Human Rights Intern

About CIVICUS

CIVICUS exists to defend people power. As a growing global alliance of over 15,000 members in 189 countries, we work together to monitor violations of basic civic freedoms, call out the perpetrators of violations and strengthen the power of people to organise by supporting a more accountable, effective and innovative civil society. We strive to promote excluded voices, especially from the Global South.

About the Role

CIVICUS is looking for a Human Rights intern to assist the implementation of CIVICUS advocacy priorities and other priorities with various human rights stakeholders. The Human Rights Intern role will contribute to member support activities, event coordination and logistics, communication, and research related to human rights with a focus on civic freedoms / civil and political rights.

Role Overview: 

The role holder is responsible, under the supervision of the UN Advisor and the UN Advocacy and Network Officer, for assisting in the implementation of CIVICUS advocacy priorities with various stakeholders. The role will also contribute to network engagement and member support activities, event coordination and logistics, and research related to human rights.

Areas of Responsibilities & Key Activities 

UN Advocacy and member support 

• Assist CIVICUS’ engagement with the UN Human Rights Council and other human rights bodies. 
• Support the development of advocacy plans, statements and speaking points. 
• Support CIVICUS’ members, partners and human rights defenders during their advocacy missions, including providing logistical arrangements. 

Event coordination and communication 

• Support in the organization of events as appropriate including logistical arrangements. 
• Assist the communications team in rolling out timely and effective communication materials. 

Research and administration 

• Assist in human rights and civic space related research including drafting of briefs and summaries. 
• Support administrative activities related to office and file management. 

Other 

The role holder will from time to time be required to carry out any other duties related to the scope of work. 

Person Specification 

Education, Language & Qualifications 

• A Bachelor’s degree or Master’s Degree in international relations, law, politics, or relevant social sciences from a reputable university. 
• At least 6 months of relevant work experience in an international policy development or advocacy environment. 

Essential Knowledge, skills and Experience 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. 
• Excellent IT skills, including experience with MS Office. 
• Good understanding of international relations and policy making. 
• Good understanding of the civil society landscape and global politics. 
• Ability to work in a team and network at with a broad range of external stakeholders from different cultural backgrounds. 

Please click here for a full Job Description

How to Apply

The closing deadline for applications is on the 13th Feb 2026 at 11:59pm SAST. The successful candidate will be expected to start on 1st March 2026.

Interested candidates should click here to apply or go to https://civicus.bamboohr.com/careers

Your application should comprise of:

• A full CV, including educational and professional qualifications.
• A covering note of not more than 1 page outlining your motivation for applying for the role.

Short listed candidates will be contacted 2 weeks after the closing date to schedule interviews.

We appreciate and consider each application submitted. However, given the large volume of applications received, we find it impossible to respond to each applicant immediately. You will hear from us within three weeks only if you’re shortlisted for the next steps. We will update all applicants once the position has been filled.

CIVICUS reserves the right to withdraw any of our vacancies at any time.