Human Rights Watch is hiring an Africa Division Intern to support human rights research focused on Uganda and Tanzania. The Kenya-based internship is open to undergraduate and graduate students as well as recent graduates and offers a gross stipend of KES 30,000 per month, pro-rated according to working hours. Applications close on 27 August 2026.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) is inviting applications for an Africa Division Intern position supporting research and projects focused on Uganda and Tanzania. The internship is based at the organization’s Nairobi office in Kenya and provides an opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain practical experience in human rights research, advocacy and international affairs.
The part-time internship is expected to run from early October 2026 through January 2027, with interns generally expected to be available between 18 and 35 hours per week.
The position may be particularly relevant to candidates interested in human rights, international development, African affairs, legal research, public policy, journalism and international organizations.
The advertised internship provides a KES 30,000 gross monthly stipend, which is pro-rated according to the number of hours worked. Applicants should note that valid authorization to work in Kenya is required for the duration of the internship.
Background & Internship Description
Human Rights Watch is an international human rights organization that conducts research and advocacy on human rights issues around the world. Its work includes investigating abuses, documenting findings and advocating for policy and institutional changes.
For this internship, the Africa Division is seeking support for research relating specifically to Uganda and Tanzania.
The successful intern will work alongside HRW staff and contribute to ongoing research and projects. The position offers practical exposure to the research processes used by an international human rights organization and can help participants develop skills relevant to careers in human rights, policy, research and international development.
The internship is structured as a part-time opportunity and is based in Nairobi. Although the research portfolio focuses on Uganda and Tanzania, candidates must have appropriate Kenyan work authorization.
Key Responsibilities and Tasks
The Africa Division Intern will support HRW’s work through a range of research and administrative activities.
Responsibilities include:
- Conducting desk research on human rights issues.
- Carrying out legal and background research.
- Monitoring news media in Uganda and Tanzania.
- Compiling and organizing information from relevant news sources.
- Assisting with Swahili translations when required.
- Participating in internal meetings.
- Taking meeting notes and minutes.
- Supporting other projects according to the intern’s interests, skills and the needs of the team.
The role therefore combines research, information monitoring, language skills and administrative support.
Candidates interested in human rights research should be comfortable reviewing information from different sources, identifying relevant developments and presenting findings in an organized manner.
Professional Development Opportunities
An internship with Human Rights Watch can provide exposure to the professional environment of an international human rights organization.
According to the opportunity information provided, interns may have opportunities to participate in:
- Human rights lectures.
- Training sessions.
- Professional development workshops.
- Special events.
- Networking activities with HRW employees and fellow interns.
- Activities involving international organizations and government officials.
This experience can be useful for students and recent graduates considering future careers in human rights, international development, research, advocacy, public policy, journalism or international organizations.
Eligibility and Qualifications
The internship is open to:
- Currently enrolled undergraduate students.
- Currently enrolled graduate students.
- Recent graduates of an accredited undergraduate or graduate programme.
Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in human rights and the ability to work independently and reliably.
Education and Academic Background
Candidates should have relevant academic preparation where applicable. Fields such as human rights, law, political science, international relations, development studies, African studies, journalism or related disciplines may be relevant to the work, although applicants should rely on the official vacancy requirements when assessing their eligibility.
Skills and Experience
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong interest in human rights.
- Excellent organizational skills.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Self-motivation and reliability.
- Strong computer skills.
- Experience conducting internet-based research.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office and Excel.
- Proficient reading and writing skills in Swahili.
Knowledge of an indigenous Ugandan language is considered beneficial.
The combination of research ability and Swahili language proficiency is particularly important because the internship involves monitoring developments and supporting work related to Uganda and Tanzania.
Kenya Work Authorization Requirement
One of the most important requirements for this position is valid authorization to work in Kenya.
Candidates who receive an internship offer must have the appropriate authorization for the entire internship period.
This means that applicants should not assume that being eligible to work or study in another country automatically satisfies the requirement. Candidates should carefully review their Kenyan work authorization status before applying.
Internship Duration, Hours and Stipend
The key details of the opportunity are summarized below:
| Opportunity | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Human Rights Watch |
| Position | Africa Division Intern |
| Research focus | Uganda and Tanzania |
| Location | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Internship type | Part-time |
| Expected start | Early October 2026 |
| Expected end | January 2027 |
| Hours | 18–35 hours per week |
| Monthly stipend | KES 30,000 gross |
| Stipend basis | Pro-rated according to internship hours |
| Deadline | 27 August 2026 |
The internship dates and working schedule are described as flexible, although applicants should ideally be available for between 18 and 35 hours per week.
Application Requirements
Candidates should prepare a complete application according to the requirements of the official HRW vacancy.
The information provided for this opportunity identifies the following application materials:
- CV or resume.
- Letter of interest or cover letter.
- A brief writing sample.
The writing sample should be the applicant’s own work and unedited by others, and it is preferably submitted in PDF format.
Applicants should ensure that all submitted documents accurately represent their own academic and professional background.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official Human Rights Watch recruitment platform.
The application deadline is:
27 August 2026
Because recruitment deadlines can change or vacancies can close early, applicants should review the official vacancy information before submitting their application.
Official HRW Vacancy:
https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/humanrightswatch/jobs/8687223002
Applicants should carefully review the vacancy requirements and submit a complete application before the stated deadline.
HRW also notes that, because of the volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates may be contacted.
Why This Internship Is Worth Considering
The HRW Africa Division internship can provide valuable practical experience for candidates interested in careers connected to human rights and international affairs.
The Uganda and Tanzania research focus gives interns an opportunity to engage with regional developments while strengthening research and information-analysis skills.
The position may be particularly useful for candidates seeking experience in:
- Human rights research.
- International development.
- Legal and policy research.
- Advocacy.
- African affairs.
- Journalism and media monitoring.
- International organizations.
- Human rights documentation.
The combination of research responsibilities, language requirements and exposure to an international organization makes the opportunity particularly relevant to candidates who already have an interest in East African affairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Human Rights Watch Africa Division internship paid?
Yes. The advertised stipend is KES 30,000 gross per month for interns in Kenya. The amount is pro-rated according to the number of internship hours.
Which countries does the internship focus on?
The intern will primarily support Human Rights Watch research and projects relating to Uganda and Tanzania.
Where is the internship based?
The position is based at the Human Rights Watch office in Nairobi, Kenya.
Is the internship full-time?
No. It is a part-time internship, with preferred availability of approximately 18 to 35 hours per week.
When is the internship expected to start?
The expected start date is early October 2026, with the internship expected to continue through January 2027.
Is Swahili required?
Yes. The opportunity specifies proficient reading and writing skills in Swahili as a requirement.
Can recent graduates apply?
Yes. The opportunity is open to currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students as well as recent graduates from accredited undergraduate or graduate programmes.
Do applicants need authorization to work in Kenya?
Yes. Candidates who receive an offer must have valid work authorization in Kenya for the duration of the internship.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 27 August 2026.
Final Thoughts
The HRW Africa Division Intern 2026 opportunity offers students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience in human rights research while supporting work focused on Uganda and Tanzania.
The internship is based in Nairobi, provides a KES 30,000 gross monthly stipend on a pro-rated basis, and offers exposure to research, media monitoring, translation, meetings and professional development activities.
Candidates should pay particular attention to the Swahili language requirement and Kenya work authorization requirement, as these are important eligibility considerations.
Those who meet the requirements should prepare their CV, letter of interest and writing sample carefully and submit their application through the official Human Rights Watch recruitment portal before 27 August 2026.
Editorial note: This article is independently published for informational purposes and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Human Rights Watch. Applicants should treat the official HRW vacancy announcement as the final authority for eligibility, application requirements, compensation and recruitment updates.
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