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How much do human rights jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for human rights in Arlington, VA is $50,902.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,100.00 and $55,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are human rights jobs?

Human rights jobs are positions focused on promoting, protecting, and advocating for the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals. These roles can be found in non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international agencies, government bodies, and advocacy groups. Common responsibilities include research, policy analysis, legal support, campaigning, and providing direct assistance to affected communities. Professionals in this field work on issues such as equality, freedom of expression, refugee protection, and social justice. Careers in human rights require a strong commitment to ethical standards and often involve collaboration across cultures and sectors.

What are human rights jobs?

Human rights jobs focus on advocacy, outreach and legal efforts to enforce existing laws pertaining to human rights. In this field, you educate others about human rights, oversee volunteers offering their time and service, and petition your government to address local or international violations of human rights guidelines. Many human rights organizations focus on lobbying and research, especially as it pertains to tracking human rights abuses and identifying potential legislative solutions. In recent years, technology companies have also started to focus on human rights and how people can abuse social media. These jobs usually involve creating algorithms, investigating reports of abusive content, and coordinating with law enforcement as needed.

What are some common challenges human rights professionals face when working on international cases?

Human rights professionals working on international cases often encounter challenges such as navigating complex legal frameworks across different countries, addressing language and cultural barriers, and ensuring the safety and confidentiality of vulnerable populations. Additionally, they may face difficulties in accessing reliable information and collaborating with local partners who may have limited resources or face government restrictions. Effective communication, adaptability, and a strong understanding of international human rights law are essential to overcoming these obstacles and making a meaningful impact.

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

To thrive as a Human Rights Specialist, you typically need a background in law, international relations, or social sciences, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in advocacy or policy work. Familiarity with international human rights law, policy analysis tools, and reporting systems like UN databases is essential. Strong communication, cultural sensitivity, and analytical thinking are vital soft skills for effective advocacy and negotiation. These skills and qualities are crucial for advancing human rights initiatives, influencing policy, and supporting vulnerable populations globally.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Human Rights jobs in Arlington, VA?

The most popular types of Human Rights jobs in Arlington, VA are:

What cities near Arlington, VA are hiring for Human Rights jobs?

Cities near Arlington, VA with the most Human Rights job openings:

Human Rights jobs near you
Infographic showing various Human Rights job openings in Arlington, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% Internship, 60% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,902 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Human Rights Accountability Legal Intern - Fall 2026

Human Rights First

Washington, DC

Internship

Re-posted 10 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.

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