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Trainee Human Rights Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Human Rights Watch

Coordinator, Africa

New York, NY · Hybrid

The Coordinator will work with divisional staff based in multiple locations and will facilitate the production of research and advocacy products. The Africa Division works to advance human rights in ...

Human Rights First

$32K - $38K/yr

How will you make a difference in the human rights space through this internship? The Executive ... research * Provide logistical support for in-person executive meetings * Coordinate supply orders ...

Human Rights First

Development Intern - Fall 2026

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

How will the intern make a difference in the Human Rights space through this internship? The intern ... Conduct research on potential donors and Board members * Provide support in sending mailings and ...

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Trainee Human Rights Researcher information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Trainee Human Rights Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trainee Human Rights Researcher, you generally need a background in law, international relations, or social sciences, along with strong research and analytical skills. Familiarity with research databases, legal research tools, and data analysis software is often required. Excellent written communication, attention to detail, and cultural sensitivity are key soft skills for producing high-quality reports and engaging with diverse communities. These skills are crucial for conducting thorough, accurate research that informs advocacy and policy decisions in the human rights field.

What types of projects or tasks can a Trainee Human Rights Researcher expect to work on in their first year?

As a Trainee Human Rights Researcher, you can expect to support ongoing research projects by gathering and analyzing data, conducting literature reviews, and assisting with the preparation of reports and presentations. You may also be involved in monitoring current events, legislative changes, and policy developments relevant to human rights issues. Collaboration with senior researchers, legal experts, and advocacy teams is common, providing opportunities to learn from experienced professionals and contribute to impactful projects. The role offers a dynamic environment where attention to detail, curiosity, and a proactive attitude are highly valued.

What is the difference between Trainee Human Rights Researcher vs Human Rights Researcher?

AspectTrainee Human Rights ResearcherHuman Rights Researcher
QualificationsEntry-level, often requiring a relevant degree or ongoing educationAdvanced degree or significant experience in human rights research
Work EnvironmentInternship or training programs, often in NGOs or research institutionsFull-time professional roles in NGOs, international organizations, or research firms
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with research, data collection, and basic analysisLeading research projects, in-depth analysis, and report writing

The Trainee Human Rights Researcher is an entry-level position focused on learning and assisting in research tasks, while the Human Rights Researcher is a more experienced role involving independent research and analysis. The trainee role is ideal for those starting their career, whereas the researcher position requires more expertise and experience.

What does a Trainee Human Rights Researcher do?

A Trainee Human Rights Researcher assists in gathering, analyzing, and interpreting information related to human rights issues. Their responsibilities often include conducting literature reviews, preparing reports, and supporting senior researchers in fieldwork or advocacy projects. The role is designed to help trainees develop skills in research methodologies and gain a deeper understanding of human rights frameworks and challenges. It’s an entry-level position that can lead to more advanced roles in research, policy, or advocacy within human rights organizations.
What cities are hiring for Trainee Human Rights Researcher jobs? Cities with the most Trainee Human Rights Researcher job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Human Rights Researcher jobs? The most popular types of Human Rights Researcher jobs are:
What states have the most Trainee Human Rights Researcher jobs? States with the most job openings for Trainee Human Rights Researcher jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Trainee Human Rights Researcher jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Trainee Human Rights Researcher jobs are:
Trainee Human Rights Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee Human Rights Researcher job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.
Non-Legal Intern - Fall 2026

Non-Legal Intern - Fall 2026

Human Rights First

Washington, DC • Hybrid

Internship

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Non-Legal Intern - Fall 2026
The D.C office of Human Rights First seeks motivated non-legal interns for the Fall 2026 semester to assist in providing pro bono non-legal representation to asylum seekers before the D.C. Asylum Office and Immigration Courts. Interns will have the opportunity to work directly with clients on interviewing and document drafting and collaborate with attorneys on case strategy. Opportunities to work on direct representation cases include non-legal strategy, forms completion, advocacy, non-legal research, and brief writing, among other tasks.
Human Rights First is dedicated to inclusivity and will assist interns with externship credit, work-study, or securing funding from external sources. This position is unpaid and will support the D.C. team of HRF and may be performed remotely. A computer and internet connection are required for this position. People of color, women, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBT community are encouraged to apply.
How will you make a difference in the Human Rights space through this internship?
Non-legal interns meaningfully contribute to the Refugee Representation program, which provides non-legal assistance to asylum seekers who cannot afford an attorney and need help with a claim for asylum or other humanitarian-based forms of immigration relief. Interns actively engage in furthering Human Rights First mission of working in the United States to promote respect for human rights and the rule of law. Through direct engagement with refugees, non-legal interns assist in the furtherance of clients’ cases, applying their non-legal skills to the furtherance of human rights.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Interns have the opportunity to engage in client interviewing, to conduct screening interviews with potential clients, and to draft case summaries.
  • Interns will work with Human Rights First staff on asylum cases, providing support with country conditions and other non-legal advocacy efforts.
  • Interns will assist with updating and maintaining databases.
  • Interns will conduct non-legal research in developing areas of immigration law and country conditions for analysis and reporting.
  • Interns will have opportunities to attend non-legal trainings, advocacy groups, and discussion panels in the greater D.C. area and virtually.
​Desired Skills and Experiences
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and creative problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines at once
  • Non-legal research and writing skills, particularly in immigration law, administrative law, federal law, and federal regulations
  • Dedicated interest and passion for immigration advocacy, direct client representation, and protecting the rights of migrants
  • Experience working with vulnerable populations and survivors of trauma
  • Ability to work collaboratively with staff, clients, and community organizations
  • Motivated to work independently to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
  • Fluency in a second language, particularly Spanish, is a plus.
Education: Enrolled in undergraduate or graduate school or recent grads.
Compensation: Unpaid
Submission Deadline: July 24, 2026
Start Date: September 8, 2026
End Date: December 11, 2026
Time Commitment: 15-20 hours/week
Application Instructions: Cover Letter, Resume, Writing Sample


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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