Development & Outreach Department Intern

Application Deadline: 15 July 2026

The Development and Outreach Department of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is seeking student interns in the Tokyo office. Ideally, the interns will be available part-time from October 2026 through the end of March 2027. The interns will focus on projects surrounding fundraising and event management.

Students will also have opportunities to attend lectures, trainings, professional development workshops, 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.

Responsibilities: The internship will mainly focus on the following:

Supporting fundraising efforts: prospect research, graphic design, database management, and event logistics for annual charity dinner and other donor events;
Supporting communication efforts: crafting and translating marketing materials and assisting with web pages;
Attending in-house trainings, briefings and events with staff in the Development and Outreach Department; and
Other projects may be assigned as they arise and match the students interests and abilities.

Qualifications:

Applicants must be undergraduate or graduate students for the duration of the internship term;
Advanced level proficiency in Japanese and English (both in writing and speaking) is highly desirable;
Students with relevant coursework in human rights are encouraged to apply;
Strong organizational skills, a proactive approach to projects, and reliability with strong attention to detail are required;
Computer skills (Microsoft Office, Excel, Power Point, internet applications) and internet research skills are essential;
Graphic design and video editing skills are highly valued; and
A demonstrated strong interest in human rights is highly desirable.

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

Compensation:

Internship compensation varies by jurisdiction based on local laws and HRW policy. Interns in Japan will receive a gross stipend of 800 yen per day they are in the office for lunch expenses in accordance with HRW policy and the intern. Interns will be reimbursed up to 2000 yen per day they are in the office for transportation. Students are often able to arrange academic credit, as HRW internships may offer direct exposure to the workings of an international human rights organization, close supervision by the 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 portal at: https://careers.hrw.org and attaching a CV/resume, letter of interest, and a writing sample in both Japanese and English. 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 internships@hrw.org. Due 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 based anywhere 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 of influential governments and international institutions.