NGO / Public Policy Jobs
NGO & Public Policy Internships in Europe
Contribute to meaningful work with an internship at a leading European NGO or policy organization. Whether you're drawn to advocacy, humanitarian work, EU policy, or international development, Europe's policy hubs — Brussels, Geneva, Berlin, and The Hague — offer strong internship opportunities for students and recent graduates.
Why intern in NGO & public policy in Europe?
NGO and public policy internships give you direct exposure to how advocacy, humanitarian aid, and governance actually work — from EU institutions in Brussels to international organizations in Geneva. Europe is home to a dense concentration of NGOs, think tanks, and intergovernmental bodies, making it one of the strongest regions globally to build a career in this field.
What you'll typically work on
NGO and public policy internships across Europe generally fall into a few tracks:
- Policy research & analysis – drafting briefs, monitoring legislation, policy comparison
- Advocacy & campaigns – supporting campaigns, coalition-building, stakeholder engagement
- Humanitarian & development work – program support for international aid organizations
- EU affairs – supporting institutions or organizations working directly with EU policy
- Communications & fundraising – supporting outreach, grant writing, and donor relations
Where these internships are based
NGO and public policy internships are heavily concentrated in Europe's institutional centers: Brussels for EU affairs and advocacy, Geneva for international organizations and humanitarian work, and The Hague for international law and justice-related organizations. Berlin and Paris also host strong policy and think tank communities. Many roles are on-site, given the value of in-person institutional access.
What employers typically look for
Most NGO and public policy internships look for strong research and writing skills, coursework or a degree in progress in international relations, political science, or public policy, and genuine familiarity with the issue area. Language skills matter significantly here — French is especially valuable in Brussels and Geneva, alongside English.