Human Rights Advocacy and Research Foundation (HRF)
No.6, Balaji Nagar,
2nd Main Road,
Ekkuttuthangal, Chennai
Tamil Nadu – 600 032, India
email: contact@hrf.net.in
Join our team
HRF strives to foster an inclusive and diverse team and workspace, with a focus on historically underserved and under-represented communities. We do not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, colour, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political belief, veteran status, disability, or special needs in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in programmes or activities. Most of the team, at all levels, are from the communities we work with. We welcome childless cat ladies and do not discriminate against those who eat pets (cats or dogs).
Our mandate, the work we do, and the locations we work in, require the team to have diverse skills, empathy with the poor, a human rights perspective, and the ability to work in stressful conditions. HRF commits to nurturing its staff and will provide opportunity to acquire new skills.
Most of our work is hybrid (both onsite and online), including team meetings, training sessions, and national and international programmes. All positions require up to 50% intra-state travel. Senior positions will include up to 25% national and international travel.
Native level fluency in reading, writing, and speaking in the state language (Andhra, Karnataka, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and West Bengal) is essential for all positions. A working knowledge of English is desirable. Basic knowledge of Chhattisgarhi, Odia, Malayalam, Mewari, Urdu, and tribal languages would be a bonus.
Coordinators typically have 8+ years of experience
Associate Coordinators have 3+ years of experience.
Associates have up to three years of experience.
The annual CTC ranges from ₹180,000 (associates) to ₹600,000 (directors).
Freshers can apply for paid internships for up to a year, which can be extended on mutual agreement.
Volunteers are usually for specific tasks and durations. Subsistence is covered for those who volunteer for over three months, on mutual agreement.
Our team is dedicated, smart-working and professional, despite our salaries being lower than most, frequently working up to 12 hours a day, sometimes seven days a week, often longer for campaigns (such as the annual international campaign against gender based violence) multi-tasking under tight deadlines and no known ‘benefits’. Even for a sector notorious for low pay, long hours, and high stress, HRF is an outlier in all three parameters. A sense of humour and a lighter take on life helps.
Open positions
There are always opportunities in HRF, and we look forward to welcoming new team members.
If you would like to join us, do write to contact@hrf.net.in and we can explore possibilities together.
We reply to emails within a week. Didn’t hear from us? Some information requested below is missing. Please recheck and revert. We will, in a week..
Please note the following when sending in your application:
- Application:
1.1 Email your application with a covering letter to contact@hrf.net.in
1.2 Mention the position you are applying for in the subject line.
1.3 Include your latest CV, two references, expected salary, and how soon you can join.
1.4 Mention if there are any special dietary restrictions, allergies, or accessibility requirements especially during travel. - We reply to emails within a week. If you don’t hear from us, it means that you have not provided the information requested. [Reading, comprehension, and writing are essential skills for all positions… come on, don’t be bashful!].
- Selection:
3.1 The selection process includes an interview and a written test (or writing sample) of the level expected in the position applied for (unless it is a field position).
3.2 A relieving order from the previous employer is required. - Probation:
4.1 All appointments are subject to a probation period of up to six months.
4.2 The probation period is a sort of ‘look in’ period on both sides, to best fit the person and responsibilities.
4.3 It could mean anything from flexitime to thematic specialisation, or full time, part time, or short term, fixed term, or long term contractual appointment, or even reappraising
career goals.
4.4 During the probation period, either side can opt out with written intimation without a notice period.
HRF and its programmes are safe spaces. We practice zero tolerance towards any form of discrimination, abuse, or violence.
Intern with us
- HRF values the contributions of students when they undertake assignments with us as a part of their course curriculum. The intern arrives a student and leaves a professional.
- Each year we host between five to ten final year PG students (or final year of an integrated five year course), who are keen to work on the priority areas we focus on.
- Duration: Internships range from four to eight weeks and six to twelve months so that there can be substantial engagement with the issues.
- Assignment topics: Student assignments can be on any thematic or technical area that we work on.
- Fieldwork:
5.1 Students can choose to do research, field work, or a combination of both.
5.2 Fieldwork will depend on feasibility and government regulations. - Each student is assigned a mentor for the duration.
- Certificates are awarded on successful completion.
- Special needs
8.1 If you have special needs, please inform us in advance so that we can make suitable arrangements.
8.2 You are encouraged to visit our office to assess suitability. - Application procedure:
9.1 Send a mail to contact@hrf.net.in with the following information:
a) Choice of subject for the assignment.
b) Preferred dates.
c) Latest CV.
d) A letter from the institute.
9.2. Please apply at least three months before the preferred dates. - Selection will include an interview, choice of subject, and a writing sample.
11. Costs
11.1 Internships are unpaid.
11.2 Interns are expected to cover their costs.
11.2 Interns are expected to cover their costs.
11.3 Medical insurance is advisable.
11.4 Accident insurance is mandatory for those opting for outstation travel.
11.4 Accident insurance is mandatory for those opting for outstation travel.
12. We reply within two weeks. If you don’t hear from us, it means that you have not provided the information requested, and we are awaiting the rest of the information/ documents from you.
13. Interns work on live projects in challenging environments, tight deadlines, and professional deliverables. Those up to the challenge best benefit from the stint at the Foundation.