The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is offering an internship opportunity based at the Dutch Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, supporting the Sudan desk. This internship is designed for students with a strong international orientation and a keen interest in the political, social, cultural, and economic dynamics of Sudan and the wider Horn of Africa region. Due to the ongoing conflict and instability in Sudan, the Dutch Embassy responsible for Sudan is currently operating from Nairobi. As a result, the internship provides a unique opportunity to gain first-hand exposure to diplomatic work related to a fragile and conflict-affected context, while being physically based in a regional diplomatic hub.
The internship will run from April 1, 2026, to September 30, 2026, with a workload of 36 hours per week. It is offered as a research-focused internship with a strong analytical component, combined with practical exposure to the daily operations of an embassy team working on complex political and security issues. The intern will work closely with a small, dedicated, and internationally diverse team consisting of Sudanese, Kenyan, and Dutch colleagues. This setting provides a professional environment that is both challenging and educational, particularly for individuals interested in diplomacy, international relations, peace and security, and regional studies.
This vacancy is suitable for publication on a third-party job board and is presented in a neutral, professional tone. All information provided reflects the responsibilities, conditions, and context of the internship as outlined by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, without unnecessary promotional language or subjective emphasis.
Position Overview
Position Title: Intern – Sudan Desk
Host Organization: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya (Dutch Embassy in Nairobi)
Internship Period: April 1, 2026 – September 30, 2026
Working Hours: 36 hours per week
Internship Type: Research Internship
Monthly Allowance: €775
Posting Date: January 9, 2026
Application Deadline: January 25, 2026
The internship is offered by the Dutch Embassy responsible for Sudan, with the embassy team currently based in Nairobi due to security conditions in Sudan. The intern will be required to arrange temporary accommodation in Nairobi independently, although the embassy will provide support within its capacity.
Context of the Internship
Sudan is currently undergoing a prolonged period of violent conflict and political instability, resulting in significant humanitarian, social, and regional implications. Due to these exceptional circumstances, diplomatic engagement related to Sudan is being conducted from neighboring countries, including Kenya. The Dutch Embassy in Nairobi serves as a key regional base for diplomatic, political, and analytical work related to Sudan.
The internship therefore takes place in a context that requires a high level of emotional resilience, mental stability, and professional maturity. The work involves engagement with sensitive political and social issues, as well as interaction with members of the Sudanese diaspora across the region. Countries of engagement may include Kenya, Egypt, Chad, Ethiopia, Uganda, and South Sudan.
The intern will gain insight into how diplomatic missions adapt their operations in response to conflict, displacement, and regional instability, while continuing to pursue policy analysis, reporting, and international engagement.
Detailed Job Description
The intern will be integrated into the daily work of the Sudan desk team and will be expected to contribute meaningfully to both research and operational activities. The role combines analytical research, information gathering, reporting, and support to embassy staff. The responsibilities outlined below are indicative of the scope of work and may be further refined in consultation with the intern prior to the start of the internship.
Research and Analysis Responsibilities
The intern will conduct in-depth research on political, social, economic, cultural, and security developments in Sudan and the broader Horn of Africa region. This includes monitoring ongoing conflicts, peace initiatives, political negotiations, and governance developments. The research will support the embassy’s understanding of evolving dynamics and inform internal analysis and reporting.
A significant component of the internship involves analyzing and interpreting ethnic, regional, and cultural dynamics that influence military, political, and social processes in Sudan. This analytical work forms the core of the research assignment and requires careful consideration of historical context, regional diversity, and contemporary developments.
The intern will be expected to collect and synthesize information from a wide range of sources, including academic publications, policy reports, media coverage, and insights gathered through engagement with the Sudanese diaspora. The findings will be presented in written formats suitable for internal use, such as briefing notes, background papers, and analytical summaries.
Engagement with the Sudanese Diaspora
As part of the research assignment, the intern will have extensive contact with members of the Sudanese diaspora residing in countries within the region. This may involve identifying relevant contacts, conducting structured or semi-structured interviews, and participating in meetings or discussions where appropriate.
The purpose of this engagement is to gain a deeper understanding of perspectives from Sudanese communities outside the country, including their views on political developments, social dynamics, and the impact of conflict. The intern will be required to approach this work with sensitivity, professionalism, and respect for confidentiality.
Support to Embassy Operations
In addition to research activities, the intern will support the daily operations of the embassy team. This may include assisting with the preparation of internal reports, contributing to situation updates, and supporting the organization of meetings or events related to Sudan or the region.
The intern may be asked to assist in drafting correspondence, preparing briefing materials for visiting officials, or compiling background information for policy discussions. These tasks provide exposure to the practical workings of a diplomatic mission and the coordination required between different stakeholders.
Teaching and Learning Assignment
The internship includes a teaching assignment that largely overlaps with the research assignment. This component is intended to ensure that the internship aligns with academic requirements and learning objectives. The teaching assignment will be further developed in consultation with the intern before the start date, taking into account the intern’s academic focus and institutional requirements.
The teaching assignment broadly entails structured analysis of ethnic, regional, and cultural dynamics in Sudan, as well as reflection on the challenges of diplomatic work in a volatile region. The intern is expected to document learning outcomes and insights gained during the internship in a manner consistent with academic standards.
Professional Development and Learning Environment
The intern will work within a small and highly dedicated team, providing opportunities for close collaboration and mentorship. The diverse composition of the team, including Sudanese, Kenyan, and Dutch colleagues, creates an internationally oriented work environment that encourages the exchange of perspectives and experiences.
Through daily interaction with embassy staff, the intern will gain a practical understanding of how foreign policy is implemented at the operational level. This includes insight into coordination between headquarters in The Hague and diplomatic missions abroad, as well as collaboration with international partners and organizations.
Conditions and Compensation
The internship is compensated with a monthly allowance of €775. This allowance is intended as a contribution toward living and housing costs but may not cover all expenses. Interns are responsible for arranging and financing their own accommodation in Nairobi.
During the internship period, the intern may be eligible for a limited internship and housing allowance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In some cases, it may be possible to receive a supplementary grant. Information on supplementary grants can be found through official Dutch government channels dedicated to international study and work placements.
The internship requires a commitment of 36 hours per week throughout the duration of the placement. The working schedule will be agreed upon with the supervising team, in line with embassy practices.
Work Location
The internship is physically located at the Dutch Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya. Nairobi serves as a key regional hub for diplomatic engagement in East Africa and provides a broadly oriented professional environment. While the internship focuses on Sudan, the location in Nairobi offers exposure to regional dynamics and interactions with a wide range of international actors.
About the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands operates at the center of a rapidly changing international environment. With increasing geopolitical tensions and global challenges, the ministry plays a central role in shaping and implementing Dutch foreign policy.
The ministry’s work extends beyond policy formulation. It involves protecting the interests of Dutch citizens worldwide, upholding shared values, and contributing to international stability, security, and sustainable development. This work is carried out in collaboration with other ministries, international organizations, and foreign governments.
With a global network of embassies, consulates-general, and permanent representations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains a strong international presence. The organization consists of thousands of staff members working both in the Netherlands and abroad, forming a comprehensive diplomatic network.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is committed to diversity and inclusion and strives to create an inclusive working environment. Teams are composed of colleagues with diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and personal characteristics. The ministry aims to reflect the diversity of Dutch society and the local communities in which it operates.
Application Process
Applications for this internship are submitted through the official application platform of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The selection procedure includes the submission of a letter of application and participation in an interview. Interviews are expected to take place in January 2026.
Candidates seeking additional information about the vacancy may contact the designated point of contact at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
