Program on Sexual Violence in Conflict Zones Intern (Kenya-based)

MUST BE BASED IN NAIROBI, KENYA *

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), which shared in the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997, is a U.S.-based international advocacy organization working at the intersection of medicine, science, and law. With a global network of thousands of medical, scientific, and legal experts, PHR uses the power of medical and scientific evidence to document human rights and humanitarian law violations and prevent abuses, protect survivors, and promote justice and universal human rights for all.

Building upon its highly respected place in the field, and supported by a committed and talented team, PHR seeks a Program on Sexual Violence in Conflict Zones (Nairobi, Kenya) Intern.

Organizational Overview

Physicians for Human Rights was founded in 1986 by five physicians who were united in the belief that health professionals, with their specialized skills, ethical duties, and credible voices, are uniquely positioned to prevent harm and promote respect for human rights. Since its founding, PHR has built a long and distinguished record of accomplishment by conducting groundbreaking investigations and advocacy, in concert with strategic partners.

PHR’s approach includes extensive documentation of the use of illegal and inhumane weapons in armed conflicts, attacks on civilians, and the physical and psychological impacts of torture and sexual violence as a weapon of war. Other core activities include protecting the rights of those seeking asylum in the United States, the human rights implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, and halting attacks on medical facilities and frontline health professionals.

Internship Description

The internship under the Program on Sexual Violence in Conflict Zones (SVCZ) in Nairobi is ideal for a student looking for a career in international affairs or public health. The intern will have the opportunity to research, learn and write about key areas of interest to the program, such as effectiveness of standard practices for care and documentation, use of technology in human rights documentation, and strategic impact litigation. 

The intern will attend departmental and staff meetings, as well as attend 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. Students may be able to instead arrange academic credit and should check with their individual academic institutions for requirements. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Researching and analyzing relevant legal, medical, public health, and human rights materials on sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, and elsewhere.
• Assist with the logistics, preparation, and facilitation for trainings, conferences, and other program events.
• Help develop, code and maintain program data(bases), including monitoring and evaluation (M&E) data, training participants, contacts, photographs, media coverage, and relevant literature.
• Carry out editorial tasks such as drafting blog posts for the PHR website and proofreading and footnotes for program publications.
• Monitor developments relating to sexual violence and creating weekly news digests for PHR staff and consultants.

Qualifications and Experience 

• Current enrollment in an university/college or recent graduate of an undergraduate or graduate program; course of study in international development/relations, public policy, law, human rights, or related field preferred, but not required.
• Written and/or oral proficiency in French and/or Spanish is an asset.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• 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.

Location and Hours 

• The intern will be based in Physicians for Human Rights Office- Kenya, in Nairobi office/ remotely (observing Covid protocols).
• Hours can be flexible to accommodate different types of schedules.
• The internship will commence in early October and requires at least a 12-week commitment.

How to Apply 

Please send a cover letter and resume to resumes@phr.org, and copy eowange@phr.org. Include “Program on Sexual Violence in Conflict Zones - Nairobi Internship Position 2023-2024’ in the subject line. Please include in your cover letter the number of weekly hours you would be able to commit to the internship.