The Netherlands Institute of International Affairs Clingendael is an independent think tank and academy for international relations, based in The Hague. We contribute to a secure, sustainable, and just world through our research, training programmes and by stimulating the public debate. We work with partners across public and private sectors, including policymakers, business executives, the Dutch armed forces, law enforcement agencies, diplomats, politicians and NGOs. Clingendael offers 40 years of top knowledge and training. The Clingendael Institute is an independent foundation, unaffiliated to any political, activist, commercial, or religious movement.
The Institute has three departments: Research, Academy and Corporate Staff. Within the Research department we are looking for a highly motivated:
Intern, Climate Security – Critical Resources Programme, EU & Global Affairs Unit
36 hours per week (full time)
You will support Clingendael’s work on climate security as part of the Critical Resources Programme within the EU & Global Affairs Unit. This unit is one out of three units within Clingendael Research, which consists of about 18 (senior, medior and junior) Research Fellows and several Associate Fellows as well as interns. The internship is for a period of six months, starting 1 September 2026 until 1 March 2027.
Job description
Relevant tasks of this internship are:
- with a specific focus on climate change as a threat multiplier for international security;
- with a specific focus on policies for climate mitigation and adaptation in climate-insecure regions (such as South Asia, Middle East and North Africa);
- with a specific focus on sustainable energy innovation in defence and security sectors.
- Writing, curating and editing webpage content for the Planetary Security Initiative;
- Project assistance with planning and executing (international) conferences, roundtables and events;
- Communications assistance in organizing media and public outreach on Clingendael publications, trainings and events;
- Developing regular content for social media accounts (Twitter, BlueSky, LinkedIn);
- Monitoring news media, social media, events and publications on relevant topics along the climate-security nexus.
Qualifications and experience
We would be interested if the following requirements are met:
- Applicants should have a completed Bachelor’s degree and be enrolled in a Master’s degree programme (e.g. political science, international relations, global governance, public administration, international development or similar) and eligible to work in the Netherlands*;
- Proven knowledge on climate-related security and relevant policy and strategic issues; knowledge f South Asia and/or other regional expertise is a plus;
- Excellent research and academic writing skills and professional command of the English language, Dutch proficiency is considered a plus;
- Enthusiasm for and affinity with organizational and communications-related tasks, including social media and website management;
- Service-minded, network-oriented and a team player;
- Capable of working independently and being well-organized;
- Capable of effectively managing time and working under pressure;
- International work or volunteer experience is considered a plus.
*Candidates must be enrolled at a university at the point of starting the internship, and of EER/Switzerland nationality OR holder of a Dutch study visa.
Clingendael offers:
- The opportunity to gain practical, policy-oriented research experience in one of Europe’s top-ranking think tanks, in close cooperation with our researchers and stakeholders as policymakers, academics and (international) organizations;
- The ability to build up a network in the field;
- The ability to hone your research, writing and organizational skills;
- The internship compensation is EUR 575 gross for a 36-hour workweek as well as commuting compensation.
Interested?
You can apply via the ‘Apply’ button at the top of this vacancy. The deadline for response is the 3rd of July 2026.