Starting period: End of July/Beginning of August
Deadline vacancy: Sunday July 20th 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 Iraq.
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 Iraq, knowledge of the Arabic language would be 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 Iraqi 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 professional attitude
- Strong work ethic and willingness to learn
- Some quantitative research skills
The following attributes are considered a strong asset:
- Prior work or internship experience
- Proficiency in Dutch, Arabic or other languages
- Being a native English speaker
- 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 (minimum is 5 months). Please indicate your availability in your cover letter. Interns should be able to commit to working 40 hours a week.
- 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.
Frequently asked questions:
Can I apply if I am no longer a student (recently graduated)? HCSS internships are for enrolled students. Without a proof of enrollment, 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? At present, HCSS does not offer part-time data internships within the WPS Internship Program for a work week under 32 hours.
Application Procedure
To apply, send the following items to internship@hcss.nl using ‘WPS Internship /2025’ 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.
- Please apply only if you are available for the above mentioned start date. HCSS recruits interns all year around; later start dates will be announced in due time.
Practical Information
The HCSS internship is paid: € 675,- per month. Our internships take place in person at our office 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.
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.
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