The Netherlands Office aims to support the broad application and understanding of public international law in accordance with the objectives of the United Nations in the realization of international peace and security.

Specifically, the Office works on issues relating to transitional justice and the International Criminal Court.  The Office also hosts workshops and seminars, organizes professional development events, and prepares investigations and human rights handbooks.  Moreover, the Netherlands Office provides updates related to the International Criminal Court through its Lawyering Justice blog.

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Junior Research Associate Program

The Netherlands Office of the Public International Law & Policy Group offers a Junior Research Associate program for talented Netherlands-based master’s students with a background in International Law, Law & Technology, Human Rights, International Relations, or related fields.

PILPG-NL’s Junior Research Associate program offers master students an opportunity to gain professional experience in the field of public international law. Junior Research Associates are involved in the work of the Netherlands Office and are supervised by and work in close cooperation with senior members of PILPG. They assist in the Office’s open access projects on international criminal justice, domestic prosecution of international crimes, recourse for human rights violations through technology, and in client work. JRA’s also develop professional skills, such as legal research and writing, networking, and public speaking, via training sessions offered through the International Law Clinic at the Vrije Universiteit.

Selected students are enrolled in the International Law Clinic at the Vrije Universiteit (Amsterdam) and receive 12 ECTS for their work for PILPG.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Junior Research Associate position is an unpaid position for 12-16 hours a week for a period of 8 months, with flexible work hours. Participation in the International Law Clinic includes a biweekly commitment to be (virtually) present on Wednesdays. 

Junior Research Associate tasks and activities include:

• Conducting high quality legal research and writing on public international law matters, both individually and in a team setting;

• Participating in weekly team and project meetings;

• Participating in professional development training sessions;

• Contributing to the Lawyering Justice blog and PILPG’s social media presence;

• Drafting weekly news updates on client situations;

• Attending and reporting on events related to international law;

• Completing other administrative and organizational tasks.

Exceptional Junior Research Associates may be promoted to Research Associate and stay involved after the JRA program ends.

Qualifications and Requirements

The Junior Research Associate program is open only to students enrolled in a master program at a Dutch university.  The program is also open to exchange students.

Candidates are required to:

• Be enrolled in a Dutch University master’s program during the program period;

• Demonstrate excellent writing and research skills;

• Speak and write English fluently;

• Demonstrate a relevant background and affinity with law;

• Have the ability to work independently while also collaborating with the team.

How to Apply

PILPG-NL accepts applications for the period October, 2021, to May, 2022, until September 27, 2021, 9:00 CET.

Those interested should email their CV, cover letter, and transcript to dr. Marieke de Hoon, Director of PILPG’s Netherlands Office, at recruitment.pilpg.nl@pilpg.org.

For more information on the International Law Clinic, see:  www.rechten.vu.nl/en/education/international-law-clinic.