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Leonard H. Sandler Fellowship 2027 2028

Human Rights Watch (HRW) is inviting applications for the Leonard H. Sandler Fellowship, established in memory of Judge Leonard H. Sandler, a 1950 Columbia Law graduate with a lifelong commitment to civil rights and liberties.

Job Title: Leonard H. Sandler Fellowship Job Location: New York, Washington, D.C., or other Human Rights Watch office locations Closing Date: October 12, 2026 Work Format: Office-based, with possible remote work at times

The fellowship is open to candidates who will hold a J.D. from Columbia Law School by June 2027.

The successful candidate will be expected to work from a Human Rights Watch office but may have the option to work remotely at times.

Fellowship Details

Fellows typically work full-time for one year in Human Rights Watch’s New York or Washington, D.C. office. In some instances, other locations where HRW has an office may be considered.

The fellowship begins in September 2027.

Human Rights Watch will provide fellows with training and mentorship, including regular and timely feedback and guidance on professional growth. HRW is also committed to ensuring a balanced workload for Fellows and monitoring staff well-being.

Key responsibilities

Leonard H. Sandler Fellows will typically:

• Monitor human rights developments in a given country or countries.

• Conduct on-site and in-office investigations.

• Draft reports and/or other materials on human rights conditions.

• Engage in advocacy and media outreach.

• Publicize human rights concerns and push governments to curtail human rights violations.

Past fellows have conducted research and advocacy on topics including international alternatives to immigration detention, migrant workers’ rights in Gulf countries, barriers to secondary education for Syrian refugee children in Jordan, hazardous child labor in artisanal gold mining in Tanzania, threats to local communities from unrehabilitated coal mines in South Africa, and the private takeover of public housing in New York City.

Education

• The fellowship is open to candidates who will hold a J.D. from Columbia Law School by June 2027.

Experience

• Prior research experience is required.
• Experience conducting interviews, ideally in the context of human rights research, is required.

Skills And Knowledge

Candidates should have:

• A demonstrated strong background in international human rights and a commitment to building a career in human rights.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

• Proficiency in one language in addition to English is strongly desired.

• Self-motivation and the ability to multitask effectively.

• Good planning and organizing skills and the ability to work under pressure.

• Strong initiative and follow-through.

• Exceptional analytical skills.

• The capacity to think creatively and strategically.

• Excellent writing skills.

• Perseverance and flexibility while maintaining HRW’s high methodological standards.

• Strong interpersonal skills to work collaboratively within HRW and with external partners.

• Awareness of and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.

• The ability to make sound decisions consistent with the functions of the role.

Salary And Benefits

The gross annualized salary for the 2027-2028 fellow is US $70,000, plus employer-paid benefits.

Human Rights Watch will also pay reasonable relocation expenses.

HRW’s ability to secure work authorization for the fellowship varies depending on the jurisdiction in which the fellow will be based and the educational/vocational background of the selected finalist. HRW cannot guarantee the ability to secure work authorization in the United States.

Citizens of all nationalities are still encouraged to apply.

Diversity And Equal Opportunity

Human Rights Watch is strengthened by the diversity of its staff and differences in background, culture, experience, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, and more.

HRW actively seeks and welcomes applications from people of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, women, LGBTI persons, and persons with disabilities.

Human Rights Watch does not discriminate on the basis of disability, age, gender identity and expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or criminal record.

Application Requirements

Applicants should apply immediately or by 11:59 PM ET on October 12, 2026 through the Human Rights Watch online job portal.

Applicants should attach the following in PDF format:

• CV/resume
• Letter of interest
• Brief writing sample, unedited by others

Only complete applications will be reviewed. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted further.

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit:

• Two letters of recommendation
• An official law or graduate school transcript

Successful applicants should be available for an interview from mid-to-late November 2026.

How to apply

Applications should be submitted through the Human Rights Watch online job portal:

No calls or email inquiries regarding applications, and applications submitted via email will not be accepted.

For technical difficulties with the application or disability-related accommodation requests, inquiries may be directed to fellowship@hrw.org. Inquiries regarding application status will go unanswered.

About Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch is an international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization known for its in-depth investigations, incisive and timely reporting, innovative and high-profile advocacy campaigns, and success in changing human rights-related policies and practices of influential governments and international institutions.

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• WoMin Is Hiring a Grants and Contracts Officer for a Remote Africa-Based Role

Applicants should apply immediately or by 11:59 PM ET on October 12, 2026 through the Human Rights Watch online job portal.

Applicants should attach the following in PDF format:

• CV/resume
• Letter of interest
• Brief writing sample, unedited by others

Only complete applications will be reviewed. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted further.

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit:

• Two letters of recommendation
• An official law or graduate school transcript

Successful applicants should be available for an interview from mid-to-late November 2026.