Advocacy and External Relations Internship – The Hague at Mercy Corps

Internship Description

Location: The Hague, Netherlands

Duration: 6 months starting October 2019

Compensation: Stipend (approx 400 Euro per month) 

Reporting to: Policy & Advocacy Advisor

Status: Internship, 3 days per week

ABOUT MERCY CORPS

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, we partner to put bold solutions into action – helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future.

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

The breadth and impact of our programmes makes Mercy Corps a unique and truly rewarding place to work. Our teams are proud of what we achieve in the field and we are always looking for talented individuals who share our passion and commitment.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

MC’s Policy and Advocacy (P&A) team has ambitious goals to influence policy and practice in the UK and continental Europe around humanitarian aid, development and peacebuilding. This means raising the profile of major complex crises, persuading governments to invest more, and more effectively, in ending conflict and violence, and ensuring humanitarian response helps people to become increasingly independent and resilient going forward. The intern will also closely work with the Strategic Partnerships Manager based in The Hague, contributing to raise Mercy Corps’ profile on key thematic areas towards potential institutional, private and other partners. 

The position will require providing support with policy analysis, donor relations, external representation, event planning, as well as internal and external communication with a wide variety of stakeholders. 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.

PROJECT ACTIVITIES

In close collaboration with the Policy & Advocacy Advisor and the Strategic Partnerships Manager the Advocacy & External Relations Intern will assist with: 

• Providing support to track and understand relevant Dutch policies, processes and funding opportunities.
• Monitoring relevant news and updates from the Dutch government and Dutch Media.
• Supporting the organisation of and/or Mercy Corps’ participation in key events such as conferences, seminars, etc.
• Providing support to the external dissemination of reports, policy briefs and other products.
• Representing Mercy Corps in external meetings as appropriate.
• Maintaining and managing a contacts database.
• Managing Mercy Corps Netherlands’ page on Workplace.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

• Increasing knowledge and understanding of Dutch policy processes and institutions;
• Interacting with various stakeholders, partners, and Mercy Corps team members globally and growing a network within the aid sector;
• Learning about advocacy processes and techniques of an INGO;
• Gaining a deeper understanding of governments’ and NGOs’ responses to humanitarian and complex crises;
• Understanding the requirements of working in a global organisation.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• A graduate or a final year undergraduate student in international development, international relations, conflict studies or any other relevant field.
• Demonstrable interest in issues around humanitarian and complex crises and relevant policy debates.
• Good knowledge of (or proven interest in) government and Dutch policy processes and institutions.
• Flexible, proactive and resourceful with good organisational skills;
• Fully computer literate: skilled and confident user of office applications;
• Native level Dutch speaker and fluent in English (required).
• A first experience in the NGO sector is preferred but not required.

Mercy Corps interns represent the agency both during and outside of work hours and are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and Mercy Corps’ policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Candidates interested in this internship should submit a CV and a statement of interest prior to the closing date of 13 September 2019. In your statement, you are encouraged to discuss any experiences relevant to the projects outlined.  You may wish to describe your career interests and discuss your previous work and educational experiences demonstrating these interests.

Your application will be reviewed by the Mercy Corps Europe team and shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly for interviews.

All applicants should be able to demonstrate the applicable Dutch work rights at the time of application.

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