Save the Children Lobby and Humanitarian Advocacy Internship 2027 in The Hague, Netherlands
Save the Children is inviting applications for its Lobby and Humanitarian Advocacy Internship 2027 in The Hague, Netherlands. This six-month opportunity is ideal for students interested in international relations, humanitarian assistance, international development, public international law, and children’s rights.
The internship will run from 1 February to 31 July 2027, with a commitment of 32 hours per week. The successful candidate will support the organisation’s advocacy work on humanitarian crises, the protection of children in conflict, and accountability for violations of children’s rights.
Applications must be submitted by 10 November 2026, although the organisation may close the vacancy earlier if it receives sufficient applications.
About Save the Children
Save the Children is an international children’s rights organisation working to protect children affected by conflict, poverty, disasters, violence, and exploitation. It advocates for a world where every child can grow up healthy, receive an education, play, and live free from harm.
The organisation provides life-saving assistance during emergencies and works to ensure children and their families have access to safety, education, protection, and essential support.
In the Netherlands, the organisation works with policymakers, politicians, diplomatic representatives, civil society organisations, and international colleagues to influence Dutch and European policies affecting children worldwide.
About the Lobby and Humanitarian Advocacy Internship
The internship is based in The Hague and forms part of Save the Children’s Advocacy and Communications Department, specifically the Lobby and Advocacy team.
The team seeks to influence Dutch and European policy to improve the rights and welfare of children around the world. Its work includes humanitarian emergencies, children affected by war, children displaced from their homes, mental health and psychosocial wellbeing, and efforts to address impunity for crimes against children.
The successful intern will support the adviser responsible for conflict and humanitarian assistance. This includes advocacy to improve humanitarian access, strengthen the protection of children’s rights during crises, and promote accountability for violations against children.
The position offers practical exposure to policy advocacy, humanitarian affairs, political developments, and international cooperation.
Key Responsibilities
The selected intern will assist the Lobby and Advocacy team with activities such as:
- Supporting humanitarian advocacy: Contribute to advocacy initiatives relating to international crises, including the situations affecting children in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, Lebanon, Syria, Ukraine, and Sudan.
- Preparing policy and lobbying materials: Assist with drafting lobbying letters, preparing stakeholder meetings, and developing materials for visits to countries affected by crises.
- Monitoring Dutch politics: Follow parliamentary debates, political statements, and the positions of Dutch parliamentarians on humanitarian assistance and accountability.
- Organising meetings: Help coordinate events, expert meetings, and other advocacy activities.
- Engaging with civil society: Monitor and attend meetings organised by civil society organisations and Save the Children’s partners.
- Working with international colleagues: Collaborate with colleagues in the Netherlands and other countries to support advocacy initiatives and visits involving representatives from crisis-affected areas.
The internship combines research, policy monitoring, communication, event support, and engagement with stakeholders working on humanitarian and children’s rights issues.
Eligibility Requirements
Save the Children is looking for a motivated, curious, and committed student who wants to contribute to the protection of children’s rights globally.
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Be enrolled in a university or higher professional education programme, such as international relations, international development studies, public international law, or another relevant discipline.
- Demonstrate an interest in Dutch politics, humanitarian assistance, international affairs, and children’s rights.
- Have strong written and spoken communication skills in both Dutch and English.
- Be analytical, proactive, eager to learn, and able to manage tasks effectively.
- Be able to maintain an overview of several responsibilities and priorities.
- Be available for six months, working four days per week.
Experience organising meetings or events is an advantage but is not essential.
Applicants do not need to meet every listed criterion to apply. Save the Children encourages interested candidates to explain their motivation, perspective, and learning goals. Students with a formal learning assignment from their educational institution should mention this in their application.
Important: The vacancy specifically requires proficiency in both Dutch and English. Applicants should consider this language requirement before applying.
Internship Benefits and Compensation
Save the Children offers an opportunity to gain practical experience in humanitarian advocacy while contributing to work that supports children worldwide.
The benefits include:
- Monthly internship allowance: €450, based on a 36-hour working week.
- Public transport reimbursement: Full reimbursement of eligible public transport travel costs.
- Hybrid working opportunities: Options to work from home.
- Professional development: Practical experience in advocacy, policy engagement, humanitarian affairs, and stakeholder coordination.
- International exposure: Opportunities to collaborate with colleagues and partners across Save the Children’s international network.
Although the internship is advertised for 32 hours per week, the stated allowance is based on a 36-hour working week. Applicants may wish to confirm the applicable payment arrangement with the organisation.
Internship Location and Duration
- Organisation: Save the Children
- Position: Lobby and Humanitarian Advocacy Intern
- Location: The Hague, Netherlands
- Department: Advocacy and Communications — Lobby and Advocacy
- Duration: 1 February to 31 July 2027
- Working hours: 32 hours per week
- Contract type: Fixed-term internship
- Monthly allowance: €450, based on a 36-hour working week
- Application deadline: 10 November 2026
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their CV and motivation letter through Save the Children’s official online application portal.
Applications must be submitted by 10 November 2026. The organisation may close the vacancy earlier if it receives enough applications, so candidates are encouraged to apply promptly.
Interviews are expected to take place in late November or early December 2026. Applicants should be informed of the outcome by 15 December 2026.
Successful candidates will be subject to satisfactory references and must provide a recent Dutch Certificate of Conduct (Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag, or VOG), in line with the organisation’s safeguarding procedures.
Final Thoughts
The Save the Children Lobby and Humanitarian Advocacy Internship offers students a valuable opportunity to gain experience in humanitarian policy, advocacy, and international children’s rights. It may be particularly suitable for students planning careers in international development, humanitarian organisations, public policy, or human rights.
Candidates should ensure they meet the Dutch and English language requirements, can commit to the six-month placement, and submit their applications before the deadline.
