Background

Wetlands sit at the intersection of climate change, biodiversity, water security and land use, and play a
critical role in international policy frameworks. Their conservation and restoration contribute to climate
mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity, water regulation, disaster risk reduction and sustainable
livelihoods.

Wetlands International works to strengthen ambition and coherence across key global frameworks,
including the Rio Conventions (UNFCCC, CBD, UNCCD), the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, and related global processes.

Overall purpose of the internship

To support Wetlands International’s policy and advocacy work at the nexus of climate change,
biodiversity, water and land, with a focus on:

• Reviewing and analyzing countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National
  Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) in relation to different types of wetlands.
• Supporting work on synergies and coherence across the Rio Conventions and the Ramsar
  Convention (reporting mechanisms, Action Agendas, national plans)
• Contributing to preparations for global policy processes and events

Reporting line

The intern will report to a senior advocacy officer.

Duration and conditions

• Start date: February – April (preference for earlier start date)
• Duration: 4–5 months
• Working time: preferably 32 hours per week
• Location: Possible to work remote, but with availability to work within Central European Time
  (CET) (±1 hour). Candidates based in The Netherlands are preferred to allow for physical presence when needed.
• Contract type: Internship

Key responsibilities and tasks

The intern’s responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
Policy analysis and tracking (60%)

• Review and analyse Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Biodiversity
  Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and other relevant documents to assess the inclusion of
  wetlands (quantitative and qualitatively).
• Identify key trends, gaps and good practices related to wetlands across climate, biodiversity and
  water policy frameworks.
• Prepare concise internal summaries, comparative tables and analytical notes.

Rio Conventions, Ramsar and water-related synergies (20%)

• Contribute to internal work on synergies and coherence across the Rio Conventions and the Ramsar

Global events and processes (10%)

• Support preparations for global and regional policy events relevant to wetlands.
• Assist with tracking agenda items, sessions, side events and liaison with key partners.

Cross-cutting support (10%)

• Assist with drafting short policy notes, summaries or presentations.
• Contribute to work on Wetlands International’s umbrella initiatives, including the Peatland Breakthrough, the Mangrove Breakthrough, and the Freshwater Challenge, by helping link the above policy analysis and multilateral processes to their objectives and implementation.
• Provide background research for briefings, presentations and coordination meetings.
• Support coordination with partners and across teams, as needed.

Profile

We are looking for a motivated and analytical intern with a strong interest in wetlands and international environmental policy and diplomacy, multilateral negotiations and cooperation.

The ideal candidate

• Demonstrates a good understanding of climate change, biodiversity and water governance, and their interlinkages.
• Is comfortable working with policy documents and multilateral frameworks.
• Is proactive and collaborative, and able to work independently in a remote environment.

Education, experience and competencies

• Currently enrolled in a Master’s programme—preferably in the final year of study—in environmental policy or diplomacy, international relations, environmental governance, development studies, or a related field.
• Some academic or practical exposure to international environmental processes is an asset.
• Strong analytical/research and writing skills.
• Detail-oriented, with strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks, work to deadlines, and prioritise effectively when responding to requests from different colleagues.
• Fluency in English is required; additional languages (especially Spanish or French) are an asset.

Compensation

The internship includes a modest monthly stipend, in line with Wetlands International’s internship policy.

How to apply

To apply, please submit:

• A CV
• A one-page motivation letter

By February 6th , 2026 Applications should be sent to: [email protected]. Subject line: “Advocacy Intern”.