Asylum Program Intern

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), which shared in the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997, is a U.S.-based international organization working at the intersection of medicine, science, and law. With a global network of thousands of medical, scientific, and legal experts, PHR documents human rights and humanitarian law violations, prevents abuses, protects survivors, and promotes justice and universal human rights for all. 

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

Within the Asylum Program, one of PHR’s core activities is the coordination of forensic medical evaluations used to bolster the legal claims of people seeking asylum and other humanitarian benefits in the US.  

Building upon its highly respected place in the field of asylum justice, and supported by a committed team, PHR seeks a capable Asylum Program intern wishing to gain direct experience in data collection, case management, and operational support. In this position, the intern will draw on their attention to detail, written communication skills, familiarity with databases, and enthusiasm. This will be a great opportunity to gain unique experience, learn about human rights issues, and hone numerous transferable skills. 

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. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Communicate with legal partners and clinicians on details and materials relevant to client cases
• Help maintain program data(bases), including gathering and updating case outcomes, and collecting and redacting medico-legal affidavits
• Develop written material such as drafting blog posts for monthly communication with Asylum Program Network members and taking meeting notes
• 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
• Attend weekly external meetings with advocates from other human rights organizations
• Assist with general program and administrative work

Qualifications and Experience  

• Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program of study required; previous coursework or experience in international development/relations, public policy, human rights, or related field preferred
• Demonstrated commitment to cultural competency and human rights; interest in and familiarity with immigrants’ rights, asylum law, and awareness of current events related to global forced migration and domestic immigration policy a plus
• Strong multi-stakeholder communication skills, ability to work collaboratively, attention to detail and follow-through, and organizational skills required
• Mature judgment, strong integrity, and ability to maintain strict confidentiality while working with sensitive human rights data required
• Experience with Salesforce is a plus

Location and Hours 

• The internship is eligible to be remote or in-person in our New York City office
• We welcome applications from candidates located out of state.
• Hours can be flexible to accommodate different types of schedules, with 8-10 hours required weekly
• The internship will commence in early October and wrap up in late November.

How to Apply 

Please apply at resumes@phr.org and copy hhoupt@phr.org. Include “Asylum Program Intern, Fall 2023” in the subject line and include in your cover letter and resume as attachments.