Global Human Rights Sanctions Research Intern

Human Rights First; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; Full time

Job description

Human Rights Accountability Legal Intern - Fall 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 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 research and write about 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. Additionally, the intern will 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. Interns 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

• Support attorneys in policy, legal, and data research projects to inform our efforts and those of our coalition partners related to human rights and anti-corruption sanctions and advocacy.
• Monitor and report on events occurring around the world that are relevant to our work.
• Work with attorneys reviewing Magnitsky case files to provide information and answer questions.
• Conduct research to gather information and assist in preparing files for Global Magnitsky recommendations for the U.S. and other major Magnitsky jurisdiction governments involving serious human rights abuse or corruption.
• Track, via internal databases, different government, NGO coalition, and HRF metrics.
• Assist with coordinating NGO training sessions on targeted sanctions.
• Assist with advocacy to government entities and the public regarding the Global Magnitsky sanctions program and other related Magnitsky-style programs (drafting blogs, op-eds, factsheets, other publications).
• Opportunity for additional responsibilities based on performance.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Strong research and writing skills.
• Significant knowledge of the human rights context in at least one region of the world, and/or significant knowledge of human rights issues facing vulnerable and marginalized groups.
• Ability to apply legal standards to the facts of specific cases.
• Knowledge of human rights and/or anti-corruption concepts, methods, statutes, and instruments desirable.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Foreign language skills desirable.

Education: Law student (J.D. or LLM) preferred.

Compensation: Unpaid

Submission Deadline: July 24, 2026

Start Date: September 8, 2026

End Date: December 11, 2026

Time Commitment: 10-12 hours/week

Application Instructions: Please include a cover letter, resume, and two writing samples (ideally related to human rights or corruption).

Human Rights First is committed to recruiting, retaining, and developing staff from a diversity of backgrounds, including members of racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, people of all socioeconomic backgrounds, people of all nationalities, and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. We believe that a diverse staff and an inclusive work environment that welcomes a range of perspectives make us stronger and more effective.