Internships at PHR

Learn with Us

Physicians for Human Rights takes pride in its strong internship program. Every semester, PHR is fortunate to host a group of academically successful and passionate students who represent the next generation of human rights advocates. Students joining the PHR intern team come from a wide range of academic backgrounds, including public health, international relations, nonprofit management, human rights, humanitarian studies, political science, medicine, and law, among others.

“The program was very interactive and engaging, especially for a remote internship. My team was amazing to work with and I really value the experience I was able to gain at PHR.”

Summer 2024 intern

PHR interns perform a range of substantive work, including research, data and video analysis for documentation of human rights violations, fundraising and event planning, and monitoring and reporting on human rights developments around the world. Our program affords students the opportunity to work closely alongside our experts and to contribute to our mission.

“I loved my internship experience at PHR. Everyone I worked with was very supportive and made me feel part of the team.”

Summer 2024 intern

Spring 2025 Internships

Advocacy and Policy Intern

Location: New York, New York (hybrid)

Reports to: Advocacy and Network Coordinator

Internship Description

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) is looking for a capable and enthusiastic intern wishing to gain direct experience in developing and implementing human rights advocacy campaigns and policy strategies. The advocacy intern will work closely with the PHR advocacy team in developing advocacy strategies, attending advocacy meetings, and monitoring current NGO partner and policymaker actions.

This internship is ideal for a student interested in a career in human rights or humanitarian advocacy or policy. You will be given exposure to a variety of PHR’s international and domestic advocacy and policy efforts on issues such as human rights in armed conflict, medical neutrality, international anti-torture initiatives, international justice, refugee and asylum protection, use of excessive force, and COVID-19 related advocacy.

The advocacy intern will attend departmental and staff meetings, as well as regular learning and social events with other interns and staff from PHR to round out the learning experience and complement PHR-provided career mentoring.

PHR offers stipends to student interns. The specific stipend amount will be determined by the average number of hours worked by the intern per week. Details will be further provided during the interview process.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Undertaking advocacy and policy research and analysis with a view to assisting with the development of advocacy and campaigns strategies
  • Monitoring relevant current events and advocacy opportunities at the global level and domestic level for internal discussion with PHFR staff
  • Assisting with the development of research, policy papers, blog posts, briefing materials, press releases, and internal memos regarding PHR’s research, investigations, and advocacy initiatives.
  • Contributing to the development of strategic partnerships to promote PHR’s advocacy priorities.
  • Assisting with general program and administrative work, including meeting preparations, background research, data entry, and internal reporting.
  • Managing internal databases of contacts and assisting with regular outreach to key stakeholders at the national and international level.
  • Assisting with promotion of advocacy events held for other NGOs and/or diplomatic missions.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program of study required; previous coursework in international development/relations, public policy, human rights, or related field preferred but not required.
  • Strong written and verbal communications skills required, including excellent editing skills.
  • Excellent research and analytical skills required.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and professionally with PHR staff and external partners
  • Demonstrated interest in and commitment to human rights
  • Mature judgment, strong integrity, and ability to maintain strict confidentiality required.
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow-through
  • Previous experiences with policy or advocacy, through coursework, volunteer, or professional experience at local, national, or international level strongly desirable.

Location and Hours

The internship will follow a hybrid work model, with some work conducted remotely and some in our office located in Midtown, Manhattan.

· We welcome applications from candidates located out of state.

· Hours can be flexible to accommodate different types of schedules.

· The internship will commence in February with at least a 12-week commitment.

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume, to resumes@phr.org. Include “Advocacy & Policy Intern, Spring 2025” in the subject line. Please include in your cover letter the number of weekly hours you would be able to commit to the internship.

Asylum Case Management Intern

Location: New York, New York (hybrid)

Reports to: Advocacy and Network Coordinator

Internship Description

Physicians for Human Rights’ (PHR) Asylum Program seeks an intern wishing to gain direct experience in the program’s activities as well as long-term data collection and retention projects of a growing international nonprofit. The internship is ideal for someone looking for a career in immigration law, human rights, or nonprofit management.

The Asylum Program recruits and trains volunteer health professionals to provide evaluations and affidavits to asylum seekers and other immigrants who must provide documentation of torture or abuse in order to prevail in their immigration applications. More than 2,000 volunteer clinicians working with PHR have helped thousands of survivors of human rights violations gain asylum and other kinds of permanent status in the United States.

PHR offers stipends to student interns. The specific stipend amount will be determined by the average number of hours worked by the intern per week. Details will be further provided during the interview process.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Drafting de-identified case summaries to be sent to clinicians interested in conducting evaluations.
  • Corresponding with physicians for contact information and availability updates, and helping to welcome new volunteers to PHR’s asylum network.
  • Connecting attorneys and clinicians regarding placement of cases.
  • Reviewing and coding affidavits to identify trends and potential research topics.
  • Assisting with vital data-entry and auditing tasks, including brainstorming solutions on how to improve data management.
  • Following up with attorneys on adjudication results of clients examined and other case-related information.
  • Working closely with the asylum program team to develop and implement new systems to collect and report out the results of the program’s work.
  • Assisting with the planning of forensic trainings.
  • Monitoring current events and developments in immigration law and detention policy.
  • You will also have the opportunity to attend departmental and staff meetings, as well as regular learning and social events with other interns and staff from PHR to round out the learning experience and complement career mentoring provided by the development associate.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program of study required; previous coursework in international development/relations, public policy, human rights, or related field preferred but not required
  • Ability to work collaboratively and professionally with PHR staff and external partners
  • Demonstrated interest in and commitment to human rights
  • Mature judgment, strong integrity, and ability to maintain strict confidentiality required
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow-through
  • Previous experiences with policy or advocacy, through coursework, volunteer, or professional experience at local, national, or international level strongly desired

Location and Hours

· The internship will follow a hybrid work model, with some work conducted remotely and some in our office located in Midtown, Manhattan.

· We welcome applications from candidates located out of state.

· Hours can be flexible to accommodate different types of schedules.

· The internship will commence in February with at least a 12-week commitment.

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume, to resumes@phr.org. Include “Asylum Case Management Intern Spring 2025” in the subject line. Please include in your cover letter the number of weekly hours you would be able to commit to the internship.

Capacity Development Intern

Location: New York, New York (hybrid) or remote

Reports to: Program Officer

Internship Description

This internship is ideal for a student interested in a career in international law or public health. The internship will provide an opportunity for students or recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in the intersection of human rights, research, capacity development, and program evaluation. Interns will contribute to the development and implementation of research and M&E strategies, as well as participate in critical data collection and analysis efforts that support PHR’s mission of advancing human rights and healthcare access globally.

The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in human rights, research methodology, and the evaluation of programmatic impact. They will have the opportunity to work alongside a multidisciplinary team of professionals who are deeply committed to advancing social justice and public health issues. This internship will offer exposure to the workings of a dynamic human rights organization and provide the intern with a comprehensive understanding of how M&E and research are integral to the success of global health and advocacy programs.

Duties and Responsibilities

Tools and Resources Generation

· Support the compilation of a repository of relevant resources for trainees, ensuring easy access and up-to-date information.

· Support with designing new tools to enhance learning experiences and improve training efficiency.

· Collaborate with different teams to gather and incorporate feedback into resource development.

· Evaluate the effectiveness of tools and resources, making improvements as needed to meet trainee needs.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning

· Assist in the design and implementation of M&E frameworks for ongoing and upcoming PHR projects.

· Contribute to the development of indicators, tools, and mechanisms for assessing project outcomes and impacts.

· Support in preparing M&E-related documentation, including evaluation reports and data summaries.

Capacity Development

· Assist in creating and formatting training materials and resources to build capacity within PHR’s team and local partners.

· Help evaluate the effectiveness of capacity development programs through surveys and feedback tools.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program; course of study in international development/relations, public policy, law, human rights, or related field preferred, but not required
  • Strong interest in and commitment to human rights
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality while working with sensitive human rights data is a must
  • Excellent communications skills
  • Resourceful in performing research on the internet and through other channels
  • Well organized, detail-oriented, and able to exercise discretion
  • Fluency in Arabic or French is desired

Location and Hours

· The internship will follow a hybrid work model, with some work conducted remotely and some in our office located in Midtown, Manhattan for applicants based in NYC.

· We welcome applications from candidates located out of state.

· Hours can be flexible to accommodate different types of schedules.

· The internship will commence in February with at least a 12-week commitment.

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume, to resumes@phr.org. Include “Capacity Development Intern Spring 2025” in the subject line. Please include in your cover letter the number of weekly hours you would be able to commit to the internship.

Communications – Media and Publications Intern

Location: New York, New York (hybrid)

Reports to: Director of Communications

Internship Description

The communications – media and publications internship is ideal for a student seeking a hands-on opportunity to work on media relations, online communications, and research and publications. The intern will work as an integral part of PHR’s communications team to help with materials and messaging for PHR’s mission and work. The communications intern will attend departmental and staff meetings, as well as regular learning and social events with other interns and staff from PHR to round out the learning experience and complement PHR-provided career mentoring.

PHR offers stipends to student interns. The specific stipend amount will be determined by the average number of hours worked by the intern per week. Details will be further provided during the interview process.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Track relevant news stories on human rights violations around the world.
  • Research, write, proofread, and copy-edit social media, blog posts, web content, newsletter articles, press releases, and other communications materials.
  • Run reports and use to track website traffic and online ad campaigns.
  • Track PHR’s media coverage and compile and organize media lists.
  • Research journalists and outlets covering topics and regions related to PHR’s work.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program of study specializing in communications, journalism, international relations, or other relevant major
  • Interest in communications work in a nonprofit setting
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite
  • Superior organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to facilitate a project from start to finish
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and professionally
  • Mature judgment, confidentiality, and capacity to work independently
  • Sense of humor a plus

Location and Hours

  • The internship will follow a hybrid work model, with some work conducted remotely and some in our office located in Midtown, Manhattan.
  • We welcome applications from candidates located out of state.
  • Hours can be flexible to accommodate different types of schedules.
  • The internship will commence in February with at least a 12-week commitment.

How to Apply

Please apply by sending a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to resumes@phr.org. Include “Communications – Media and Communications Intern, Spring 2025” in the subject line. Please include in your cover letter the number of weekly hours you would be able to commit to the internship.

Communications – Video Production Intern, Spring 2025

Location: Remote, or hybrid in New York, NY

Reports to: Deputy Director of Communications

Internship Description

The Video Production internship is ideal for a student seeking a hands-on opportunity to produce video content with a busy non-profit in a variety of different styles and formats. From supporting the production of longer-format documentaries or designing short animated social media videos, the intern will work as an integral part of PHR’s digital communications team to advance PHR’s global work through a range of video content.

The intern will attend departmental and staff meetings, as well as regular learning and social events with other interns and staff from PHR to round out the learning experience and complement PHR-provided career mentoring.

PHR offers stipends to student interns. The specific stipend amount will be determined by the average number of hours worked by the intern per week. Details will be further provided during the interview process.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • With the Deputy Director of Communications, lead video production for a variety of issues such as abortion rights, children’s rights, health care and human rights.
  • Develop promotional videos for social media channels using new and existing footage graphics, animations, photography.
  • Support staff members in the recording of video messages and other filming.
  • Design videos for strategic moments using animations and graphics.
  • Help draft, review, and finalize scripts with experts across the organization.
  • Support video accessibility by adding subtitles to existing videos.
  • Source b-roll and archival footage from international news outlets and agencies.
  • Create strategies to boost visibility and traffic to PHR’s video content across channels, including social media, email, YouTube and the PHR website.
  • Work with Digital Marketing to develop short promotional videos for fundraising content.
  • Assist with the tagging, searchability and overall organization of PHR’s video library.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program of study specializing in video production, social media, digital communications, or other relevant major.
  • Knowledge of digital/video strategy in non-profit organizations.
  • Familiarity with Canva a plus.
  • Superior creative skills, attention to detail, and ability to facilitate a project from start to finish.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and professionally with international teams.
  • Mature judgment, confidentiality, and capacity to work independently.

Location and Hours

  • The internship may be remote, or will follow a hybrid work model in New York, with some work conducted remotely and some in our office located in Midtown, Manhattan.
  • We welcome applications from candidates located out of state.
  • Hours can be flexible to accommodate different types of schedules.
  • The internship will commence in February with at least a 12-week commitment.

How to Apply

Please apply by sending a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to resumes@phr.org. Include “Communications – Video Production Intern, Spring 2025” in the subject line. Please include in your cover letter the number of weekly hours you would be able to commit to the internship.

Health and Human Rights Research Intern

Location: New York City (New York), Washington (District of Columbia), or Remote. Onsite & hybrid.

Reports to: Health and Human Rights Researcher

Internship Description

The Health and Human Rights Research Intern will support PHR’s research on human rights violations and their impact on health, focusing on the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sub-Saharan Africa. This role is ideal for those passionate about human rights and public health, offering hands-on experience in a nonprofit environment. Working as part of the Research team under the guidance of PHR’s Deputy Director of Research and Health and Human Rights Researcher, the intern will engage in data collection, media monitoring, and in-depth research on the impact of violence and conflict on health care. This opportunity offers hands-on experience in analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, supporting advocacy initiatives, and developing research methodology and human rights reporting skills.

The Health and Human Rights Research Intern will attend departmental and staff meetings, as well as regular learning and social events with other PHR interns and staff to round out the learning experience and complement PHR-provided career mentoring.

PHR offers stipends to student interns. The specific stipend amount will be determined by the average number of hours worked by the intern per week. Details will be further provided during the interview process.

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties and responsibilities of the intern may include the following:

  • Contribute to Research and Analysis: Support research on the targeting of health care and its impact on the right to health, and other human rights issues, including evidence-based insights and analysis.
  • Conduct Comprehensive Open-Source Research: Identify and document human rights violations, focusing on attacks against health care in conflict areas, with particular emphasis on regions such as the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Monitor Global Developments: Track and analyze daily incidents related to human rights and violations of health care access, with attention to current global hotspots.
  • Maintain Data Accuracy and Integrity: Organize and update a detailed database documenting attacks on health facilities and personnel, ensuring accuracy and prompt entry of new information.
  • Support Advocacy and Reporting Efforts: Contribute to reports and briefings that highlight health-related human rights abuses, supporting advocacy efforts to safeguard health care in conflict zones.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in a relevant field, such as international relations, medicine, public health, or human rights.
  • Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking Arabic, Ukrainian, French or another language is preferred.
  • Demonstrated interest in human rights issues, particularly the right to health in conflict zones.
  • Strong analytical, writing, and verbal communication abilities, with attention to clarity and detail.
  • Mature judgment and a proactive work approach, with the ability to handle sensitive content and maintain confidentiality.
  • Exceptional organizational skills, with close attention to detail and follow-through on tasks and the ability to work independently.

Location and Hours

  • The internship will follow a hybrid work model, with some work conducted remotely and some in our office located in Midtown, Manhattan (depending on the interns location).
  • We welcome applications from candidates located out of state.
  • Hours can be flexible to accommodate different types of schedules.
  • The internship will commence in February with at least a 12-week commitment.

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume, to resumes@phr.org. Include “Health and Human Rights Research Intern, Spring 2025” in the subject line. Please include in your cover letter the number of weekly hours you would be able to commit to the internship.

Human Resources Intern

Location: New York, New York

Reports to: HR and Admin Officer, and the Director of Human Resources

Internship Description

The human resources and operations internship is ideal for a student interested in a career in global human resources or nonprofit management and operations. This intern will gain direct experience in developing and implementing key policies and administrative strategies for a growing, international nonprofit organization.

The human resources and operations intern will collaborate with staff from various departments to gain a fuller understanding of the behind-the-scenes running of a nonprofit organization. The intern will also have the opportunity to attend regular learning and social events with other interns and staff from PHR to round out the learning experience and complement PHR-provided career mentoring.

PHR offers stipends to student interns. Details will be further provided during the interview process.

Duties and Responsibilities

Human Resources

  • Assist with PHR’s employee recruitment, onboarding, and selection processes.
  • Research current labor and employment laws in the United States and overseas.
  • Maintain, audit, and update human resources files and records.
  • Research human resources best practices.
  • Assist with various related projects.

Operations

  • Contribute to projects for and requests from PHR staff.
  • Collaborate with staff on technology initiatives.
  • Communicate with vendors, contractors, and consultants.
  • Provide support for office management general operations, including PHR’s new office opening in early 2025.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program of study; specialization in human resources, business administration, or a related field preferred
  • General knowledge of and interest in human resources concepts and terminology
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communications skills
  • Resourceful in performing research on the internet and through other channels
  • Well organized, detail-oriented, and able to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion

Location and Hours

  • The internship will follow a hybrid work model, with some work conducted remotely and some in our office located in Midtown, Manhattan.
  • Hours can be flexible to accommodate different types of schedules.
  • The internship will commence in February with at least a 12-week commitment.

How to Apply

Please email a cover letter and resume to resumes@phr.org. Include “Human Resources Intern, Spring 2025” in the subject line. Please include in your cover letter the number of weekly hours you would be able to commit to the internship.

Medical and Human Rights Research Intern

Location: New York, New York (hybrid)

Reports to: Medical Director

Internship Description

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) is looking for a highly motivated, capable intern with prior research experience who would like to gain direct experience working on a range of projects to research and document health effects of human rights, help develop and strengthen communications among US and global networks of medical and public health networks, and conduct background desk research to inform ongoing research and advocacy projects. The intern will work directly with PHR’s medical director and participate in strategy, planning, research, and advocacy meetings.

This internship is ideal for a student training in medicine and/or public health who seeks to include a commitment to and expertise in health and human rights in their professional work. You will be given exposure to a variety of PHR’s international and domestic research, capacity building, and policy efforts on issues such as human rights in armed conflict, medical impartiality, international anti-torture initiatives, international justice, refugee and asylum protection, police excessive force, dual loyalty, and criminalization of abortion care.

The intern will attend departmental and staff meetings, as well as regular learning and social events with other interns and staff from PHR to round out the learning experience and complement PHR-provided career mentoring.

PHR offers stipends to student interns. The specific stipend amount will be determined by the average number of hours worked by the intern per week. Details will be further provided during the interview process.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Undertaking research and analysis to support PHR research projects
  • Conducting background research for PHR research projects
  • Assisting with efforts to strengthen PHR US and global networks of medical and public health experts and engage them in communications and joint activities.
  • Assisting with the development of research, policy papers, blog posts, briefing materials, press releases, and internal memos regarding PHR’s research, investigations, and advocacy initiatives.
  • Contributing to the development of strategic partnerships to promote PHR’s advocacy priorities.
  • Assisting with general program and administrative work, including meeting preparations, background research, data entry, and internal reporting.
  • Managing internal databases of contacts and assisting with regular outreach to key stakeholders at the national and international level.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program of study required; previous coursework in international development/relations, public policy, human rights, or related field preferred but not required.
  • Strong written and verbal communications skills required, including excellent editing skills.
  • Excellent research and analytical skills required.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and professionally with PHR staff and external partners
  • Demonstrated interest in and commitment to human rights and health
  • Mature judgment, strong integrity, and ability to maintain strict confidentiality required.
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow-through
  • Previous experiences with policy or advocacy, through coursework, volunteer, or professional experience at local, national, or international level strongly desirable.

Location and Hours

  • The internship will follow a hybrid work model, with some work conducted remotely and some in our office located in Midtown, Manhattan.
  • We welcome applications from candidates located out of state.
  • Hours can be flexible to accommodate different types of schedules.
  • The internship will commence in February with at least a 12-week commitment.

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume, to resumes@phr.org. Include “Medical and Human Rights Research Intern, Spring 2025” in the subject line. Please include in your cover letter the number of weekly hours you would be able to commit to the internship.

Institutional Development Intern

Location: New York, New York (hybrid) or Remote

Reports to: Senior Institutional Development Manager

Internship Description

PHR’s institutional development internship is ideal for a student who is interested in nonprofit fundraising, philanthropy, and cultivation of organizational supporters. The institutional development intern will be given insight into the day-to-day operations of an international human rights organization’s development team, including research on institutional funders, such as governments and foundations; creation of fundraising materials; and database management.

The Institutional Development intern will also attend departmental and staff meetings, as well as have other opportunities to work with other interns and staff across departments.

PHR offers stipends to student interns. The specific stipend amount will be determined by the average number of hours worked by the intern per week. Further details will be provided during the interview process.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Assist in research to identify new funding opportunities from governments and foundations and prepare thorough, well-written briefings on prospective funders.
  • Support institutional development through Salesforce database management. · Help assess new funding opportunities for the institutional development team.
  • Work with the writing team to help review and edit fundraising materials, such as proposals and reports, and create other materials to be shared with donors as needed.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Current enrollment in a graduate program of study.
  • Strong analytical, writing, and verbal skills and superior research skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and professionally.
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, commitment to data accuracy, and ability to meet deadlines.
  • Self-motivated and able to work independently.

Location and Hours

  • The internship can follow a hybrid work model, with some work conducted remotely and some in our office located in Midtown, Manhattan, or work can be done fully remotely for applicants not located in or around New York City.
  • We welcome applications from candidates located outside of New York.
  • Hours can be flexible to accommodate different types of schedules.
  • The internship will commence in February 2025 and requires at least a 12-week commitment.

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter, resume, and short writing sample to resumes@phr.org and include “Institutional Development Intern, Spring 2025” in the subject line. Please include in your cover letter the number of weekly hours you would be able to commit to the internship.

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