Water, Peace and Security (WPS) Internship

HCSS

The Hague, Netherlands

EUR 675-675 / month

Posted on Jun 3, 2025

Starting period: End of July/Beginning of August

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 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.