Water Resources Management Internship

Company Description

SNV is a global development partner, deeply rooted in the countries where we operate. We are driven by a vision of a better world: A world where across every society all people live with dignity and have equitable opportunities to thrive sustainably. To make this vision a reality, we need transformations in vital agri-food, energy, and water systems. SNV contributes by strengthening capacities and catalysing partnerships in these sectors. We help strengthen institutions and governance, reduce gender inequalities and barriers to social inclusion, and enable adaptation and mitigation to the climate and biodiversity crises.

SNV is a global development partner working in more than 20 countries in Africa and Asia with a team of approximately 1,600 colleagues. We support our partners with technical and process expertise and methodological rigour.

Water Resources Management Internship

Job Description

Are you a motivated student seeking to make a real impact? Do you want to gain experience in water resources management and contribute to international development? An internship with SNV's Global Water Team could be the perfect opportunity for you!

• Location: Netherlands/The Hague (hybrid work is possible, expected minimum office days: 2/week)
• Duration: 4-6 months
• Duration: 3-6 months (Visa not sponsored by SNV)
• Contract type: Internship with 32-40 hours work per week
• Expected start date: September/October 2026

To be considered for this role, you need to be enrolled in higher education for the entire internship in a relevant field and have the legal right to reside in the Netherlands.

We are seeking a highly motivated Intern to join our Global Water Team. The internship will focus on providing a valuable learning experience while supporting the team on its Equitable Water Resources Management (EWRM) Work. The Global Water Team has work in four areas, one of which is EWRM. This focus area is not different from water resources management per se, but we emphasise outcomes that are fair and sustainable between people (including the vulnerable), current and future generations, and humans and the environment.

As the Global Water Intern, you will have the opportunity to learn and contribute to:

• Research and coordination, primarily desk-based, to inform a thought leadership series on Integrated Water Resources Management. The research will focus on selected African and Asian countries and may cover: how data scarcity is managed; how water resources management is financed; how climate resilience is mainstreamed; and how coordination across different geographical and governance scales is achieved.
• Knowledge management, including organising and synthesising SNV's previous work on water resources management.
• Specific tasks emerging from this work. The intern is not expected to already have all the necessary skills but should be willing to learn, experiment and co-create. Tasks could include analysing climate risk assessments or supporting data visualisation.
• After the first month, the intern may, if they wish, propose and implement an activity that supports both their learning and the work of the Global Water Team.
• Sharing some non-technical tasks, as all members of the Global Water Team.

This internship offers a unique chance to:

• Gain experience in the development sector by working on real-world tasks and projects.
• Receive mentorship from experienced professionals in a dynamic team environment.
• Develop skills in water resources management, knowledge management, global influencing and positioning, communication, and international collaboration.
• Contribute to impactful work that makes a difference.

Qualifications

To qualify for this internship, we ask for the following requirements:

• Enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's or PhD program at an accredited EU university in a field related to Water Resources Management and you can provide a certificate of enrolment.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills. French is not required but is an added advantage.
• A desire to learn and contribute to a collaborative team environment.
• Analytical and conceptual thinking skills.
• Pro-active, pragmatic and solution driven.
• A curious, self-motivated individual that works well in a team.
• You must have the legal right to reside in the Netherlands for the internship period (SNV does not sponsor visas or permits for interns).

Working at SNV

At SNV we challenge and inspire and offer continuous growth. We offer meaningful opportunities to shape the future, expand your skills, and collaborate with a vibrant, global network of experts. At SNV your contribution matter, and your development is our priority.

We are home to 57 cultures working in 22 countries, with about 95% of our team members holding the nationality of the respective countries we work in. We promote international career development. Our workforce consists of a mix of both people with longstanding tenure, willing to share their institutional knowledge, as well as people with local expertise and knowledge.

Reference and vetting check

As part of our commitment to a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace, we carry out reference and background checks for all determined positions, with particular attention to safeguarding. You will be invited to provide the contact details of two referees, and we will only approach them once you have given your permission. We handle this process with care, empathy, and strict confidentiality, using the information solely for purposes related to your application and the role you have applied for.

SNV is committed to safeguarding and to protecting children and adults from all forms of harm, with zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, or any other form of misconduct. As part of creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive working environment, all staff, consultants, and partners are expected to uphold SNV's safeguarding, child protection, ethical standards, and CARE principles. In line with these commitments — and as a participant in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS) — SNV will request a Statement of Conduct from your previous employer(s), covering any substantiated findings of misconduct, to ensure a recruitment process that safeguards and protects the communities we serve.