Call For Application: Policy, Partnerships and Funding Internship at Mercy Corps (€50 – per day)

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 partner to put bold solutions into action helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.

Mercy Corps Netherlands (MCNL) was established in December 2017 as a non-profit association, operating in collaboration with its sister organizations, Mercy Corps Global and Mercy Corps Europe (MCE) as one global organization. All three entities share the same mission, vision, core values, and charitable objectives, as well as operational resources for the support and implementation of program activities. MCNL is operating from the Hague Humanity Hub and joining a dynamic community of innovators in the humanitarian and peacebuilding space.

Mercy Corps’ ambitious goal is to raise its profile in the Netherlands and exponentially broaden its sphere of influence, shaping the perspectives of governments and key stakeholders in The Hague and Brussels. Mercy Corps aspires to raise awareness about the multifaceted challenges they address, with a distinct focus on the dynamic intersection of climate and conflict, and humanitarian aid. Although it is essential for its mission to secure funding, Mercy Corps also aim to ensure sustained and long-term engagement of governments and other key stakeholders/donors in the Netherlands and Brussels with the vulnerable communities and critical contexts we work with. This strategic collaboration is essential to ensure that humanitarian response helps people become increasingly dependent and resilient.

To assist in raising Mercy Corps’ profile in the Dutch and EU contexts, the intern will work closely together with the Strategic Partnerships and Policy & Advocacy teams, and with the Outreach and Communications Assistant, based in both The Hague and Brussels, as well as with the wider MCNL team. Their main responsibilities will entail assisting in engaging with policies from both the Netherlands and Brussels in the key areas that are of importance to us, such as exploring the intersection between conflict prevention, climate change adaptation and food & water security.

Additionally, they will be scoping key stakeholders that are important to elevate Mercy Corps’ profile. This includes research support on various policy areas, including climate impacts and negotiations, and providing relevant summaries of influential policy documents and decisions. The intern will also support advocacy efforts by organizing and coordinating external engagement opportunities. The ideal candidate will have excellent oral and written skills in Dutch (native level) as well as in English, and a demonstrable passion for the issues we are looking to address.

ELIGIBILITY

• • Is enrolled as a graduate student, majoring in international development, international relations, conflict studies, or a related field.
  • Has a demonstrable interest in the intersection between conflict and climate, humanitarian aid, and food & Water security.
  • Is familiar with the Dutch policy and development space, and preferably has knowledge (or interest in) the advocacy space in the Netherlands. Having knowledge/interest in the advocacy space in the EU is a plus.

• • Is well-organized, proactive, and communicative. Additionally, flexibility and resourcefulness are also appreciated.
  • Is well-versed in computer literacy: skilled and confident user of Office 365, experience with design software such as Canva would be an asset.
  • Preferably has experience in event coordination and organization.
  • Be a native-level Dutch speaker and fluent in English (required)

Learning Objectives

• • Understand the Dutch and European policy space, and their relation to development and humanitarian efforts, and learn how to engage with external stakeholders in this space.

• • Gain insights and confidence in policy and advocacy, communications, and other external engagement processes and techniques of an INGO.
  • Gain experience in a multicultural work environment, coordinating and communicating with a global team across time zones and geographies, many of whom operate in complex, challenging environments.
  • Build planning and organizational skills.

• Learn about INGOs’ and governments’ involvement in key topical areas such as climate change and adaptation, food security, and humanitarian aid.

Deliverables: 

• • Supporting policy research for international climate negotiations, in particular the Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance, and supporting research for advocacy efforts with Dutch and EU stakeholders in the fields of emerging humanitarian response and climate impacts.

• • Documentation, analysis and advice: Monitor the relevant Dutch political landscape and key policy documents and summarize this into potential strategic opportunities for Mercy Corps, particularly in MCNL priority areas, such as Conflict Prevention, Climate Change Adaptation and Food & Water Security.
  • Organize and coordinate Mercy Corps’ contribution to several large external engagement events, and plan communications on reports.
  • Offer support on administrative tasks such as keeping the MCNL’s contact database up to date.