Human Rights Watch International Fellowships for Graduates Worldwide

Human Rights Watch Fellowships Program:
International Human Rights Fellowship

Course(s) Offered: Human Rights-related
Course Level: Graduate fellowship
Provider: Human Rights Watch
Country to Study in: Any country (USA, UK, other approved locations)

Scholarship Description
Human Rights Watch offers Fellowships Programs in International Human Rights which are administered as either Unrestricted or Restricted Fellowships. Human Rights Watch invites applications for its fellowship program.

1. Unrestricted Fellowships:

• Alan R. and Barbara D. Finberg Fellowship - Established in memory of Alan R. and Barbara D. Finberg, early supporters of Human Rights Watch, this fellowship is open to recent graduates (at the Master's level) in the fields of law, journalism, international relations, or other relevant studies. Graduates with LL.B. degrees or advanced degrees in other relevant disciplines may also be considered.
• Arthur Koenig Fellowship - Established in 2010, the Arthur Koenig Fellowship is designed to help bring talented people from disadvantaged economic backgrounds into the human rights movement. The Arthur Koenig fellowship is open to recent graduates (at the Master's level or above) in the fields of law, journalism, international relations, or other relevant studies. Graduates with LL.B. degrees or advanced degrees in other relevant disciplines may also be considered.

In addition to the application materials described below, applicants must submit an essay describing the aspects of their background that have been economically disadvantaged.

2. Restricted Fellowships:

• NYU School of Law Fellowship at HRW - This fellowship is open to 2012 J.D. graduates of New York University School of Law only.
• Leonard H. Sandler Fellowship - Established in memory of Judge Leonard H. Sandler, a 1950 Columbia Law graduate with a lifelong commitment to civil rights and liberties, this fellowship is open to recent J.D. graduates of Columbia Law School only.

Eligibility
For recent graduates of law schools or graduate programs in journalism, international relations, area studies, or other relevant disciplines from universities worldwide.

• 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 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; juggle multiple tasks; and meet tight deadlines. The Fellowship year will require creativity, initiative, perseverance, and flexibility while maintaining HRW's high methodological standards.
• Depending on the fellowship for which they wish to apply, prospective fellows must be recent graduates of law, journalism, international relations, or other relevant studies, or must provide evidence of significant, comparable, relevant work experience. (Please see the Frequently Asked Questions section on the official website for the specific requirements of the various fellowships.)

Eligible groups
Citizens of any country in the world

Participating Institutions
Human Rights Watch, USA (New York or Washington, D.C.) OR any other approved locations

Fields of study
All fields related to Human Rights - law, journalism, international relations, area studies or any other relevant discipline

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.

Sponsorship duration
Fellows work full-time for one year with Human Rights Watch typically in New York or Washington, D.C., or in some instances in another location.

Scholarship benefits (and Salary)
The salary for 2011-2012 fellows is US$55,000, plus excellent employer-paid benefits. The salary for 2012-2013 is currently under review and may be increased.

Method of Application
Applicants are responsible for compiling complete application packets which must include the following: cover letter, resume, two letters of recommendation, at least one unedited unpublished writing sample (no legal briefs, please), and an official law or graduate school transcript (applicants in one-year graduate programs should supply an undergraduate transcript with a list of their graduate school courses).

Arthur Koenig Fellowship applicants only: In addition to the cover letter, resume, letters of recommendation, transcript, and writing sample, applicants must also submit an essay describing the aspects of their　background that have been economically disadvantaged. Applicants may wish to consider the following when writing this essay: a). The economic circumstances of their family, including during childhood. b). Their history of need-based financial assistance used to complete their education to date and their experience working to make a substantial financial contribution to their own education. c). The highest education level attained by one or both parents, or whether the candidate is a first　generation university graduate in his or her family. AND d). Please limit the essay to no more than 1,000 words.

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 fellowship@hrw.org with the name of the fellowship in the subject line.

DEADLINES:
Complete applications (including transcripts and recommendations) for 2012-2013 fellowships must be received no later than October 6, 2011.

PLEASE NOTE:
Applicants must be available for interviews in New York from late November to mid-December 2011.

Human Rights Watch (HRW), the international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization, is known for its impartial and reliable human rights reporting on over 70 countries worldwide, its innovative and high-profile advocacy campaigns, and its success in affecting the policy of the US and other influential governments toward human rights abusers.

Application Deadline: 6 October 2011
Open to International Applicants: Yes

More Scholarship Information and Application

Related: Fellowships for International Students