Robert L. Bernstein Fellowship in International Human Rights

Updated 2/3/2021

Application deadline extended to February 15, 2021.

Human Rights in China (HRIC) is pleased to host the Robert L. Bernstein Fellowship in International Human Rights. The fellowship enables an NYU Law School graduate to devote a year to full-time human rights work at HRIC. It was established in honor of the late Mr. Bernstein, who was Director and Chair Emeritus of HRIC and Founding Chair and Director Emeritus of Human Rights Watch, and who made lifelong contributions to human rights in China and around the world.

HRIC is a Chinese non-governmental organization (NGO) founded in March 1989 by overseas Chinese students and scientists. We actively engage in case and policy advocacy, media and press work, and capacity building. Through our original publications and extensive translation work, HRIC provides bridges and uncensored platforms for diverse Chinese voices.

Job Description

The Robert L. Bernstein Fellow will work full-time for one year at HRIC’s office in New York. The Fellow will work closely with HRIC lawyers and advocacy staff and contribute to HRIC’s interrelated advocacy, casework, research, and outreach. Projects may include preparing specific policy, case, and legal briefs and submissions to human rights mechanisms at the UN as well as contributions to other bilateral and multilateral fora; contributing to media and online advocacy work; and conducting research for and drafting publications and reports on current issues and legal developments relevant to human rights in China.

Qualifications

• Graduate of NYU Law School
• Demonstrated commitment to and knowledge of international human rights
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Strong research skills
• Relevant coursework, e.g. international human rights law, international law, international trade, Chinese law, or clinical experience
• Mandarin and/or Cantonese proficiency a plus (but not required)
• Organization, self-motivation, and flexibility

Salary and Benefits

The salary for the 2021-2022 Fellow is $50,000, plus benefits.

Applications

Applications are due by February 15, 2021 (new extended deadline), and must include the following:

• Cover letter (max 500 words)
• Résumé
• Two letters of recommendation
• An official NYU transcript
• An essay of no more than 250 words, describing one key human rights challenge facing China

Please send a complete application for the 2021–2022 fellowship, including transcripts and recommendations, by February 15, 2021, to fellowships@hrichina.org.

Qualified applicants will be interviewed in New York in the spring of 2021, and start dates for the fellowship will be the end of August/September 2021. Please direct any inquiries to fellowships@hrichina.org.

Human Rights in China is an equal opportunity employer.