The T.M.C. Asser Instituut, located in The Hague and affiliated with the University of Amsterdam (UvA), has served for almost six decades as a distinguished inter-university research institute for private and public international law, European law, and international humanitarian and criminal law. It functions as an indispensable bridge between rigorous academic research, institutional policymaking, and judicial application.
In response to Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine, the Asser Institute has actively leveraged its academic expertise to examine legal accountability, state responsibility, and the development of new justice mechanisms. Within its foundational research strand “In the Public Interest: Accountability of the State and the Prosecution of Crimes” (ASPC), the Institute is accepting applications for a full-time, 6-month position: Intern: International Law and Ukraine.
This internship offers an extraordinary opportunity to work on legal research, policy frameworks, and knowledge-sharing initiatives aimed at upholding the international legal order, prosecuting international crimes, and supporting Ukraine's path toward comprehensive legal accountability.
Who Is This Internship For?
This internship is specifically structured for ambitious student-researchers, junior lawyers, and future policy practitioners who are passionate about international humanitarian law, accountability, and the rule of law in Central and Eastern Europe.
This call is specifically targeted at:
- Final-year Bachelor’s students, Master’s students, and recent graduates (within 12 months of graduation) in International Law, Public International Law, European Law, Human Rights, or International Relations.
- Aspiring specialists in International Criminal Law (ICL) and International Humanitarian Law (IHL) who wish to work at the intersection of conflict analysis, accountability for atrocity crimes, state responsibility, and victim reparations.
- Future international civil servants, diplomats, and litigators aiming to build careers with international courts and tribunals, intergovernmental bodies (UN, CoE, OSCE), state legal services (MFA, Prosecutor General’s Office), renowned think tanks, and international NGOs.
- Candidates with a profound understanding of Ukraine: Fluency in Ukrainian combined with high-level professional English is considered a key asset. The Institute seeks individuals who can comprehend primary Ukrainian legal sources, official documentation, and the broader sociopolitical realities of the war.
- Rigorous legal researchers and drafters who possess analytical precision, intellectual curiosity, and the capability to contribute meaningfully to academic publications, policy briefs, and international workshops.
Key Responsibilities
- Substantive Legal Research: Conducting legal and policy research on issues related to international humanitarian law, international criminal law, universal jurisdiction, reparations, and state responsibility in the context of Ukraine;
- Editorial & Drafting Support: Contributing to the preparation and editing of research reports, working papers, policy briefs, and web articles;
- Event Coordination & Management: Assisting with the organisation and implementation of academic workshops, international expert panels, training courses, and stakeholder consultations;
- Research Assistance: Delivering ad-hoc academic support to researchers and project leaders within the ASPC research strand.
Internship Parameters
- Host Institution: T.M.C. Asser Instituut
- Duty Station: The Hague, The Netherlands (in-person; remote working from abroad is not possible).
- Duration: 6 months.
- Commitment: Full-time (38 hours/week).
- Anticipated Start Date: 1 December 2026.
- Remuneration / Allowance: €736 gross per month.
- Application Deadline: 25 October 2026.
Qualifications & Essential Requirements
- Demonstrated academic background in public international law, IHL, or ICL;
- Excellent written and spoken command of English;
- Native or professional proficiency in Ukrainian is a strong asset;
- Strong drafting, research, and organizational capabilities;
- Self-motivation, reliability, and the ability to operate effectively within an international, multicultural team.
CRITICAL NOTE ON RESIDENCY AND LEGAL STATUS: in accordance with Dutch regulations and the Asser Institute’s recruitment guidelines, candidates must already hold legal authorization to reside and undertake an internship in the Netherlands (e.g., EU/EEA citizenship, Dutch student visa / active enrollment at a Dutch higher education institution, or Temporary Protection status with a valid Dutch work/residence permit). The Asser Institute cannot sponsor entry visas or work permits for non-EU applicants currently residing outside the Netherlands without pre-existing status.
Application Package & Submission Procedure
Interested candidates must submit their application documents compiled into a single PDF document in English:
- Letter of Motivation explaining your academic background, research interests, suitability for the position, and why you wish to contribute to the Asser Institute's Ukraine-related initiatives;
- Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV), explicitly indicating your nationality and your current visa/residence status in the Netherlands.
How to Apply
Send your single PDF file via email to PO@asser.nl
Subject Line: [Your Full Name] Application ASPC Internship IL and Ukraine
Official Links:
Individual consultations on participation, document preparation and language testing are available from Poltava Polytechnic’s International Relations Office:
- Room 213-Ц (Main Building)
Email: interoffice@nupp.edu.ua
