Vacancy: 'Lobby and Policy' intern

Do you have a flair for politics and would you like to help build a fair and sustainable world? Then come and do an internship at PRO’s new Foreign Affairs Foundation! We are looking for:

Trainee 'Lobby and Policy'  

32 hours per week for the period from September 2026 to January 2027

Location: Utrecht

Applications are open until  Wednesday 17 June

On the one hand, the Netherlands invests in climate policy and development cooperation, on the other hand, Dutch agriculture causes deforestation elsewhere in the world, our companies harm people and the environment, and countries in the Global South miss out on millions in taxes via tax haven the Netherlands. Thus, we take away with one hand what we have given with the other.

PRO’s international foundation is an independent organisation affiliated with PRO; we work towards a more just Dutch policy towards the Global South that is not self-contradictory. We do this by advocating our cause with Dutch government departments and the House of Representatives. This is done in close collaboration with civil society partners, such as ‘Building Change'. For our work, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are an important guide.

PRO’s new international foundation is a merger of the Max van der Stoel Foundation and the GroenLinks International Foundation. The international foundation is affiliated with PRO but operates independently. With an internship in autumn 2026, you will be part of the first cohort of interns at this new organisation! The new foundation will continue its work on lobbying, policy and advocacy for a fair foreign policy.

What will you do?

  • You assist in lobbying towards members of parliament and policymakers, for example by co-writing lobby letters or organising political meetings.
  • You will keep abreast of current political and social developments across a range of topics, such as trade, democracy in the Netherlands, taxation and climate change, and report on these to your colleagues and our network partners.
  • Supporting collaboration and public communication within our initiatives aimed at strengthening democracy in the Netherlands, and identifying opportunities for joint initiatives and campaigns.
  • You regularly write articles or opinion pieces on the topics we cover.
  • You will help with the logistics and communications for the EU-Africa Youth Think Tank.
  • You will also help generate visibility and attention through social media and newsletters.
  • Together with other interns and the project officer in charge, you will organise online and offline political events and help think about interesting speakers and the programme.

Who are we looking for?

  • You have a good sense of politics and an open, communicative attitude. You enjoy working in a political environment.
  • You have an interest in and knowledge of Dutch politics, with a particular focus on the international impact of Dutch policy, the SDGs and the challenges facing Dutch democracy.
  • You can gather and analyse information efficiently and articulate it clearly, even under time pressure.
  • You have a sharp pen and a good command of Dutch and English, and can write news articles for a wider audience.
  • You are able to work independently in a busy work environment.
  • You are familiar with social media and programmes like Canva.
  • You enjoy helping organise events.

We understand that you may not have all the knowledge yet, and you don't have to. Motivation and room for development are most important. We encourage everyone - all backgrounds, M/F/X, much or less experience - to apply.

What do we offer?

  • An internship from September to January, four days a week (32 hours);
  • Working in a small, close-knit team;
  • Intensive guidance, regular feedback moments and space for your own learning goals;
  • An internship allowance of €750 per month;
  • Flexible working hours and opportunities to work partly from home.

Apply?

Then email your cover letter and CV, no later than Wednesday 17 June to Annefloor Robijn via arobijn@foundationmaxvanderstoel.nl. Do you have any questions about the vacancy or the application process? If so, please contact Annefloor Robijn at the same email address.

The job interviews will take place in the week of 22 June take place (in Utrecht or online).

For more information, you can also email us or visit www.foundationmaxvanderstoel.nl , https://ifg.groenlinks.nl/home and www.buildingchange.nl watch.