is highly efficient at implementing effective solutions that maximize its resources. Interns will get hands-on experience in what it takes to lead and manage a successful non-profit organization.


*We are typically inundated with applications. We greatly appreciate your patience as we carefully review each candidate and ask that you hold your questions until contacted for an interview.

TERM: January 6- April 16, 2027;possible extension for six months or 1 year


RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE*:

  • Assist with non-profit management items which may include:
    • Strategic planning and brainstorming
    • Reporting
    • Outreach to thank partners
  • Perform work on special projects as assigned by the CEO and Executive team. Such work may include:
    • outreach to peer agencies;
    • coordination of special events;
    • research projects related to pornography, sex trafficking, prostitution, sexually-oriented businesses, sexual assault, human rights abuses against women, child protection, and other topics are relevant to the work of the Program department;
    • PowerPoint presentation development;
    • Coalition to End Sexual Exploitation projects;
    • development of website material;
    • development of advocacy & policy materials including literature, advocacy kits;
    • writing and editing for periodic blogs/bulletins/newsletters/letters.
  • Represent NCOSE (as an observer) and report on events at coalition meetings, as well as congressional hearings as directed.
  • Keep abreast of current developments (including legislative changes) and conduct research (as directed) using various media and academic resources relating to:
    • harms of pornography;
    • harms of prostitution and other forms of commercial sex;
    • demand for commercial sex and male sex buying behavior;
    • organizations promoting, distributing, and/or profiting from sexual exploitation (pornography, stripping, prostitution, sexual assault, risky sexy behavior); and,
    • sex trafficking of men, women and children
  • Assist NCOSE at conferences, meetings, events or committees as directed.
  • Assist as needed with office management including answering of telephones, responding to email or other written requests, drafting correspondence, and filing.

*Tasks may shift based on the organization's current need and opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Passionate about opposing sexual exploitation, as well as a passion for NCOSE's mission, vision and values
  • Strong writing and communication skills
  • Experience conducting research and synthesizing information
  • Strong organization skills and attention to detail are essential
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks
  • Independent worker- must be able to complete tasks without constant management
  • Proficiency with basic Microsoft Office applications; mail merge, formatting letters data management in Excel, etc.
  • Knowledge of the web and digital marketing techniques
  • Can provide their own working laptop and charger


BENEFITS:

  • Hands-on work with passionate, talented team members
  • Mentorship from some of the movement's kindest and most passionate leaders and in-depth 10-week training on various exploitation issues
  • Incredible networking opportunities with movement leaders
  • A creative, collaborative, and inclusive company culture
  • Opportunities to develop professionally and uncover skills you didn't know you had
  • Real-life experiences that will provide you with the confidence to delve into your next adventure


COMPENSATION:

NCOSE internships are unpaid.


SCHEDULE:

This position requires 24-40 hours per week. Candidates must be mostly available during NCOSE's office hours of Monday through Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm EST in order to coordinate with the team. Our team is in the office on M, W, & Th and remote on T & F. Evenings and weekends are typically not eligible for a NCOSE internship.


LOCATION:

This internship is at NCOSE's office headquarters in Washington, DC.

TO APPLY:

To apply, submit the checklist items and complete the questionnaire.

Cover Letter describing your interest in a NCOSE Internship

Resume

Two Letters of Reference

Unofficial Transcript

Writing Sample


Incomplete applications, including those without reference letters, will not be considered.

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About the National Center on Sexual Exploitation

Please visit our About Page to learn more.

You can find impact reports from previous years here.