Human Rights Researcher Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

OVERVIEW OF TEAM

USCRI’s Policy & Advocacy (P&A) team supports USCRI’s mission by leading the development of the organization’s positions on international and domestic policy. Through research, policy development, advocacy, and coalition-building, the team works to shape equitable systems, elevate refugee and immigrant voices, and drive lasting change locally, nationally, and globally.  P&A works closely with programmatic, international, and communications staff to achieve this mission. 

This position does not entail providing or assisting with direct client services. This position requires partial in-person work in Arlington, Virginia. Part-time and full-time options are available.

POSITION

The USCRI Policy & Advocacy Interns will support the P&A team by contributing to projects that track domestic and international policy developments, research key issues, develop advocacy strategies, and produce written materials on policy and advocacy topics. Analysts' portfolios span refugee resettlement and durable solutions for displaced persons, asylum and humanitarian protection, child displacement, human trafficking, third-country deportations, climate displacement, LGBTQ+ refugees, unaccompanied children, and U.S. and international migration policy. Interns will have the opportunity to support policy writing and advocacy on these topics. Strong candidates are passionate about immigration and human rights, and capable of conducting independent research and supporting advocacy initiatives. Individuals with lived experience of displacement are especially encouraged to apply. We are seeking four interns: one generalist to work with our director, and three to work with each of the analysts on their respective portfolios: (1) climate displacement/refugee resettlement/asylum/Latin America; (2) Sub-Saharan Africa/child displacement/Temporary Protected Status; (3) humanitarian systems/the Middle East and Asia/human trafficking.

For examples of work products supported by past interns, please see: 

• No Shelter: India’s Selective Abandonment of its Refugees - USCRI
• At Home, a Stranger: Challenges for New Returnees in El Salvador - USCRI
• Refugees Twice Over: Climate Migration and ‘Double Displacement’ - USCRI
• Their Future, Their Voice - USCRI

While the position is unpaid, USCRI is happy to provide support if the intern pursues academic credit with their university.

This application cycle is for the Fall intern period (September-December). 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assistpolicy analysts by tracking domestic and international policy changes, researching policy issues and international country conditions, and preparing written materials on policy and advocacy topics.
• Listen to and/or attendadvocacy meetings, webinars, governmental hearings, and intergovernmental gatherings;
• Collaborate withpolicyanalystsand communications staffon public education and advocacy strategies.
• Support policy analysts inidentifyingfundraising opportunities for advocacy projects.
• Interns who excel in their role will have the opportunity to publish their own materials.

Other job-related duties may be assigned as agreed upon by the intern and supervisor(s).

REQUIREMENTS

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from an undergraduate, graduate, or law school program.Preference forcurrentgraduate students. 
• Experience withpolicyanalysis, research, writing, and editing;
• Ability to work onnew,developingprojects;
• Knowledge of Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint);
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively collaborate withpeople of diverse professional experiences;
• Strong written and verbal communication, including the ability to summarize policy issues for diverse audiences;
• Dedicationto upliftingthe voices of refugees, asylees, and other immigrant populations;
• Demonstrated sensitivity andempathy for the experiences of forcibly displaced populationsand people of diverse backgrounds;
• Ability to interpret policy documents, legislation, and data to draw meaningful insights;
• Ability toestablishand maintain professional relationships withstaffand collaboratorsof diverse backgrounds;and
• Dedicationtoadvocating for human rights, an interest in policies affecting refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers, and displaced people.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS (PREFERRED, BUT NOT REQUIRED)

• Demonstrated interest in social services, human rights, international studies, global health, or displacementstudies; 
• Internationally basedwork or courses of study;and
• Proficiencyinadditionallanguages.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to type, read, and listen ortoadaptive typing, reading, and listening programs.
• Use of repetitive motion, prolonged periods of sitting and standing, and sustained visual and mental applications and demands.

• Occasional lifting (up to 25 pounds), bending, pulling, and carrying.

Don’t meet every requirement? We believe that all people are capable of great things, and we are dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment. Because of this, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all the requirements that are listed within this job description.

TO APPLY:

Applications are due no later than August 20, 2026, but will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting August 10. We are dedicated to reviewing all candidates but cannot provide a personalized response to everyone. We anticipate making all hiring decisions by September 10, 2026.

Candidates must submit a resume to apply. Please submit a cover letter and discuss what interests you about this role and what region or thematic area you would want to focus on. Candidates are requested to not rely on AI to write their cover letter. 

Describe a humanitarian or human rights issue facing the world today. What would you want stakeholders to understand about the issue? Are there any recommendations you would provide for policymakers?

Upon receiving a request for an interview, candidates should be prepared to submit a brief writing sample (1-2 pages), an unofficial transcript, and two academic or professional references.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY 

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants is an equal opportunity employer. We maintain a policy of equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, domestic partnership status, marital status, physical or mental disability, AIDS/HIV status, age, political affiliation, genetic information, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.