Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) – Tokyo, Japan
JICA is a governmental agency that delivers the majority of official development assistance for the Japanese government and aims to bolster socio-economic growth in developing nations and promote international cooperation. JICA offers a specialized application process for new graduates with no prior experience and provides housing and commuting allowances for its staff. Employees are also expected to have overseas assignments across the Asia Pacific every 2-4 years throughout their time at JICA. New graduate recruitment at JICA occurs annually in April and successful applicants will start their position in the following April.
Human Rights Now – Tokyo, Japan
Human Rights Now (HRN) is an international human rights non-governmental organization with UN special consultative status and works for the promotion and protection of human rights with a specialized focus on Asia and Japan. Human Rights Now regularly posts job openings on its website and often recruits motivated individuals with 0-2 year’s experience. Alongside full-time work opportunities, Human Rights Now also has an extensive internship program for university students.
Japan Association for Refugees – Tokyo, Japan
The Japan Association for Refugees (JAR) provides assistance for refugees from their arrival in Japan and until they can lead a self-supporting life. JAR works as a project implementing partner in collaboration with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and aims to gain legal, social and integrative support for refugees in Japan. JAR occasionally recruits entry level candidates with 0-2 years of experience who are committed to human rights advocacy and upload job postings on their website.
Citizen’s Alliance for North Korean Human Rights (NKHR) – Seoul, South Korea
The Citizen’s Alliance for North Korean Human Rights (NKHR) is the world’s oldest non-governmental organization devoted exclusively to the protection of human rights in North Korea and was the first organization to bring human rights violations in North Korea to the attention of the United Nations and the international community. NKHR periodically posts job openings on their LinkedIn page and are eligible candidates should possess a relevant university degree, in which no professional experience is necessary.
Justice Centre Hong Kong – Hong Kong
Justice Center Hong Kong is a non-profit organisation that works in partnership with community members across Hong Kong to support refugees, asylum seekers and other forced migrants. The organization seeks to recruit passionate individuals committed to the protection of refugees and is open to hiring individuals with minimal professional experience. Justice Center Hong Kong also has an internship program for university students seeking to delve within the human rights industry following graduation.
Malaysian Centre for Constitutionalism and Human Rights – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The Malaysian Centre for Constitutionalism and Human Rights (MCCHR) is a non-partisan and non-profit organisation aimed to promote and protect human rights in Malaysia through its UNDIMSIA! civic education program and strategic litigation approaches. MCCHR is often on the lookout for university graduates with approximately 2 years of experience to join their team and regularly posts new positions on their online job board.
Asia Pacific Forum – Remote
Founded in 1996, the Asia Pacific Forum (APF) has created a strong and united platform that brings together national human rights institutions (NHRIs) from all corners of the Asia Pacific to address some of the most serious human rights challenges in the region. APF works in East Asian and South East Asian countries such as Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, India, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Hong Kong. Employment opportunities are often advertised on their website and many of their posted jobs do not require prior professional experience.
Covenants Watch – Taipei, Taiwan
Covenants Watch is a human rights NGO based in Taipei, Taiwan, dedicated to monitoring the implementation of the international human rights instruments by the Taiwanese government. Renowned for its comprehensive research publications in human rights issues and treaty reviews, Covenants Watch recruits both full-time workers and interns on their website and encourages driven individuals to apply.
Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association – Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Founded by a group of former political prisoners in 1991 after the signing of the 1991 Paris Peace Agreements and the conclusion of the Cambodian Civil War, the Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC) is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit and non-governmental organization that seeks to monitor and investigate human rights violations in Cambodia. Alongside its commitment to protect human rights, ADHOC provides free legal assistance and support to victims, empower individuals and communities to enable them to defend their rights, and engage in advocacy work through its Central Office in Phnom Penh and its 17 provincial offices across the country. While ADHOC recruits individuals with varying levels of experience, the organization regularly posts job openings for motivated individuals aged 25 and older who hold a university degree and does not necessarily have prior professional experience.
