Human Rights Watch is offering a 2027 Development and Outreach Internship in Sydney, Australia, with professional training and lunch and transport reimbursements. Apply by 13 November 2026.
Background & Job Description
Human Rights Watch (HRW), an international organisation dedicated to protecting and promoting human rights, is inviting applications for its 2027 Development and Outreach Department Internship in Sydney, Australia.
The organisation is seeking two interns to support fundraising, outreach activities, event planning and donor engagement. The internship is designed for tertiary students who want practical experience working in an international non-profit organisation.
The placement is expected to run for approximately three months, from mid-February to the end of April 2027, with some flexibility in the start date and a possibility of extension. Interns can work up to 20 hours per week and must be able to commute to the Sydney office, attending in person at least two days per week.
Applications close on 13 November 2026.
Programme Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Human Rights Watch |
| Internship | Development and Outreach Department Intern |
| Location | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Number of places | 2 |
| Duration | Approximately 3 months |
| Expected period | Mid-February to end of April 2027 |
| Working hours | Up to 20 hours per week |
| Office attendance | At least 2 days weekly, Tuesdays and Thursdays |
| Lunch reimbursement | Up to AUD $20 per office day |
| Transport reimbursement | Up to AUD $15 per office day |
| Application deadline | 13 November 2026 |
| Official application portal | Human Rights Watch Careers |
Tasks and Internship Benefits
Interns will support the Development and Outreach teams with activities that contribute to HRW’s fundraising and human rights advocacy work.
Responsibilities may include supporting event planning through database work, assisting with fundraising and outreach events, and helping cultivate relationships with individual donors, foundations and corporations, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne. Additional projects may be assigned according to organisational needs and interns’ interests.
Participants may also have opportunities to attend staff meetings, connect with colleagues from international development teams and observe external events, such as donor meetings, receptions and public briefings.
The internship provides exposure to the work of an international human rights organisation. Interns can also participate in professional development workshops, training sessions and networking activities with HRW staff, volunteers and fellow interns.
Reimbursements and Professional Development
HRW offers interns in Australia reimbursement of up to AUD $20 per day for lunch and AUD $15 per day for transportation when working from the office.
The advertisement does not specify a salary or stipend. Students may also be able to arrange academic credit through their educational institutions, subject to their institutions’ requirements.
Qualifications and Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be currently enrolled students throughout the entire internship period.
- Have strong organisational skills and a proactive, reliable approach to work.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in international human rights.
- Be able to work collaboratively and support outreach and event-related activities.
- Have valid authorisation to work in Australia for the duration of the internship.
- Live within commuting distance of HRW’s Sydney office.
Experience in fundraising, media, social media, government relations, event planning or Salesforce is desirable. Computer skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office, are also strongly preferred.
Additional Information
The application deadline is 13 November 2026. HRW advises applicants to submit their applications through its online recruitment portal and provide both a resume and a letter of interest.
How to apply: Visit the Human Rights Watch careers portal, locate the Development and Outreach Department Intern vacancy in Sydney and follow the online application instructions.
Applicants should be prepared to confirm their Australian work authorisation, current student status and ability to commute to the Sydney office. The application also requests contact details for three professional or academic references.
Only complete applications will be reviewed, and HRW states that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted further.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Human Rights Watch 2027 Outreach Internship?
It is a Development and Outreach internship in Sydney, Australia, involving fundraising support, donor engagement, event planning and outreach activities.
2. How many interns will be selected?
Human Rights Watch is seeking two interns for the Sydney office.
3. How long does the internship last?
The internship is expected to run for approximately three months, from mid-February to the end of April 2027. There is some flexibility with the start date and a possibility of extension.
4. How many hours will interns work?
Interns may work up to 20 hours per week.
5. Does the internship provide financial benefits?
HRW offers reimbursement of up to AUD $20 per office day for lunch and up to AUD $15 per office day for transportation. The advertisement does not specify a salary or stipend.
6. Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be enrolled students throughout the internship, have valid Australian work authorisation for the entire placement and live within commuting distance of the Sydney office.
7. Is office attendance required?
Yes. Interns are expected to work from the Sydney office at least two days per week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
8. What is the application deadline?
Applications close on 13 November 2026.
9. What documents are required?
Applicants must submit a resume and a letter of interest. The application also requests contact information for three references.
10. How can I apply?
Visit the official Human Rights Watch recruitment portal and find the Sydney Development and Outreach Department Intern vacancy.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This internship may suit university or college students interested in human rights, fundraising, international development and non-profit communications. It offers practical workplace exposure, networking and professional training, together with lunch and transport reimbursements on office days.
The main eligibility considerations are current student enrolment, Australian work authorisation and the ability to commute to Sydney. Applicants should also account for the part-time schedule and the requirement to attend the office at least twice a week.
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 confirm all requirements and application details through the official recruitment portal.
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