The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the linchpin in communication between the Dutch government and the governments of other countries and between the Dutch government and international organisations. The ministry coordinates and implements the foreign policy of the Dutch government, including development cooperation. In addition to the department in The Hague, the ministry operates from embassies, permanent representations and consulates-general spread across the world.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs pursues an active diversity policy and focuses on an inclusive organization. We do this by optimally deploying and using people’s differences. And by creating a work culture where everyone can be themselves and feel valued. When composing teams and hiring new talent, we strive for diversity in, among other things, age, gender (identity), culture, religion, background, orientation, (work) disability, knowledge and competencies.
We offer an exciting internship with varied activities within a committed and internationally oriented team. You will work in a dynamic environment in which you will learn a lot in a short time about the role of an embassy in the region and how the Netherlands is committed to themes such as peace, security and development cooperation in Somalia. You will gain insight into how policy is developed and implemented, and how cooperation with international and local partners takes place.
In short: an educational and versatile internship experience in a unique diplomatic context.
The internship will take place at the Dutch embassy in Nairobi: a vibrant and diverse city that functions as a regional diplomatic hub. Nairobi is the second largest UN city in the world and is home to numerous embassies, international organizations and NGOs. This makes it a unique place to experience international cooperation up close.
Internship at the Dutch Embassy in Nairobi
The Embassy Nairobi is looking for an intern for the period 01-09-2025 to 01-03-2026.
The Dutch Embassy in Nairobi is looking for an intern to support the Somalia team. This internship offers you the opportunity to become acquainted with diplomacy, development cooperation and the policy efforts of the Netherlands in the Horn of Africa.
- We ask you to apply via the ‘Apply’ button.
- Selection interviews will take place in June 2025.
- The selection procedure includes letter selection and a selection interview
What we offer
You will be doing an internship within the Somalia team of the Dutch embassy in Nairobi, the largest Dutch post on the African continent. Although you will be physically working in Kenya, you will mainly focus on Somalia during your internship: a country that is developing rapidly and is central to geopolitical and security issues in the Horn of Africa.
You will be part of an environment where a lot is happening. This means that you can observe the work of diplomats and policy officers from up close. You will work together with colleagues at the embassy, in The Hague and with international partners such as the UN and the EU.
During your internship you will support the team with various activities, such as:
- Assist in collecting and analyzing information on security, migration and rule of law development;
- Support in preparing briefings, working visits and internal notes;
- Attend meetings with international organizations and report on them;
- Assist in monitoring and reporting on ongoing development projects;
- Contribute to public diplomacy and communication;
- Exploring current developments in Somalia and the broader region.
- You will be guided in this process and given the space to tackle topics that match your interests and educational background.
Learning assignment
In consultation with your internship supervisor at the embassy, you will also work on a learning assignment during your internship that matches your interests and the priorities of the embassy. This could include contributing to activities and reports in the field of stabilization, rule of law development, or migration in Somalia. This could involve, for example, deepening policy themes, mapping relevant actors, analyzing current programs and/or monitoring trends.
Requirements
- You are following a relevant university degree (such as international relations, conflict studies, law, development studies or political science);
- You have preferably completed your bachelor’s degree;
- You have strong analytical skills, write clearly and have a good sense of political and cultural contexts;
- You follow the news on a daily basis and you have knowledge of and a broad interest in political, economic and social developments in both Somalia and the rest of the Horn of Africa.
- You have knowledge of and/or an affinity with digital tools and know the ins and outs of social media and how to use them to achieve communication goals.
- You are socially skilled, not afraid to attend networking and information meetings, and a team player.
