Programme Internship (Human Rights Defenders & Security, 32 hours)
At Justice & Peace, we work with human rights defenders from around the world who are facing increasing pressure because of their commitment to justice, equality and freedom. Through our Human Rights Defenders & Security programme and the global Shelter City network, we offer protection, solidarity and space to breathe, reflect and strengthen their work.
To support in this mission, we are looking for two highly motivated interns who wants to contribute meaningfully and are eager to work at the heart of an international human rights organisation. The internship period starts from the 24th of August 2026, for a period of 5 months, for 32 hours a week.
What will you do?
As an intern, you will be closely involved in the day-to-day coordination and further development of the Shelter City programme and support visiting human rights defenders during their stay in the Netherlands. Your tasks include:
- Accompanying and supporting human rights defenders during their stay in The Hague, serving as a first point of contact when needed;
- Helping to organise outreach and advocacy meetings, knowledge-exchange sessions, trainings, lectures and social activities, primarily in The Hague;
- Developing and updating communication and supporting materials for partners and Shelter City supporters, including articles, information sheets, newsletters, social media content and basic visual materials;
- Assisting with the organisation and practical logistics of programme activities (venues for training, materials, accommodation and travel arrangements);
- Supporting monitoring, reflection and learning activities, for example by contributing to reports, evaluations or internal documentation;
- Actively thinking along about the further development, strengthening and visibility of the Shelter City programme;
- Remaining flexible and proactive in responding to changing priorities and unforeseen situations, and thinking strategically alongside the programme team.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for a proactive and engaged candidate who brings:
- A strong affinity with human rights, justice and project management;
- An educational background in international human rights, law, social sciences, liberal arts or a related field;
- Strong organisational and planning skills, with a hands-on and creative mindset;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (knowledge of Dutch, French and/or Spanish is a strong asset);
- Cultural sensitivity and awareness of diversity, including sexual orientation and gender identity/expression, religion and belief;
- Empathy and commitment, combined with the ability to set and maintain professional boundaries;
- A proactive, stress-resistant and results-oriented attitude, and the ability to work well in a team;
- Residence in (or near) The Hague; knowledge of the city and its social and cultural life is an asset.
What do we offer?
- A meaningful, hands-on internship within a human rights organisation, including close collaboration with human rights defenders, the broader J&P team and other human rights organisations and relevant stakeholders;
- Professional guidance from an experienced programme officer and tailored learning opportunities to develop skills;
- A workplace in the centre of The Hague;
- An internship allowance of €500 per month (based on 36 hours per week);
- Reimbursement of travel expenses for commuting to the office.
Are you interested?
Please send your CV and motivation letter (both a maximum of one page) to Kirsten de Mik via vacature@justiceandpeace.nl. Be sure to mention that you are applying for the Human Rights Defenders & Security Programme internship.
The application deadline is June 7, 2026. Interviews will take place on June 11, 2026, so please ensure you are available on that date. For questions regarding the vacancy or the application process, please contact vacature@justiceandpeace.nl.