Africa Division Intern (South Africa and Eswatini)

Africa Division Intern (South Africa and Eswatini)

Application Deadline: 20 March 2026

The Africa Division of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking a university student intern based in the Johannesburg Office beginning April 2026 through August 2026. Ideally the candidate should be available to intern part-time 18-20 hours per week for the duration of the internship. The internship will primarily focus on ongoing projects and research in South Africa and Eswatini.

Responsibilities:

1. Conducting desk research including small research assignments;
2. Monitoring media and compiling reports on news relating to South Africa and Eswatini;
3. Conducting data analysis and identifying and understanding key issues;
4. Drafting documents regarding issues in South Africa and Eswatini;
5. Attending and supporting in the planning of substantive meetings; and
6. Other projects may be assigned as they arise and match the interns interests and abilities.

Students may also have opportunities to attend lectures trainings professional development workshops and/or special events relating to human rights as well as network with other HRW interns volunteers and employees. As an HRW intern students will take skills acquired in school and apply them in a professional setting.

Qualifications:

1. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program for the durations of the internship term.
2. Proficient reading and writing abilities in English are essential.
3. A strong interest in Human Rights specifically concerning South African region is essential.
4. Relevant coursework is highly desirable.
5. Applicants should be well-organized self-motivated and reliable with strong attention to detail.
6. Computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office Excel internet applications) and experience completing internet research are essential.

Applicants who are offered an internship must possess valid work authorization in South Africa for the duration of the internship.

Compensation: Internship compensation varies by jurisdiction based on local laws and HRW policy. Interns in South Africa will receive a gross monthly stipend of R 6000 per month which will be pro-rated based on internship hours to help offset living expenses in accordance with HRW policy. Students may also be able to arrange academic credit as HRW internships may offer direct exposure to the workings of an international human rights organization close supervision by HRW staff and interaction with other international organizations and foreign and domestic government officials. Students should check with their individual academic institutions for requirements.

How to Apply: Please apply immediately by visiting our online job portal at: and attaching a CV/resume letter of interest/cover letter and a brief writing sample.No calls or email inquiries please. Only complete applications will be reviewed. Due to the large number of applications only shortlisted candidates will be contacted further.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application submission please email to the large response application submissions via email will not be accepted and inquiries regarding the status of applications will go unanswered.

Human Rights Watch is strong because it is diverse. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Human Rights Watch does not discriminate on the basis of disability age gender identity and expression national origin race and ethnicity religious beliefs sexual orientation or criminal record. We welcome all kinds of diversity. Our employees include people who are parents and nonparents the self-taught and university educated and from a wide span of socio-economic backgrounds and perspectives on the world. Human Rights Watch is an equal opportunity employer.

Human Rights Watch is an international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization known for its in-depth investigations its incisive and timely reporting its innovative and high-profile advocacy campaigns and its success in changing the human rights-related policies and practices ofinfluential governmentsand international institutions.