Intern, support the implementation of the RWI Colombia project

Location: RWI's office in Lund, Sweden One part-time unpaid internship position ( approx. 4h per day, depending on the availability of the selected candidate) between 1 April and 28 February 2027

About RWI

The Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (RWI) is an independent academic institution that combines multi-disciplinary human rights research with education, support and outreach to contribute to a wider understanding of, and respect for, human rights and international humanitarian law. Our impact extends across more than 40 countries, and we have offices in Lund (HQ), Addis Ababa, Bangkok, Harare, Jakarta, Kyiv, Nairobi, Phnom Penh, and Yerevan.

About the Internship

The internship programme offers university students and recent graduates with a strong interest in human rights, the opportunity to gain practical experience, complement academic studies, and become familiar with the work of an international human rights organisation.

The intern's work will be allocated between research- and education initiatives at the Research and Education Department (R.E.D.) and the implementation of the project A Just and Sustainable Green Transition in Colombia: Strengthening Indigenous and Afro-Colombian Rights, under the supervision of Dr. Alejandro Fuentes, Senior Researcher.

At the end of the internship, the intern will be required to submit a brief reflective report. A certificate will be issued upon successful completion.

Tasks and Responsabilities

The intern will support Dr. Fuentes’ ongoing research and academic initiatives, contributing to a variety of outputs including publications, institutional reports, research proposals, and educational activities. Thematic focus areas include:

• Minority and Indigenous peoples’ rights
• Cultural diversity and human rights
• Green transition, environmental law, sustainable development and human rights
• Regional systems of human rights protection (with comparative analysis of Africa, Europe, and the Americas)
• Human rights education and legal clinics

Regarding the RWI’s Colombia Project, which has started in 2026 and run for two years, the focus will be on Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities in La Guajira and Cartagena, and strong engagement with legal clinics, civil society organisations, and local authorities. 

The internship will combine desk-based research, analytical writing, and support to participatory project activities. Main tasks connected with this project may include: 

• Conducting background research on Colombian constitutional law, international human rights standards, environmental governance, and energy transition frameworks
• Supporting applied research activities, including the preparation of research notes, fact sheets, and policy-oriented briefs for use by communities, legal clinics, and CSOs
• Assisting in the design and documentation of Projects of Change, including participatory and community-led initiatives
• Contributing to programming and coordination tasks, such as drafting concept notes, agendas, and internal project documents
• Supporting communication and reporting, including inputs for donor reports and outreach materials
• Assisting with coordination with universities, legal clinics, and civil society partners and local authorities, as needed.

Additional tasks, connected with the support to the education and research activities conducted at R.E.D. my also include:

• Collecting and reviewing information from relevant sources, including academic and legal databases, to support research and writing projects
• Assisting in drafting scientific articles, book chapters, research briefs, institutional reports, and public Outreach materials
• Supporting the preparation of research grant applications (e.g., to the Swedish Research Council, Formas, Riksbankens Jubileumsfond (RJ), etc.)
• Editing and proofreading academic texts, including co-edited publications and peer-reviewed articles (e.g., International Journal on Minority and Group Rights, Brill)
• Supporting general administrative tasks, if required

The intern may not be assigned with a dedicated office space. The intern is expected to work autonomously, with regular check-ins and meetings with the supervisor and team members.

Qualifications and Eligibility

To apply, you must hold a Master’s-level education in international human rights law or a closely related field. You need to demonstrate knowledge of, or experience in, Indigenous and Afro-descendant rights, environmental justice, sustainable development, and energy transition. Knowledge or experience in minority and Indigenous peoples’ rights and/or regional human rights systems in The Americas (especially in relation to Colombia) and Africa is considered a strong asset.

The role requires the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an academic environment. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are essential, and fluency in Spanish is required. Knowledge of additional languages—especially Swedish—is an advantage.

Application Process

Apply with your CV, cover letter and by answering the selection questions no later than 10 March. In the cover letter, please outline your relevant experience and interest in the intern position.

Please note that applications sent by email will not be registered. Every application is reviewed with care. Our recruitment team takes the time to assess each candidate thoughtfully and thoroughly. Once your application is submitted, you will receive system-generated confirmations and updates. These are triggered by our recruitment team to keep you informed throughout the process. If we decide not to invite you for an interview, we unfortunately won’t be able to provide individual feedback. While we appreciate the effort behind every application, the volume of candidates makes personalised responses impossible.

For any questions about the position, please contact Dr. Alejandro Fuentes at alejandro.fuentes@rwi.lu.se

We look forward to receiving your application!

The Raoul Wallenberg Institute promotes diversity and welcomes applications from all qualified persons, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, age, disability, or other protected status under the law.