This fellowship is open to 2016 J.D. graduates of New York University School of Law and recent J.D. graduates who would begin the fellowship immediately upon completion of a judicial clerkship.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Fellows work full-time for one year with Human Rights Watch. Fellows monitor human rights developments in various countries, conduct on-site investigations, draft reports on human rights conditions, and engage in advocacy and media outreach aimed at publicizing and curtailing human rights violations. Past fellows have conducted research and advocacy on numerous different issues in countries all over the world. Recent examples include projects on: police corruption and access to justice in Liberia; accessibility for people with disabilities in Russia; youth in solitary confinement in US prisons; hazardous child labor in artisanal gold mining in Tanzania; police abuse of gay men in Kyrgyzstan.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Applicants must demonstrate a strong background in international human rights and be committed to building a career in human rights. Research experience, including experience conducting interviews, ideally in the context of human rights research, is required. Field experience in human rights work is strongly desirable. Applicants must have exceptional analytic skills and excellent oral and written communications skills in English. Proficiency in one language in addition to English is strongly desired as is familiarity with countries or regions where serious human rights violations occur. Applicants should be highly motivated and well-organized; able to work quickly and well under pressure, both independently and as a member of a team; able to juggle multiple tasks; and able to meet tight deadlines. The fellowship year will require creativity, initiative, perseverance, and flexibility while maintaining HRW’s high methodological standards.
Applicants are responsible for compiling complete application packets which must include the following:
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- An unedited, unpublished writing sample (no legal briefs, please)
- An official law or graduate school transcript
Complete applications (including transcripts and recommendations) for 2016-2017 fellowships must be received no later than October 8, 2015. Applications should be sent by e-mail, under single cover (in one email) and preferably as one PDF file (or, at a minimum, as separate PDF files), to nyufellowship@hrw.org. Please include the name of the fellowship in the subject line.
Applicants must be available for interviews in New York from late November to mid-December 2015. Inquiries may be directed to fellowship@hrw.org. Please see http://www.hrw.org/fellowships for more information.