Are you our new just wind energy transitions intern? (m/f/x)

Deze vacature is in het Engels

Are you interested in working on just sustainability transitions in the context of wind energy? Apply now to become our new intern ‘just wind energy transitions’ at DRIFT. We fill the application on a rolling basis. The start of their internship is flexible, but you can start October 2024. 

Working at DRIFT 

The Dutch Research Institute for Transitions (DRIFT) is a leading research institute in the field of transition science. Founded in 2004, we were one of the first organisations globally devoted to transitions towards just and sustainable societies. That focus remains. We are now organised as a social enterprise belonging to the Erasmus University Rotterdam family. Our 30+ action researchers have a wide range of backgrounds and are constantly working on research, education, consultancy and activism for fundamental change. DRIFT has a flat organisational structure which gives a lot of freedom and makes for an open and friendly work atmosphere. 

What you will be doing  

We are looking for a motivated Master-student to contribute to research, education and engagement activities focusing on the governance of just sustainability transitions. You will, amongst others, be part of our team of researchers working on the EU-funded JustWind4All. In the JustWind4All project we collaborate with 12 European partners in different countries (NL, UK, PT, ES, DK, SI, BG, DE, BE) to improve wind energy related decision-making to become more just and effective. In the JustWind4All project the DRIFT team will, amongst others, conduct regional case studies, create a decision-making compass for policy makers, as well as develop a training to disseminate the learnings from the project. Besides this project, you might also become involved in DRIFT’s broader research agenda on just and sustainable cities.

As the just wind energy transitions intern, you will mainly work on: 

• Co-developing a decision-making tool/workshop tool that aims to improve decision making in wind energy development. Activities include: desk research, workshop design and possibly aiding in organizing a workshop(s) with various stakeholders in wind energy development. 

• Possibly the preparation and organization of events and webinars. 

• Writing reports, blogs and communicating your insights and analyses on the DRIFT and other websites and social media channels. 

What you need for this role 

We are looking for someone with…  

• Have affinity and experience with sustainability, justice, transitions, transformation, social innovation, and/or related themes; 

• Are an ambitious problem-solver and critical thinker;  

• Are proactive, collaborative, entrepreneurial and can work independently; 

• Are curious and not afraid to dive into a subject; 

• Can speak/write in English (Dutch is a strong plus); 

• Follow a Master’s study in social sciences, design, sustainability, justice, development, innovation, and/or other related fields. 

• Excellent written and spoken English (DRIFT’s internal working language),  

• EU citizenship (so not just EU residency) or a Dutch permit of residency and Dutch work permit. You are living in the Netherlands and intend to stay. 

What we offer 

DRIFT is a leading research institute in the field of sustainability transitions. We develop and share transformative knowledge that enables people, cities, sectors, and organizations to actively engage in transitions. DRIFT has four core activities that complement, sharpen, and inspire each other: academic research, advice, education, and public dialogue & debate. 

You will work with DRIFT colleagues partly at our office on the Erasmus University campus in Rotterdam, and partly online. The office is a great place to meet the DRIFT transition researchers, consultants & educators, who are often quite friendly. We also have a pinball machine, where things sometimes get less friendly. We are strong believers in office lunches and drinks. 

 You will have an internship supervisor with whom you can discuss the progress of your internship. It is possible to combine this research internship with writing your thesis, possibly with guidance from DRIFT (more details can be found here). With a full-time internship (40 hours per week), we offer an internship allowance of 652 euros per month (incl. travel allowance).  

Inclusivity 

DRIFT strives to be an inclusive employer to all, regardless of gender, sexual preference, ethnicity, religion, and mental/physical ability. We specifically encourage applications from those who identify as belonging to a marginalised group. And in the case of two similarly suitable candidates, we will opt for the one that makes our team more diverse. 

How to apply 

Send your CV and a motivation letter to strikkers@drift.eur.nl before the 10th of September, applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis. If a suitable candidate is found, the application deadline might close earlier.. The starting date is the 1st of October. An alternative starting date can be discussed.