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's lawyers and advocacy staff and contribute to HRIC’s interrelated advocacy, casework, research, and outreach. Work may include preparing specific policy, case, and legal briefs and submissions to human rights mechanisms at the UN, as well as HRIC 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 School of Law
• 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 2024-2025 Fellow is $50,000, plus benefits.

Applications

Applications are due by December 8, 2023, and must include the following:

• Cover letter (max 500 words)
• Résumé
• Two letters of recommendation (may be submitted separately)
• 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 2024–2025 fellowship, including transcripts, by December 8, 2023, to jobs@hrichina.org.

Qualified applicants will be interviewed in New York (or online) in December 2023, and the start date for the fellowship will be in the beginning of August, 2024. Please direct inquiries to jobs@hrichina.org.  

Human Rights in China is an equal opportunity employer.