Graduate Internship Program

Graduate Internship Program at Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center (EHRDC) – 2026 The Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center (EHRDC) invites applications from eligible recent graduates for its six-month Internship Program. The opportunity is designed for graduates who are members of the organization's University Human Rights Clubs and are interested in human rights advocacy, research, capacity building, and civil society work. Job Overview Hiring Organization: Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center (EHRDC) Position: Graduate Intern Job Category: Internship / Human Rights / Research and Advocacy Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Career Level: Entry Level (Fresh Graduate) Employment Type: Contract Internship Duration: 6 Months Working Arrangement: Office-based, full-time Compensation: Monthly stipend according to the organization's scale Application Deadline: November 20, 2026 About the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center (EHRDC) The Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center (EHRDC) was established in December 2019 and registered in November 2020 under the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Authority for Civil Society Organizations, with registration number 5220. EHRDC works to protect and support human rights defenders in Ethiopia through advocacy, capacity building, and protection initiatives. The organization promotes the safety, security, and well-being of human rights defenders and supports evidence-based advocacy. Internship Program Summary EHRDC's Graduate Internship Program aims to provide recent graduates with practical experience in human rights and civil society work. Selected interns will support the organization's programs through research, advocacy, documentation, monitoring and evaluation, and program coordination. The internship will offer exposure to the opportunities and challenges facing human rights defenders in Ethiopia while helping participants develop essential professional skills. Key Responsibilities Interns will support EHRDC activities in the following areas: 1. Research and Documentation Conduct desk reviews and assist with basic research activities. Collect, compile, and organize relevant data. Draft short summaries and contribute to sections of reports and other documents. Maintain organized digital and physical records. 2. Program and Activity Support Assist in organizing workshops, meetings, and training sessions. Prepare event materials and support the implementation of program activities. Help prepare brief activity reports and summaries. 3. Advocacy and Communications Support Gather information relevant to human rights advocacy. Support the preparation of social media content and other communication materials under supervision. Monitor relevant human rights developments and share updates with the team. 4. Monitoring and Evaluation Assist in monitoring the progress of program activities. Collect relevant monitoring data. Support the preparation of evaluation reports. Learning Opportunities Through the internship, participants will have the opportunity to: Gain practical experience in human rights and civil society work. Understand how protection, advocacy, and capacity-building programs are implemented. Develop professional skills in research, communication, event coordination, and teamwork. Engage with human rights defenders, civil society partners, and relevant stakeholders. Receive mentorship and supervision from EHRDC staff and advisors. Qualifications and Requirements Applicants must meet the following requirements: Educational Qualification and Eligibility Recent graduates with a degree in Law, Human Rights, Political Science, Social Work, or a related field. Applicants must be members of one of EHRDC's 13 University Human Rights Clubs located in: Ambo Arba Minch Assosa Bahir Dar Bule Hora Debre Markos Gambella Gondar Jigjiga Jimma Semera Wolaita Sodo Wolkite Required Skills and Competencies Strong interest in human rights advocacy, civil society, and education. Good written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively. Willingness to learn, adapt, and take on new responsibilities. Commitment to EHRDC's values and principles, particularly those relating to human rights and the protection of human rights defenders. Teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. Working Conditions and Benefits The internship will run for six months. Interns will work full-time in accordance with EHRDC's working hours. A monthly stipend will be provided according to the organization's scale. Interns must comply with the organization's confidentiality, ethics, and safeguarding policies. How to Apply Interested and eligible candidates must submit the following application documents: Detailed CV: Maximum of two pages. Cover Letter: One page explaining the applicant's interest in the internship and relevant experience. Proof of Membership: Evidence demonstrating participation in one of EHRDC's University Human Rights Clubs. Application Email: hewan@ethdefenders.org CC: belachew@ethdefenders.org Email Subject: Internship Application 2026 Applicants should send their application documents to the designated email address and copy the second address provided above. Safeguarding Notice EHRDC is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful working environment and does not tolerate misconduct or behavior that puts others at risk. The organization may conduct criminal record checks and reference checks as deemed necessary during the recruitment process. Application Deadline November 20, 2026