Fall 2021 Internship – Emergency Assistance Program At Freedom House

Freedom House (FH) promotes the spread of freedom and democracy around the world through research, advocacy, and programs that support frontline activists. We are a leader in identifying threats to freedom through our highly regarded analytic reports, including Freedom in the World, Freedom of the Press, Freedom on the Net, and Nations in Transit. With 13 field offices and two U.S. offices, we support the right of every individual to be free.

Freedom House seeks an intern for its Emergency Assistance Program (EAP) that supports human rights defenders (HRDs) targeted for their work. Since 2007, Freedom House has provided emergency assistance to more than 2,400 human rights defenders, in over 100 countries. This assistance reaches frontline activists at their moment of greatest need. EAP provides financial assistance to improve HRDs, physical security, including for temporary relocation and other security-related expenses. EAP also provide small, short-term emergency grants for medical expenses (including psycho-social care), legal representation, prison visits, trial monitoring, humanitarian assistance, equipment replacement if confiscated and dependent support if they are at imminent risk because of an HRD ’s work.

Position Summary

The intern will provide support for the logistical, programmatic and administrative aspects for the Emergency Assistance Program. She/he will have the opportunity to assist the EAP team to counter the rising trend of closing civic space and threats to civil society leaders and human rights defenders. They will assist in research about lawyers at risk. Anticipated learning outcomes include an understanding of how human rights advocacy is coordinated among international NGOs; how digital security techniques can be utilized in the human rights field; practical administrative, logistical, and programmatic skills to help implement a large-scale grant and sub-grant program; understanding of financial and budgetary oversight; and qualitative and quantitative monitoring and evaluation techniques. This position is based in Washington, DC and is paid.

Minimum Qualifications

• College or graduate student enrolled in a university program. Law School or LLM experience preferred.
• History of legal studies or human rights law experience.
• Strong ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing
• Demonstrated knowledge and interest in human rights in the Eurasia region
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite specifically Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with program team
• Excellent research, analytical, writing, and organizational skills
• Experience with preparing financial documents preferred
• Experience handling sensitive information in a secure and confidential manner preferred​

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide support for the administrative, logistical, and programmatic aspects of project implementation
• Provide research assistance for the program and assist with editing/writing reports
• Prepare daily news update that highlights country-specific and regional developments related to attacks on human right defenders
• Maintain files and databases
• Other related duties as assigned

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting with a low level of noise. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer: This job description is only a summary of the typical functions of the job. It is not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. The responsibilities, tasks, and duties of the jobholder may differ from those outlined in the job description and those other duties , as assigned, may be part of the job. Freedom House may add, change, or remove essential and other duties at any time.

Qualified and Interested Applicants**

We invite qualified candidates to complete an online application and submit a resume and cover letter.

Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted.

EOE M/F/D/V