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How much do human rights jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for human rights 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 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 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 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.
More about Human Rights jobs
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 jobs in Washington, DC? For Human Rights jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Human Rights jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Human Rights jobs in Washington, DC are:
Human Rights jobs near you
Infographic showing various Human Rights job openings in Washington, DC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,111 per year, or $24.1 per hour.
Human Rights Accountability Legal Fellow

Human Rights Accountability Legal Fellow

Human Rights First

Washington, DC

Contractor

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Individuals who are responsible for serious human rights abuses and corruption too rarely face consequences for their actions. Human Rights First’s Accountability program works in partnership with civil society groups around the world to employ innovative advocacy tools, including targeted sanctions, to promote accountability. We also advocate for governments to support and protect independent justice institutions, and we work to prevent the misuse of targeted sanctions and similar policy tools to attack such institutions, their personnel, and other people exercising their rights.
The Human Rights Accountability Legal Fellow will support the organization’s work focused on ensuring that the U.S. government respects its human rights obligations and promotes those of other governments. The fellow will report to the Senior Counsel for Accountability and be part of a team of lawyers and policy experts that work across a broad range of issues related to accountability for human rights abuses and corruption. The fellow will contribute to our work promoting and facilitating the effective use of targeted sanctions as part of a global coalition of civil society organizations that we help coordinate. This coalition of more than 340 civil society groups works to shape and inform the use of human rights and anti-corruption sanctions by authorities in the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Canada, and Australia. This position will also be involved in our efforts to protect accountability institutions and human rights activists from attack by the Trump administration and other actors.
The 12-month position begins in September 2026. Please note, applicants must secure funding from a law school, foundation, law firm, or other funding opportunity to support the fellowship. HRF is willing to work with qualifying candidates to secure funding where necessary.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Assist in Human Rights First's efforts to promote and facilitate the credible use of targeted human rights and anti-corruption sanctions under the Global Magnitsky sanctions program and other similar authorities, including working with other civil society groups to identify issues of concern.
  • In coordination with the Accountability team and other NGOs, prepare recommendations identifying Magnitsky-style sanctions targets to governments to quickly respond to developing human rights crises, and identify advocacy opportunities to support the effective use of sanctions.
  • Work with the Accountability team to address time-sensitive issues related to emerging U.S. foreign policy and human rights issues, and conduct fact-finding and research on human rights and rule of law trends in the United States and relevant regions, as assigned.
  • Participate in meetings and other advocacy with executive branch officials and members of Congress and their staff on Capitol Hill.
  • Research and draft reports, blogs, op-eds, and other materials relating to the use of U.S. and other government sanctions tools and other accountability mechanisms, and the human rights implications of U.S. foreign policy and democratic backsliding.
  • Assist in organizing public events or private convenings related to the use and misuse of targeted human rights and anti-corruption sanctions.
  • Update and develop resources related to targeted human rights and anti-corruption sanctions, such as recommendation templates, sanctions explainers, spreadsheets tracking sanctions designations, frequently asked questions, etc.
  • Assist with efforts to analyze, prevent, and respond to the misuse of targeted sanctions powers that undermine accountability institutions and mechanisms like the International Criminal Court.
  • Other duties as requested based on program and organizational need.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND ACCESSIBILITY COMPETENCIES (DEIA)
Human Rights First acknowledges the existence of systemic and structural biases and believes it is necessary to be strategic and intentional in pursuing diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in all aspects of governance, operations, and programming. As an employee, you are expected to:
  • Support adoption of best practices to create a more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible work experience for colleagues and external partners.
  • Strive to consider the people, places, and cultures that might be missing from your work and look for opportunities to increase inclusivity in all the work you do.
  • Support the mission of Human Rights First in all interactions with colleagues and stakeholders.
  • Dedicate efforts to enriching DEIA consciousness throughout our office-wide interactions.
  • Foster a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by promoting adherence to the standards delineated in the Culture of Respect and Teamwork statement in the Employee Handbook.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:
  • A U.S. law degree (J.D.), J.D. equivalent, or Master of Laws (L.L.M) degree in a relevant field from an accredited U.S. law school, or enrollment in a program working toward completion of one of these degrees by August 2026
  • Strong legal and policy research and writing skills, including the ability to monitor and analyze relevant national and international policy and legal developments
  • Demonstrated ability to translate highly technical material for a variety of audiences, ranging from government investigators to congressional staff to readers of mainstream newspapers and specialized blogs
  • Prior experience in human rights or anti-corruption-related law and/or advocacy, with a preferred focus on international human rights law, domestic human rights legislation, and policy
  • Project management experience, strong organizational and interpersonal skills, and an ability to coordinate efforts internally with colleagues and with outside partners
  • A strong work ethic, demonstrated capacity to take initiative, and time management skills to handle multiple tasks and projects.
  • A sense of humor and ability to work collegially with other staff members
  • Ability to communicate patiently, respectfully, and empathetically with individuals from a variety of backgrounds, including survivors of trauma or family members of political prisoners
  • High level of integrity and discretion in handing sensitive information
  • Ability to build and maintain relationships with civil society, government agencies, Congressional offices, etc.
  • Foreign language skills are preferred, but not required
  • Authorization to work in the United States
Position is based in either Washington, D.C. or New York City.
Salary Range $65,000 to $75,000.
APPLICATION MATERIALS:
  • Resume
  • Cover letter
  • Two writing samples (one legal writing sample and one shorter, policy-oriented sample preferred, ideally related to human rights and/or corruption)
  • List of three professional references (may include academic references although at least one must be from a legal internship, externship, or professional position)

Apply