Communications - Media and Publications Intern

Communications – Media and Publications Intern, Spring 2025

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), which shared in the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997, is a U.S.-based international advocacy organization working at the intersection of medicine, science, and law. With a global network of thousands of medical, scientific, and legal experts, PHR uses the power of medical and scientific evidence to document human rights and humanitarian law violations and prevent abuses, protect survivors, and promote justice and universal human rights for all.

Building upon its highly respected place in the field, and supported by a committed and talented team, PHR seeks a Communications – Media and Publications Intern.

Location: New York, New York (hybrid)

Reports to: Director of Communications

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 

The communications – media and publications internship is ideal for a student seeking a hands-on opportunity to work on media relations, online communications, and research and publications. The intern will work as an integral part of PHR’s communications team to help with materials and messaging for PHR’s mission and work. 

The communications intern will attend departmental and staff meetings, as well as regular learning and social events with other interns and staff from PHR to round out the learning experience and complement PHR-provided career mentoring.

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 

• Track relevant news stories on human rights violations around the world.
• Research, write, proofread, and copy-edit social media, blog posts, web content, newsletter articles, press releases, and other communications materials.
• Run reports and use to track website traffic and online ad campaigns.
• Track PHR’s media coverage and compile and organize media lists.
• Research journalists and outlets covering topics and regions related to PHR’s work.

Qualifications and Experience 

• Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program of study specializing in communications, journalism, international relations, or other relevant major
• Interest in communications work in a nonprofit setting
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite
• Superior organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to facilitate a project from start to finish
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and professionally
• Mature judgment, confidentiality, and capacity to work independently
• Sense of humor a plus

Location and Hours 

• The internship will follow a hybrid work model, with some work conducted remotely and some in our office located in Midtown, Manhattan.
• We welcome applications from candidates located out of state.
• Hours can be flexible to accommodate different types of schedules.
• The internship will commence in February with at least a 12-week commitment.

How to Apply 

Please apply by sending a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to resumes@phr.org. Include “Communications – Media and Communications Intern, Spring 2025” in the subject line. Please include in your cover letter the number of weekly hours you would be able to commit to the internship.