Do you wish to support the restoration of wetland ecosystems and their biodiversity? Do actions and accountability matter more than words to you? Do you share our vision of a greener, healthier and more resilient environment?  

If you’ve answered yes to that, and if policy and science make your eyes sparkle, then seize this opportunity to help us assess nature restoration ambitions in Europe. Become our new Nature Restoration policy intern! 

• Full-time preferred, part-time possible (full time = 36 hrs/week) 
• Reimbursement: maximum of 450 EUR/month, based on 36 hour week. 
•  Student contract (Belgium or Dutch university), minimum 4 months 
• Location: Belgium (Brussels), teleworking allowed.
• Start date:  Mid September – early October 2026 

About Wetlands International Europe

Established in September 2013, we are the only network organisation in Europe bringing together NGOs whose shared mission is to inspire and mobilise society to safeguard and restore wetlands for people and nature. You will be joining a passionate and growing team working to raise the voice of our members in Europe, share knowledge, improve nature conservation policies and build capacity among stakeholders. 

For more information, please consult: https://europe.wetlands.org/   

Overall purpose of the internship

This internship offers an opportunity to contribute to Wetlands International Europe’s work on the assessment of draft National Nature Restoration Plans (NRPs) submitted by EU Member States under the Nature Restoration Regulation. The intern will support our policy team in reviewing whether draft plans are sufficiently ambitious and consistent with Wetlands International Europe’s policy priorities, with a particular focus on freshwaters, peatlands, wetlands biodiversity, migratory birds and migratory fish. 

Roles and responsibilities

The intern will support our team through desk-based policy analysis and synthesis. Main tasks include: 

• Reviewing draft National Restoration Plans against Wetlands International Europe priorities and relevant provisions of the Nature Restoration Regulation. 
• Extracting and comparing information on restoration targets, measures, timelines, indicators and financing for freshwaters, peatlands and wetlands 
• Assessing whether proposed measures appear sufficiently ambitious for wetlands biodiversity, with a focus on migratory birds and migratory fish.
• Supporting the preparation of internal briefing notes, summary tables, country fiches and short policy analyses. 
• Contributing to monitoring of developments, consultations and Commission feedback on the plans. 
• Assisting with the drafting of concise communication products for internal and external audiences, as needed. 

Working relations

INSIDE Wetlands International: Working with the relevant Programme teams at Wetlands International Europe (i.e Biodiversity, Freshwater and Peatlands teams). 

OUTSIDE Wetlands International: Partners, members and other key stakeholders. 

Profile we’re looking for

• A background in environmental policy, EU affairs, nature conservation, ecology, environmental law, political science or a related field. 
• Good understanding of EU nature, water and/or biodiversity policy processes. 
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to work with policy documents, tables and structured notes. 
• Excellent written English, with the ability to summarise complex information clearly and concisely. 
• A proactive, organised and collaborative working style. 
• Understanding and passion for nature conservation,  
• Knowledge of relevant IT systems and social media platforms,  
• Capacity to work both independently and within a team,  
• Ability to work in an international, multi-cultural NGO environment,  
• Interest in Wetlands International Europe focus areas (freshwater ecosystems, peatlands, migratory birds and migratory fish). 

Applications should be sent by email to [email protected] marking your application with “Nature Restoration Policy Assistant (Intern) – Name & Surname” in the subject line. 

Deadline to apply: 14 August 2026. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

Interviews will take place online between 19/08 and 28/08.

Download the internship offer here