60-016 | Internship, External Affairs

VACANCY TITLE: External Affairs Intern – Partnerships, Outreach, Protocol

TEAM: External Affairs

LOCATION: Rotterdam, the Netherlands

LEVEL OF EFFORT: Full time – 40 hours per week

START DATE: 3rd February, 2025

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 5th January, 2025

SALARY INDICATION: 500 EUR per month

The internship will be for 6 months (starting date negotiable), based at GCA headquarters in Rotterdam, with some flexibility in hours and location available.

Applicants must be located and have the required work permit to work in the Netherlands.

WHO WE ARE

The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization working to accelerate action on adapting to climate change. We support adaptation solutions at the international and the local levels, partnering with the public and the private sector.

Our focus is firmly on those who are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change; communities least prepared to withstand the health, social, and economic impacts of the climate emergency are our priority.

Founded in 2018, our organization is based in regional offices across key global locations. Our Europe office is located in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, in the largest floating office in the world. We also have regional offices in Kenya, Ivory Coast, Bangladesh, and Beijing, as well as a dedicated knowledge and research hub in Groningen, the Netherlands.

Our work encompasses high-level policy development, research, agenda-setting and advocacy to drive faster and deeper climate adaptation. We collaborate closely with partners to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of results where they are most needed.

WHAT WILL YOU DO

The External Affairs team at the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) serves as the bridge between our organization and the global community. We cultivate strategic relationships with governments, international organizations, financial institutions, and key stakeholders, ensuring that GCA’s mission to accelerate adaptation action resonates worldwide.

Our team leads high-level political engagements, facilitates impactful partnerships, and supports the global dialogue on climate resilience. By preparing comprehensive briefings, coordinating diplomatic outreach, and amplifying GCA’s presence at high-level summits, we ensure that adaptation remains central to the global climate agenda.

Reporting to the Senior Partnerships and External Affairs Officer, the External Affairs Intern will support the External Affairs team in managing diplomatic engagements, maintaining stakeholder relations, and ensuring the smooth execution of high-level events and partnerships. This role includes engagement with governments, international organizations, and other key stakeholders, with a focus on relationship management and protocol compliance.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the communication with diplomatic missions  in The Hague, Brussels, Geneva and New York, and ensuring the contact database is consistently updated.

• Preparing quarterly communication materials for diplomatic missions, highlighting GCA’s past achievements and upcoming events.

• Assisting with the preparation and implementation of high-level political summits, events and meetings.

• Drafting official diplomatic communication (Note Verbale). Preparing briefings for missions and external engagements, including for the CEO of the GCA and the Director of External Affairs .

• Attending meetings with GCA stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, and other partners, and producing notes and summaries of those meetings.

• Climate and global affairs news monitoring and reporting, with an emphasis on climate adaptation.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in international relations, politics, economics, journalism, relevant sciences or closely related discipline.

• Demonstrated commitment or strong interest in international relations, international development, and climate change diplomacy, with an emphasis on adaptation an advantage.

• Excellent interpersonal communication;

• Strong research, analytical, writing, and editing skills.

• Fluent command of the English language; knowledge of French an advantage.

• High proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of multilateral protocol and diplomatic communication.

TERMS OF INTERNSHIP

Public transport travel card for commuting provided by GCA.

Please note, there is no expectation of employment on completion of the internship.

WHAT WE OFFER

Joining our team means contributing to our global mission on climate adaptation. You will have the opportunity to tap into the extensive expertise available at GCA and its partner organizations worldwide. Furthermore, you will play a role in shaping international policies and global action on climate change, working at the highest governmental levels, and collaborating with governments on all continents.

At GCA, we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive team where everyone feels valued. We warmly welcome applicants from all walks of life and do not discriminate in any of our programs or activities based on race, colour, religion, sex, nationality, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Join us and contribute your unique perspective to our collective success.

HOW TO APPLY

If you are interested in this position, please submit your motivation letter and CV by following the link https://gca.org/about-us/join-us/ before 5 January.

Our recruitment process is designed to be both engaging and insightful. It begins with a written assessment, followed by a round of interviews. Throughout these stages, you'll have the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of GCA team members who are eager to learn about your personality, skills, and potential. This journey also allows you to gain a deeper understanding of GCA's objectives, culture, and values. We look forward to discovering how we can achieve great things together.