Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, Mercy Corps partners to put bold solutions into action, helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. This internship sits within the Zurich Climate Resilience Alliance, a partnership of nine organisations including international NGOs, the private sector and research organisations, who have come together with the support of the Zurich Foundation to influence funding, policy and practice at the local, national, and international levels to reduce the negative impact of climate change on communities worldwide.
Position Details
📍 Location: The Hague, the Netherlands
🕒 Position status: full-time or part-time, at least 60%
💶 Compensation: €50 for each 8-hour working day
🗓️ Duration: 6 months
🔐 Risk Level 1 (likely to have no contact with participants or sensitive data)
You must be based in the Netherlands and able to travel to the office in Den Haag. The intern will have access to Mercy Corps' office in The Hague and is expected to be in the office at least once a week. Any costs associated with remote work (such as internet or utilities) remain the intern's responsibility.
About the Programme
Mercy Corps is leading the Alliance's work on influencing and Adaptation Governance, which includes advocacy on UNFCCC negotiations. As part of the Alliance, Mercy Corps also implements programmes in Nepal, Jordan and Indonesia. The partners are implementing a combination of community programmes, influencing activities, research and learning to generate systems change for climate resilience.
Learning Objectives
Throughout the internship, the intern will:
🌍 Develop an understanding of international climate policy and advocacy, with a particular focus on adaptation finance, locally led adaptation, and the UNFCCC process
📑 Strengthen skills in policy research and analysis, including synthesising complex information into clear and accessible briefing materials, presentations, and influencing products
🤝 Gain practical experience in stakeholder engagement and partnership development, including mapping relevant organisations, donors, and networks working on climate resilience
🗣️ Build professional communication skills through the development of policy, communications, and knowledge products, and by participating in meetings with external stakeholders and coalitions
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Deliverables
Exact deliverables will be agreed with the intern and depend on whether the internship is part-time or full-time. Indicative activities include:
📣 Influencing international climate policy in the Netherlands, supporting the development of advocacy and influencing materials for COP31 (Antalya, Türkiye), including PowerPoint presentations, briefing notes, and communications products related to a joint civil society COP31 position paper, attending meetings of the Internationale Klimaatcoalitie, and supporting the organisation of stakeholder events or roundtables on climate finance and adaptation
🗺️ Supporting COP31 preparations and follow-up for Mercy Corps and the Alliance, identifying relevant events and engagement opportunities, developing briefing materials, and documenting outcomes and follow-up actions
🤝 Identifying partnerships, developing and maintaining a mapping of relevant organisations, networks, and potential funding partners, initially focusing on the Netherlands and the European Union, and conducting desk research on partnership opportunities and donor priorities
🌱 Supporting Locally Led Adaptation, providing support to the internal "LLAboratory" group of representatives from country programmes, writing meeting summaries and supporting presentations, and conducting background research and policy analysis
💬 Supporting the team's communications, including its LinkedIn presence and drafting blogs or other communications products, depending on the intern's profile and interests
Minimum Qualifications and Transferable Skills
📌 Currently enrolled in or recently completed (within 1 year) a university degree in International Relations, International Development, Environmental Policy, Climate Change, Public Policy, Political Science, or a related field
📌 Has an interest in policy influencing, partnerships, and communications, and is motivated to contribute to building climate resilience
📌 Demonstrates excellent research, analytical, and writing skills, with the ability to synthesise complex information into clear and concise outputs
📌 Is proactive, curious, and eager to learn, with the confidence to take initiative while seeking guidance when needed
📌 Has strong communication skills in English (written and spoken); proficiency in Dutch is considered an advantage
📌 Has experience with Microsoft Office, particularly PowerPoint and Excel; familiarity with Canva or other design tools is an advantage
The intern reports directly to Barbara Rosen Jacobson, Senior Advocacy Advisor with the Zurich Climate Resilience Alliance team, and works directly with the Mercy Corps Zurich Climate Resilience Alliance team and the Mercy Corps Policy & Advocacy team. In support of Mercy Corps' belief that learning organizations are more effective, all team members are empowered to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities.
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How to Apply
If you are interested in this internship, please apply by submitting your CV and motivation letter. Your application will be reviewed by the Mercy Corps team and shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly for interviews.
🔗 https://jobs.jobvite.com/mercycorps/job/oAlzAfwO
