Water, Peace and Security (WPS) internship (start date August 2026)

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Starting period: mid-August 2026

Deadline vacancy: Sunday June 28, 2026 at 12pm

The Water, Peace and Security (WPS) partnership was founded in 2018 to pioneer the development of innovative tools and services that help identify and address water-related security risks. WPS is an award-winning initiative that tries to turn the current vicious water-conflict cycle into a more virtuous water-peace cycle. HCSS contributes to WPS engagement in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

To support WPS work, we are looking for motivated candidates with a particular interest in water-related security issues. As HCSS is leading WPS work in the MENA, knowledge of the Arabic language is an added bonus. Throughout the internship, successful candidates can contribute to cutting-edge research on various water-related topics; from raising awareness of potential water-related conflicts, and supporting dialogues with stakeholders at the local, provincial, and national levels, to organising training modules and workshops that focus on the different elements of the water-security nexus.

Want to know more about the experience of HCSS WPS interns? Look out for the HCSS Internship Blogs entries from current and previous interns!

Requirements

Candidates should have a first-rate academic background, strong transferable skills, and a keen interest in the topics covered by HCSS research.

Further requirements include:

  • A strong basis of analytical, writing and synthesising skills
  • Ability to think creatively and out-of-the-box
  • Very good communication skills in English, both orally and in writing.
  • Knowledge of advanced internet search strategies
  • Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
  • Flexibility and ability to multi-task
  • Positive and proactive professional attitude
  • Strong work ethic and willingness to learn

The following attributes are considered a strong asset:

  • Proficiency in Arabic
  • Proficiency in Dutch or other languages
  • Prior work or internship experience
  • Quantitative research skills. If you have a background in data science (specifically R or Python) you may also be interested in our Data Internship.

Eligibility 

  • Candidates must be enrolled as a student at a university during the whole internship period.
  • An internship period of six months is highly preferred, although shorter periods can be discussed. Please indicate your availability in your cover letter. Interns should be able to commit to working 40 hours a week, in person at our The Hague office.
  • If successful in obtaining a position, candidates are asked to provide a certificate of good conduct (‘Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag’), available from the Dutch Ministry of Justice. Candidates residing outside of the Netherlands should provide a certificate from their country of residence.
  • Must already be in possession of the necessary documentation to study or work in the Netherlands before applying to the internship. HCSS is not able to provide VISA sponsorship and other related required immigration documents.

You are not eligible for HCSS internships when

  • You are not a registered student at the time of the internship’s start and for the entire duration of the internship 
  • You do not already possess the necessary documentation to study or work in the Netherlands before applying to the internship.
  • You have ongoing classes at your university for more than 4h a week during the duration of the internship.

Frequently asked questions:

Can I apply if I am no longer a student (recently graduated)?
HCSS internships are only available to enrolled students. Without proof of enrolment valid for the entire duration of the internship, you are not eligible. Your application will not be considered.

Is it possible to do a part-time internship?
HCSS does not offer part-time data internships. If you have class during the week, that might result in the exclusion of your profile from the selection.

Can non-EU citizens apply to the internship?

Non-EU citizens can apply for internships at HCSS. However, you must already be in possession of the necessary documentation to study or work in the Netherlands before applying to the internship. We are unfortunately unable to provide assistance with obtaining a visa. In order to check your eligibility, please refer to this government website: “Intern or apprentice in the Netherlands”.

Application Procedure

To apply, send the following items in one single pdf-file to internship@hcss.nl using ‘WPS Internship/summer2026 as the subject line.

  • A curriculum vitae, including a list of references
  • A cover letter
  • Proof of university enrollment, valid for the entire duration of the internship
  • Copy of official transcript of academic grades
  • A one-page writing sample (excluding bibliography if relevant) answering the following question: Elaborate on an existing water-related security challenge and provide 2-3 options to manage and mitigate the impact in a country or region at risk.

Notes regarding the application procedure:

  • Please ensure that your application is complete before sending it in. Providing a list of references with contact details as part of your CV (at least two) is a mandatory requirement- we will not request them at a later stage.
  • The whole application should be written in English, including the writing sample and CV.
  • Please apply only if you are available for the above-mentioned start date. HCSS recruits interns on a bi-annual basis; later start dates will be announced in due time. 
  • All the documents should be submitted in one single PDF file, titled Name Surname_HCSS WPS Internship Application.

Practical Information

The HCSS internship is paid: € 675,- per month. Our internships take place in person at our offices in The Hague.

HCSS only considers candidates that submit a complete application and fulfill all eligibility requirements. Successful applicants will be invited for an interview. The interviews will take place 2-3 weeks after the closing of the vacancy. Applications are NOT reviewed on a rolling basis, but all together after the vacancy has closed.

At HCSS, we firmly believe in prioritising qualifications and skills when making hiring decisions, without any discrimination based on personal characteristics such as race, religion, gender, age, disability, and sexual orientation.