2027 Donald M. and Susan N. Wilson Legal Fellowship

Position description

Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center (KHRC) seeks a Donald M. and Susan N. Wilson Fellow to work with its International Advocacy and Litigation program. This position begins in September 2027 for one year, with the possibility of extending for an additional year.

About the Donald M. and Susan N. Wilson Fellowship Program:

In 2011, the Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center established the Donald M. and Susan N. Wilson Fellowship program to provide a position to one outstanding recent law school graduate each year. Donald M. and Susan N. Wilson recognized the need for greater support for recent graduates who wish to devote their professional lives to public service and generously endowed the fellowship program at KHRC. This fellowship has historically provided invaluable training and experience for a recent law school graduate preparing for a career in human rights.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct factual research and draft memoranda on the human rights situation in countries of interest to the organization in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as on thematic issues (e.g., civic space, gender-based violence, right to due process, etc);
• Conduct research on the application of international human rights norms to country conditions, developments in the domestic legal systems of specific countries, and their implications for human rights, and other questions;
• Prepare documents in support of litigation before international and regional human rights tribunals and mechanisms (e.g., Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, UN Treaty Bodies), and in support of advocacy before governments, international organizations, and U.N. special procedures;
• Help maintain and manage communication with partners, human rights defenders, and civil society partners around the world in support of joint litigation and advocacy;
• Participate in and contribute to litigation and advocacy strategy.
• Attend and report on briefings, congressional hearings, symposia, and other meetings;
• Monitor sources of information on countries and issues of concern to KHRC and collect, organize, and analyze relevant information;
• Work closely with the International Advocacy and Litigation VP and programmatic staff to develop long-term strategies, legal actions, and advocacy campaigns to support the RFK Human Rights Award Laureates.
• Provide administrative support to KHRC staff on an as-needed basis
• Limited travel (domestic and/or international) may also be required.

Qualifications

• A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree (or foreign equivalent) is required;
• Authorization to work in the United States;
• Experience with regional and international human rights law and norms; working knowledge of the United Nations system and/or the Inter-American Human Rights System;
• Experience and/or familiarity with the human rights context in Latin America and the Caribbean;
• Professional fluency in Spanish is required; Portuguese is helpful but not required.
• Ability to maintain active contacts with civil society as well as key stakeholders in the aforementioned systems; an ability to master complex human rights issues under tight deadlines;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Innovative thinking, willingness to voice opinions, and a strong work ethic are essential;
• Teamwork, you are able to build positive relationships with your colleagues and are willing to help others;
• Inclusive, you’re excited to work with colleagues with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives from your own;

You are welcome here...

The Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center is an equal opportunity employer and believes we are stronger and more effective by working internally and externally with people of all abilities, diverse backgrounds, and a range of perspectives, particularly those who have historically been marginalized or underrepresented. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We do not discriminate in our hiring practices, and to build the strongest possible workforce, we actively seek a diverse applicant pool. If you require an accommodation at any time during the application and hiring process, please contact us by emailing your request to [email protected] with the subj. line "Accommodation Request." Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Having documents in alternate formats or read aloud
• Having interviews in a more accessible location/format

About Donald M. Wilson:

This fellowship carries the name of the prominent magazine journalist who developed a close friendship with Robert Kennedy during John F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign. A LIFE magazine correspondent for twelve years, Donald M. Wilson covered the Korean and Vietnam wars for the magazine and afterward led LIFE’s Washington, D.C., bureau, where he met Robert Kennedy. Following the campaign, Donald M. Wilson was appointed deputy director of the United States Information Agency (USIA) and served under presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. In 1989, he retired as Corporate Vice President, Public Affairs at Time Inc. In 1991, with James L. Greenfield, a former assistant managing editor at The New York Times, he founded the Independent Journalism Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to promoting free and independent media in Eastern and Central Europe and Southeast Asia.

About the Kennedy Human Rights Center:

Led by human rights activist and lawyer Kerry Kennedy, the Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center has advocated for a more just and peaceful world since 1968. We work alongside local activists to ensure lasting positive change in government and corporate practices. Our team includes leading attorneys, advocates, and leaders in business and government, united by a commitment to social justice.

For more information about the Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center, please visit: https://kennedyhumanrights.org

Application instructions

Please email a cover letter, resume, brief writing sample (preferably related to international human rights law), and a list of 3 professional references by 11:59pm ET, Sunday, October 4, 2026. with the Subject line: [Your Name + Wilson Fellowship].

• The cover letter should share how you heard about this fellowship and why you’re interested in this role and joining our organization.

No phone calls, please. Please note that, due to the high volume of applications received, KHRC will contact only the top list of qualified candidates directly.

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