Digital Due Process Intern

About Access

Access is an international human rights organization dedicated to defending and extending the digital rights of users at risk around the world. With offices in Brussels, New York, Santiago, and Tunis, we combine innovative policy, user engagement, and direct technical support, and work globally with activists, civil society, and policymakers to build technical capacity and advocate for open and secure communications for all.

Digital Due Process Initiative and Internship

Recent revelations about mass surveillance revelations have demonstrated that gross violations of user privacy, in the name of national security programs and traditional criminal law enforcement, are happening at an unprecedented scale.

These violations have chilling effects on freedom of expression and other human rights internationally. This position offers the opportunity to work on one of the defining human rights issues of our time by helping to reform laws and craft new international norms regarding due process and privacy online.

The Digital Due Process Intern will work directly with one of our senior policy analysts and support us in analyzing and contributing to international and national policy processes, advocating with governments and companies, building coalitions, and educating the public about important developments in Internet governance.

Interns can expect the following responsibilities, tasks and experiences:

• To gain specialized knowledge in privacy and civil liberties law and policy
• To work at the meaningful intersection of digital rights and national security 
• Be mentored and trained by a member of our policy team 
• Research, write, and edit policy briefs and position papers with full attribution 
• Prepare external and internal advocacy materials and write blog posts 
• Meet partner groups and participate in on- and off-site meetings and strategy sessions 
• Attend and contribute to our team meetings 
• Gain insight into how international NGOs work 

Qualifications

  A successful applicant will be enrolled in or a recent graduate of a masters program in law, political science, international relations, or have an interest in technology, digital and human rights, or political participation.

Being well organized, motivated, and reliable will help your application. Applicants should demonstrate research and writing skills. Please indicate on your application if you are fluent in a foreign language.

Interns will ideally work out of our Washington, D.C. Office. However, due to our love of the internet, we’re happy to talk virtually and applicants will be considered from locations worldwide.

Time Commitment

• One full academic term (usually 3 to 4 months) 
• Minimum of 16-20 hours per week, more if desired! 
• This internship is unpaid, but we’ll gladly offer academic credit and assistance where possible 
• Start date – ASAP 

Application Requirements

To apply, send a copy of your CV or resume, a cover letter explaining your interest and qualifications for the position, and two references (An academic and a character reference) to internships@accessnow.org. Please place “Digital Due Process Intern – [Your Name]” as the subject line. Deadline: ASAP with applications accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Access is an international NGO based in New York, NY. We are an equal opportunity employer. We value and encourage diversity and consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected status.