Internship: Hybrid governance, Sahel and West Africa
The Netherlands Institute of International Relations 'Clingendael'
The Conflict Research Unit (CRU) is a specialised team within the Clingendael Institute, conducting applied, policy-oriented research and developing practical tools that assist national and multilateral governmental and non-governmental organisations in their efforts to develop and implement more effective policies and programming on stability, development and rule of law in fragile and conflict-affected countries.
The Clingendael Conflict Research Unit (CRU) has an opening for an Intern for the team working on resource conflicts and local governance in the Sahel, from 1 August 2021 - 31 January 2022 (a six-month period).
This internship focuses on the risk potential of natural resource-driven conflicts (access and management of water, land etc.) for political conflict, radicalisation and regional instability, as well as on local governance structures in the decentralised states in the Sahel.
Job description
The intern would provide research assistance for projects on local resource conflicts and local governance structures in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso (as well as spill-over to West Africa) as part of a broader political economy analysis of the Sahel region and specifically, s/he will:
- Conduct data collection and qualitative content analysis of different social media platforms, such as Twitter, Youtube, Facebook and relevant media outlets;
- Conduct literature reviews;
- Contribute to writing background material, drafts, and web content.
- Provide assistance for the organization of (closed) events as part of research projects and for the dissemination of research findings.
- Conduct weekly press reviews for our Newsletter “Echoes of the Sahel”
Qualifications and experience
The 'Clingendael' would be interested if the following requirements are met:
- BA degree relevant for this internship and current enrolment for MA degree (e.g. African studies, political science/IR, conflict studies).
- Fluent or mother tongue in French, affinity with politics and conflict dynamics in Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso or West Africa
- Excellence in research and research methods, good English writing skills.
- Service minded, social skills, capable of reaching deadlines.
- Capable of working independently on the basis of instructions, team player.
- Network-oriented, feeling at home in international environment.
Technical requirements
- Enrollment in an MA program
- EER/Switzerland nationality OR holder of a Dutch study visa
Clingendael offers
- The opportunity to gain practical, policy oriented research experience in one of Europe’s top ranking think tanks, in close cooperation with our researchers and stakeholders as policy makers, academics and (international) organizations. Ability to build up a network in the field.
- A stipend of € 450,- gross per month (in case of 36 hours per week).
Deadline for response is Thursday 27 May 2021.