Advocacy Intern
Human Rights First
| Position: Advocacy Intern | ||
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| Job Id: 903 | ||
| # of Openings: 1 | ||
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| Advocacy Intern – Spring 2026  
 The Accountability Legal Intern will assist with research and analysis aimed at strengthening our team’s ability to effectively advocate for targeted sanctions against human rights abusers and corrupt officials around the world using Magnitsky-style sanctions programs from the U.S., UK, EU, Canada, and Australia. In particular, the intern will be asked to perform legal and policy background research and maintain databases to improve our understanding of the applicability, use, and effects of different sanctions programs. The intern will also be asked to perform research and writing related to specific instances of serious human rights abuse and/or corruption as we work to identify individuals for consideration as possible designees under various government sanctions programs, including the Global Magnitsky sanctions program and similar programs from other jurisdictions. In addition, the intern will be asked to conduct research and draft materials to support Congressional advocacy efforts related to this and other related work to promote and protect Magnitsky sanctions and other accountability tools and institutions, such as the International Criminal Court. The intern will gain professional experience in legal analysis, persuasive writing, and engagement with a diverse range of partners. The intern may also be involved in our efforts to protect accountability institutions and human rights activists from attack by the Trump administration and other actors.  Interns must be located in the United States.  
 How will the intern make a difference in the Human Rights space through this internship?  The intern’s work will make Human Rights First and its partners more effective advocates in seeking accountability for human rights abuses and corruption, by helping make the strongest case possible for sanctions in specific instances and by improving our overall understanding of the impact and implementation of these tools. The intern’s work will also support Human Rights First’s efforts to protect accountability tools and institutions from attacks and misuse.  
 Essential Duties and Responsibilities 
    
  Education: Law student (J.D. or LLM) preferred. Compensation: Unpaid Start Date: January 20, 2026  End Date: April 24, 2026  Time Commitment: 10-12 hours/week   Submission Deadline: November 21, 2025 - Deadline Extended to November 28, 2026 Application Instructions: Please include a cover letter, resume, and two writing samples (ideally related to human rights or corruption).   | ||
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