About Terre des Hommes

Terre des Hommes Netherlands (TdH NL) protects children by preventing and stopping child exploitation, and by empowering children to make their voices count. Our work is grounded in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and seeks to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Purpose of the role

The intern will join a dynamic team of programme managers and experts who work to prevent and respond to all forms of sexual exploitation of children (SEC) in Europe, Africa and Asia. The internship will be an opportunity to learn about this complex subject matter, and to contribute to the expansion of our innovative, evidence-based programmes.

The team

The SEC Programmes Team is formed by four Programme Managers and three experts based in the Hague and Brussels. The SEC intern is part of the SEC team and is managed by the Programme Manager - Sexual Exploitation of Children.

Key responsibilities

The intern’s responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the design, implementation and dissemination of scoping studies in West and East Africa for two flagship projects focusing on Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children along the East Africa Transport corridor.
• Contribute to report writing and project monitoring, in support of the SEC Programme Manager.
• Supporting the coordination and documentation of learning and knowledge-exchange meetings and events;
• Contributing to desk reviews on topics related to child sexual exploitation, as needs arise;
• Participating actively in internal routine and learning meetings such as weekly SEC team meetings, cross-teams internal meetings, brown bag sessions.
• Providing general support to the SEC thematic programme team when completing planned and reactive tasks.
• Other relevant tasks that might arise within the SEC department.

If a thesis is a mandatory component of your studies, we are happy to discuss the possibility of combining this with your internship and looking for opportunities for you to contribute towards our research agenda.

Knowledge and experience

The ideal candidate will be committed to the mission and vision of TdH NL and has a proven interest in contributing to initiatives to support human rights, children’s rights and / or gender equality. More specifically:

• Passion for children’s rights and interest in child protection, sexual exploitation of children, and gender rights.
• A particular interest in diversity, inclusion and intersectionality would be an added bonus.
• Currently enrolled in a Masters or Doctoral degree in international relations, international development studies, political science, sociology, social work, social policy, criminology, gender studies, law or related field.
• Flawless written and spoken English, paired with strong interpersonal and communication skills, both in person and online.
• Analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Experience in conducting desk research required. Primary research skills are desirable but not essential.
  
• Able to articulate problems and ask for assistance when needed.
• Willingness to learn, share innovative ideas, contribute actively and collaborate with diverse colleagues located in the Netherlands and abroad (East Africa, Asia).
• Time-keeping and respect for deadlines. Ability to communicate failure to meet deadlines in a timely manner.
• Ability to balance internship responsibilities with academic and personal commitments.
• Willingness to reflect on learning and development needs, articulate concerns and areas requiring growth.
• Commitment to TdH’s core values and principles, including inclusivity and placing children at the centre.
  

What we offer

Terre des Hommes is a growing organisation on the move. This means a lot of room for your own initiative and ideas. As we manage and execute our own programmes and projects, the difference we make and therefore you make is tangible on a daily basis.

• A 4-6 months contract, depending on your study requirements and schedule.
• The stipend is 400 EUR per month based on 36 hours a week, which in our organisation equals a full time workweek.
• The total working hours and work schedule will be agreed upon with the hiring manager. Working hours TdH NL offers the possibility of flexible working hours.
• We work hybrid, so 50% office and 50% from home. Very flexible and with a positive effect on your work life balance.
• An office in the thriving heart of The Hague, city of international human rights and political capital.
  

Interested in this Position?

We are eager to get to know you!

Click the “Apply” button at the top of this page and fill in all required fields. Please also upload your most recent CV including relevant experience, responsibilities, skills, and qualifications. For questions, you can contact Joan Bodeving directly at z.demelo@tdh.nl and l.montes@tdh.nl.

The deadline for this vacancy is 25th August 2026. Please note applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to submit your application as early as possible.