Internship Opportunity: Security & Justice and Just Future Program at Cordaid

(36 hours)

Location: The Hague, in the Netherlands

About Cordaid

Cordaid is a Dutch international development organization dedicated to improving the lives of the most vulnerable populations in fragile and conflict-affected settings. With over a century of experience, Cordaid focuses on building resilient communities through initiatives in health, education, sustainable livelihoods, and humanitarian assistance. Central to its mission is advancing Security & Justice, ensuring that communities have access to fair justice systems and inclusive, people-centered security solutions.    

Within Cordaid’s Security & Justice efforts, the Just Future Program is a flagship initiative. Just Future is a multi-country, multi-partner program that seeks to strengthen the social contract in fragile contexts. It operates in Afghanistan, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, Niger, and South Sudan.

The program aims to:

• Promote people-centred security: Foster trust and cooperation between communities and security providers.
• Enhance access to justice: Advocate for legal reforms and empower communities to pursue equitable justice.
• Encourage inclusive decision-making: Work with women’s rights organisations and youth groups to ensure their voices are heard in peace processes.

Internship Responsibilities

Cordaid’s Security & Justice Team is looking for an intern for the period March 2025 – August 2025. The intern will support the Security & Justice Team and the Just Future Program across several tasks. Key responsibilities include:

1. Advocacy Support on the Great Lakes Region:

• Assist in advancing advocacy efforts targeting the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the European Union (EU), and its Member States.
• Contribute to lobby and advocacy initiatives through conducting research, and supporting the organisation of advocacy events.
• Focus on key thematic areas, including people-centred security and inclusive elections.

2. Support for the Community of Practice on Elections in Fragile Settings:

• Assist in the development and implementation of the Community of Practice (CoP) initiative, covering five African countries where the Just Future program operates.
• Collaborate on designing communication materials for the CoP.
• Support the creation of visibility and outreach strategies for the CoP.
• Contribute to the follow-up activities to sustain and expand the CoP's impact.

3. Compilation of a Track Record for Cordaid’s Security & Justice Programming:

Under the co-supervision of the International Fundraising and Donor Relations (IFDR) department, assist in compiling a comprehensive track record of Cordaid’s work in the Security & Justice sector. This task includes collecting data, synthesizing information, and summarizing program impacts to support fundraising efforts and strengthen donor relations.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for a candidate who meets the following criteria:

• Candidates must be able to work in the EU and meet the administrative requirements for working in the Netherlands (by obtaining a BSN number).
• Currently enrolled in a relevant degree in the field of International Relations, Law, Development Studies, Human Rights, or a related field.
• Proficiency in English and French (both spoken and written) is required.
• Strong interest in democratic processes, peacebuilding and international development.
• Affinity for advocacy and outreach work, good writing and communication skills. 
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
• A proactive, self-motivated attitude and a willingness to learn and contribute.

Why Join Cordaid?

• Hands-on Experience: Directly engage with Cordaid’s Security & Justice initiatives, gaining valuable insights into international development and advocacy.
• Professional Growth: Enhance your skills in program support, research, communications, and donor relations while collaborating with experienced professionals.
• Networking Opportunities: Work with diverse teams, including the Security & Justice Team, the Just Future Program, and the IFDR department.
• Meaningful Contribution: Support impactful projects that aim to build inclusive justice systems and promote peace in fragile and conflict-affected areas.
• The compensation will be up to € 500, - based on a full-time contract (36-hour). 

 How to apply?

1. Applications including a motivation letter and CV in English for the attention Karin de Graaf, Programme Manager, can be uploaded through our website. Please submit your CV and motivation letter before 1 February 2025.
2. Screening: Applications will be reviewed based on the qualifications and criteria listed above. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an initial interview.
3. Interview Process: Selected candidates will participate in one or two rounds of interviews, conducted by representatives from the Security & Justice Team and Human Resources.