Media and Communications Intern at Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI)

The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) is seeking a volunteer intern for its London office. We are looking for an individual with knowledge and some experience in developing creative communications content for social media and in website design and maintenance (Wix), who would like to deepen their experience by working with a small non-profit organisation committed to the protection and promotion of human rights.

Who we are

CHRI is an independent, international non-governmental organisation working for the practical realisation of human rights through research, advocacy and mobilization since 1987. Headquartered in New Delhi, it also has offices in London and Accra.

CHRI focuses on the intersection of human rights, transparency and good governance, with programmes on access to justice, access to information, eradicating contemporary forms of slavery and human trafficking, freedom of expression, and building the capacity of small States to access UN human rights mechanisms. CHRI’s London office leads research and advocacy work focusing on the eradication of contemporary forms of slavery and human trafficking (SDG Target 8.7). CHRI London founded the Commonwealth 8.7 Network a global network of 60+ civil society organisations who share a common vision to eradicate contemporary forms of slavery and human trafficking.

What we offer

This is an exciting opportunity to gain work experience in the small office of an established international human rights NGO in the area of communications and social media.

The members of the London team are located across geographies and time zones, mostly working remotely. This is a unique set up that provides interns with flexibility, the opportunity to own and lead their own work streams as well as a supportive team environment while doing substantive work.

We offer experience of working on global human rights issues, in a variety of capacities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Social media support – we are looking for someone who is passionate about digital storytelling and who understands the power of social media for advocacy. Successful applicants will know how to use social media to promote our work and to engage with new and existing partners, including Commonwealth 8.7 Network members
• Creative thinking – we are looking for innovative and creative thinkers. Successful applicants will be able to craft creative and engaging copy for a variety of audiences
• Writing and research assistance – The intern will have strong research, analysis, and synthesis skills. Also strong written communication skills in English. They will be asked to produce written statements and press releases for external communication
• Strategic implementation – The intern will also support the creation and implementation of a social media/ communication strategy for a cross-Commonwealth network of civil society organisations
• Producing the CHRI Human Rights Update – all interns are responsible for working on the Human Rights Update, a newsletter that we circulate each week, compiling human rights news from across the Commonwealth. Applicants should have a keen attention to detail, should be able to juggle competing deadlines and should be interested in tracking emerging human rights news.
• Administrative assistance – Interns will be required to assist with other administrative and/or research tasks, such as information management and liaising with partners, as and when required.

What we ask for

Interns work on a flexible basis. We are looking for someone able to commit 4 to 5 days a week for a minimum of 3 to 6 months. The intern will have regular check-ins with their supervisor, and regular reviews. A formal review will be conducted after 3 months.

Qualifications and skills

• Education and/or some experience in communications/media, design or marketing
• Understanding of digital technologies and social media
• Comfortable using Wix and capable of supporting web design and website management
• Creativity!
• Excellent communication skills in English (written and oral)
• Understanding of and/or interest in inter-cultural working environments
• Self-motivated with the ability to work both individually and as a team
• Knowledge of and a general interest in human rights would be desirable

Ideal candidates will be able to demonstrate a high degree of personal responsibility for their work and the ability to manage their own time and workload. Showing initiative is a key factor for success in this role.