Young South African graduates are invited to take part in internship programmes under Human rights & NGO Support.
Human Rights is a diverse career field, attracting experts from all study fields and walks of life. If you’re seeking experience related to a challenging yet rewarding career, start with a Human Rights internship to build your knowledge, understanding, and cultural intelligence. Human Rights internships in Cape Town are popular, as the host organizations foster fun, dynamic, and welcoming learning environments. Come prepared to assist with a variety of activities. Whether related to research, empowerment, education, events, or communications, you can develop a wealth of transferable skills.
This is an in-country internship which includes accommodation. Click here to explore remote Law & Human Rights internships, which you can do from home.
Gain valuable experience learning about human rights and social advocacy in Cape Town, South Africa, where discriminatory policies and laws implemented during the apartheid era have had a negative generational impact. Social issues such as xenophobia, racism, gender inequality, prejudice, and poverty are still highly prevalent. Challenges to human rights still remain in the areas of education, health, welfare, employment, immigration, politics, the LGBT community and women’s rights.
Internship tasks within this field can be related to research, administrative support for organizations, assistance with information sessions, education support for community groups, attending meetings to learn from various stakeholders, and proposals related to funding. Individual internships experiences vary, as the specific placement that you’re assigned will depend on review of your resume and your current level of studies and experience, as well as your chosen duration. Short term interns (one month only) can expect to obtain an overview and understanding of the work an organization may do, to reduce conflict, enhance social cohesion and promote economic development.
In all cases, interns should expect that the first week of your experience will focus on settling in and gaining some introductory knowledge, as you will not “hit the ground running”. Rather, you should start with learning about the placement to gain an understanding of what you can build upon, develop, learn, and contribute. Ensure that you ask questions and provide feedback during the introductory period, so that your supervisor understands how you’re progressing. This will help them to better understand important details, such as how quickly you learn, what you find challenging, what you find interesting, etc.
What are the career benefits of interning abroad as a Human Rights & NGO Support Intern?
Human Rights & NGO Support interns learn from a qualified and experienced supervisor, and can be involved in:
- Raising awareness related to human rights violations.
- Educational measures designed to teach people how to advocate for their own rights.
- Research related to issues impacting the work of your host organization.
- Assistance with educational material, marketing content, communications, and fundraising proposals.
Professional development opportunities:
- Enhance your understanding of human rights issues and challenges in South Africa.
- Connect with professionals who can provide industry insights and mentorship.
- Increase your practical understanding of logistical and administrative requirements for NGOs and/or non profit organizations.
- Improve your critical thinking, research and analytical skills.
- Gain practical skills and boost your employability, with guidance from Intern Abroad HQ’s Experiential Learning Curriculum to support your learning and cultural intelligence.
Eligibility requirement
Human Rights Support internships in Cape Town are suitable for students and recent graduates with at least one year of relevant college/university study in a related field, such as Bachelor of Laws, Political Science, International Development, Social Work, Economics, etc. A commitment to research and administrative related activities is required.
Language requirements for this internship
This internship is conducted in English.
Associated career paths
Domestic and International Advocacy, Human Rights Lawyer, Social Worker, Humanitarian Service Worker, Educator, Policy Developer, Public Health Worker, Fundraiser, Diplomat, Foreign Affairs Worker, Journalist, Campaign Manager, Public Sector Worker, Political Adviser, Program Educator, Volunteer Coordinator, Administrator
Despite modern advances, human rights remain one of the most important issues for societies around the world. Professionals in this sector are faced with complex challenges, working to develop human potential, while advocating for freedom. Human Rights Support internships in Cape Town, South Africa, can place students and young professionals within a diverse range of NGOs, community-based enterprises, and nonprofits. Such organizations are often devoted to support, protection, and empowerment for minority groups, women, at-risk youth, asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants.
What to expect from your Human Rights & NGO Support internship:
- Gain insight into human rights challenges being addressed within a South African context.
- Learn about how human rights organizations can implement a people-centered agenda for sustainable development.
- Understand how NGOs may work alongside civil society, CBOs, businesses, and governments.
Your internship abroad host organization:
- NGOs
- SBOs
- Non profit organizations
- Charities
- Refugee support centers
- Youth centers and academic institutions
Apply here
We are expecting thousands applications from young South African graduates so it is very advisable to apply as early as possible.