The Youth Advocacy Assistant position is a part-time, fixed-term opportunity with Human Rights Watch under its Student Task Force (STF) programme. Based in Los Angeles, California, the role supports youth-led advocacy initiatives focused on promoting and protecting children’s human rights.

The position runs from August 3, 2026, to May 28, 2027, and requires a commitment of 16 to 27 hours per week. The successful candidate will work closely with the STF Associate Director and broader programme team, contributing to advocacy planning, student engagement, and programme coordination.

About the Student Task Force Programme

The Student Task Force (STF) is a youth leadership and advocacy initiative designed to empower high school students to become active human rights advocates. Through mentorship and structured programming, STF equips students with the skills needed to lead campaigns, raise awareness, and drive social change within their communities.

The programme emphasises:

Leadership development among youth
Human rights education and advocacy
Collaboration between students, teachers, and mentors
Building confidence and civic engagement

Purpose of the Role

The Youth Advocacy Assistant provides operational and programmatic support to ensure the effective delivery of STF activities. The role focuses on assisting with advocacy campaigns, supporting student leaders, and facilitating communication across participating schools.

The position is ideal for individuals passionate about youth engagement, education, and human rights advocacy, with an interest in working directly with students and community stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

The Youth Advocacy Assistant plays a hands-on role in supporting programme delivery and student engagement. Core responsibilities include:

Advocacy Support

Assisting in the implementation of advocacy activities for the 2026–2027 academic year
Supporting the development of advocacy materials and campaign resources
Participating in school-based advocacy activities alongside the STF team

Student and School Engagement

Liaising with student leaders and faculty advisors across STF chapters
Monitoring and reporting on student-led advocacy activities
Supporting students in planning and executing campaigns
Assisting with weekly virtual leadership meetings involving multiple schools

Programme Implementation

Supporting the rollout of tools and strategies to enhance student activism
Assisting in leadership development initiatives for participating students
Contributing to programme coordination and activity tracking

Administrative and Communication Support

Preparing, formatting, and distributing communications and documents
Scheduling meetings and coordinating logistics
Responding to inquiries from students, educators, and stakeholders
Providing general administrative support, including proofreading and document management

Required Qualifications and Experience

The role is suited to early-career professionals or students with a strong interest in human rights and youth development.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is preferred
Current university students are encouraged to apply

Experience

At least one year of relevant work or volunteer experience is preferred
Experience working with middle school, high school, or university students is required
Background in advocacy or volunteer coordination is highly desirable

Skills and Competencies

Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
Excellent organisational and time management abilities
Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks
Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools and internet applications
Familiarity with communication platforms such as MailChimp is an advantage
Creative thinking and problem-solving skills
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

Additional desirable skills include experience in:

Social media and digital communication
Graphic or web design
Online engagement tools

Work Schedule and Location

The position is based in Los Angeles and requires a hybrid work arrangement.

Key expectations include:

Working in the office 2–3 days per week
Availability during afternoons and early evenings
Presence at schools and programme sites from Monday to Wednesday
Residence within commuting distance of the Los Angeles office

Applicants must be available for the full duration of the contract period.

Compensation and Benefits

The position offers a competitive hourly rate:

Salary: $22.76 per hour

As a part-time role, benefits may vary based on organisational policies and employment terms.

Application Process

Interested candidates must apply through the official Human Rights Watch careers portal.

Required Application Materials

Resume or CV
Cover letter (preferably in PDF format)
Contact details for three professional references

Additional Application Requirements

Applicants must:

Confirm availability for required working hours
Demonstrate experience working with youth
Confirm residence in the Los Angeles area during the contract period
Possess valid U.S. work authorisation

Incomplete applications or submissions via email are not accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Organisational Values and Commitment

Human Rights Watch is a globally recognised organisation dedicated to investigating and advocating against human rights abuses. Its work includes:

Conducting in-depth research and reporting
Influencing policy and legal reform
Promoting justice and accountability
Supporting grassroots and global advocacy campaigns

The organisation is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. It actively encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds and does not discriminate based on race, gender, disability, or other non-merit factors.

Summary

The Youth Advocacy Assistant role offers a valuable opportunity to support youth-led human rights initiatives in a dynamic and impactful environment. By working with Human Rights Watch, the successful candidate will contribute to developing the next generation of human rights leaders while gaining practical experience in advocacy, programme coordination, and youth engagement.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.