.:Resource Guides:Human Rights-Kinds of Jobs in the Field.
Human Rights
What Kinds of Jobs Are There in the Human Rights Field?
The range of career choices has increased dramatically in this field over the past twenty years. Of course, doctors, lawyers, judges and forensic specialists are still central to much of the human rights monitoring and advocacy that takes place throughout the world.
However, the field now also includes people from many disciplines and backgrounds and human rights organizations hire staff to work on all facets of their missions.
The following is a small sample of human rights positions:
Grassroots/Community Organizer
Filmmaker
Website Developer
Graphic Designer
Logistics Specialist
Mental Health Care Counselor
Event Planner
Grant Writer
Accountant
Teacher/Educator
Academic/Scholar
Information Systems Specialist
Emergency Medical Technician
Financial Analyst
Journalist
Public Relations Specialist
Writer
Database Manager
Engineer
Actor
Musician
Clerical Assistant
Researcher
Photographer
Artist
Nurse
Entry-level positions abound in many human rights organizations. Assistant project coordinators, researchers, communications assistants, development associates and community organizers are postings for jobseekers with little experience. These positions often require an
undergraduate degree, but exceptions are found, especially in organizations advertising for community organizers and those using the arts and media in their work. Starting salaries for these jobs generally range from the high teens to high twenties. Candidates with
relevant graduate degrees can expect to start in a higher pay range.
Advanced positions in the field often carry the title of executive director, project administrator, senior program director and legal counsel. Depending on the size and type of organization, salaries for senior and executive staff can start in the low-thirties and go
over one hundred thousand dollars.
