Human Rights Watch is offering a three-month Development and Outreach Internship in Berlin, Germany, with a monthly stipend of €556. Eligible students can apply by 1 November 2026.
Background & Job Description
Human Rights Watch (HRW), an international human rights organisation, is inviting applications for its Development & Outreach Department Internship in Berlin, Germany.
The three-month internship is designed for students interested in fundraising, donor relations, event planning and international human rights work. Interns will support the organisation’s development team while gaining practical experience in communications, database management and fundraising activities.
The internship is expected to run from mid-January to mid-April 2027, with a maximum of 35 working hours per week. A key focus will be preparation for HRW Berlin’s 2027 Voices for Justice Dinner, scheduled for 12 March 2027.
Applications close on 1 November 2026.
Programme Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Human Rights Watch |
| Internship | Development & Outreach Department Intern |
| Location | Berlin, Germany |
| Duration | 3 months |
| Expected period | Mid-January to mid-April 2027 |
| Working hours | Full-time, maximum 35 hours per week |
| Monthly stipend | €556 gross |
| Application deadline | 1 November 2026 |
| Official careers website | Human Rights Watch Careers |
Tasks and Internship Benefits
The selected intern will assist with planning and coordinating fundraising activities and donor outreach. Responsibilities may include:
- Supporting event logistics and preparations for the Voices for Justice Dinner.
- Drafting and editing donor communications and related documents.
- Helping produce and update graphic design materials and event resources.
- Maintaining departmental documents and database records.
- Supporting donor communications, outreach and fundraising activities.
- Assisting with other tasks related to the internship and the candidate’s interests.
Interns will also have opportunities to attend online lectures, professional development workshops, training sessions and human rights events. They may interact with other interns, HRW employees and professionals working in international organisations.
The internship offers practical exposure to the operations of an international human rights organisation and opportunities to apply academic knowledge in a professional setting.
Qualifications and Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be enrolled as a university student throughout the internship.
- Be eligible for a Pflichtpraktikum, meaning a mandatory internship required as part of their studies.
- Submit a Bescheinigung über ein Pflichtpraktikum before the internship begins.
- Have valid authorisation to work or intern in Germany for the full internship period.
- Have advanced written and spoken English and German.
- Demonstrate an interest in fundraising, donor outreach, special events and human rights.
- Possess strong organisational, time-management, communication and computer skills, including familiarity with tools such as Microsoft Excel.
Experience working in a team is desirable. Candidates should also be reliable, flexible, self-motivated and detail-oriented.
The advertisement notes that students studying in Germany are preferred. Frequent attendance at the Berlin office and in-person events is required.
Additional Information
The internship provides a gross monthly stipend of €556 to help offset living expenses, in accordance with HRW policy and applicable local arrangements. The organisation notes that students may be able to arrange academic credit through their educational institutions.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit a complete application containing:
- CV or résumé.
- Cover letter in English.
- A German writing sample of approximately 300 words.
Candidates should also be prepared to provide contact details for three references, including each reference’s name, current employer, relationship to the applicant, telephone number and email address.
How to apply: Visit the official Human Rights Watch Careers website, locate the Development & Outreach Department Intern vacancy in Berlin and submit the required documents online before 1 November 2026.
HRW states that only complete applications will be reviewed and that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applications submitted by email are not accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Human Rights Watch Development & Outreach Internship?
It is a three-month internship supporting fundraising, donor relations, event planning and outreach activities at Human Rights Watch’s Berlin office.
2. How much is the monthly stipend?
Interns based in Germany will receive a gross monthly stipend of €556.
3. When does the internship take place?
The preferred internship period is mid-January to mid-April 2027.
4. Is the internship full-time?
Yes. It is full-time, with a maximum of 35 working hours per week.
5. Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must remain enrolled students throughout the internship, qualify for a mandatory university internship, have valid German work authorisation and demonstrate advanced English and German communication skills.
6. Is a German writing sample required?
Yes. Applicants must submit a writing sample in German of approximately 300 words, alongside a CV and an English cover letter.
7. What is the application deadline?
The closing date is 1 November 2026.
8. Can applicants who need German work authorisation apply?
Applicants must already possess valid authorisation to work or intern in Germany for the entire internship period. Candidates should verify that they meet this requirement before applying.
9. How can I apply?
Applications must be submitted through the official Human Rights Watch Careers portal.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This internship may suit university students seeking practical experience in fundraising, communications, event coordination and international human rights work. However, the mandatory internship requirement, German-language proficiency and valid German work authorisation are essential considerations.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares career and educational opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with Human Rights Watch and does not recruit on the organisation’s behalf. Applicants should verify all requirements and application details through the official careers website.
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