Intern, Human Resources

Organization profile 

Every year, millions of people around the world go missing as a result of conflict, human rights abuses, disasters, organized crime, irregular migration, and other causes. This is a complex global challenge that can be tackled effectively through cross-cutting programs that address a variety of difficult, interconnected issues. 

The International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) is the only international organization tasked exclusively to work on the issue of missing persons. It works with governments and other stakeholders, including families of the missing, to help them develop and maintain successful missing persons processes. To learn more about ICMP click here. 

Internship Setting

The HR Internship is designed as a structured learning experience within the Human Resources Unit at ICMP’s headquarters in The Hague. Rather than performing routine administrative tasks, the selected intern will embark on a modular learning journey across five key HR clusters.

Under the direct guidance and mentorship of the HR team, the intern will gain practical exposure to the full lifecycle of an international civil servant. This placement provides a unique opportunity to observe how HR functions adapt to an evolving global mandate, including the complexities of institutional reorganization and future planning. The intern will participate in the daily dynamics of a global HR department, learning how to balance operational efficiency with staff welfare and organizational change.

Learning Curve & Modular Clusters

The HR Internship is designed as a rotational learning experience. The intern will progress through five specialized clusters, gaining a comprehensive 360-degree view of HR operations within an international, treaty-based organization.

Cluster 1: HR Operations & System Literacy

• Learn to navigate and maintain the HRIS effectively.


• Gain practical experience in onboarding procedures and the management of essential personnel documentations.


• Understand the standards for maintaining confidential HR files in a global context.

Cluster 2: Institutional Framework

• Study the ICMP HR Manual and internal work processes, HR related guidelines, and policies to understand the legal framework of an international organization.


• Assist in developing Q&A resources and centralized folders to support managers in policy implementation.


• Learn how HR policies are communicated and applied across diverse field programs.

Cluster 3: Global Talent Acquisition

• Support the full cycle, from drafting Vacancy Notices (VNs) to the final selection process.


• Facilitate communication between candidates and hiring managers to ensure a seamless experience.


• Assist in coordinating eligibility reviews and scheduling multi-timezone interviews.

Cluster 4: Payroll, Compensation & Benefits

• Learn the complexities of payroll adjustments and processing for a global workforce.


• Understand the administration of international benefits.


• Develop high attention to detail by verifying eligibility and updating employee records.

Cluster 5: Strategic HR & Organizational Change

• Under the guidance of the Head of HR, observe the complexities of high-level strategic planning and organizational structure design.


• Gain insight into how HR processes adapt to ICMP’s evolving global mandate, particularly during phases of downsizing and departmental reorganization.


• Learn how strategic HR interventions maintain organizational stability and mission alignment while navigating significant structural changes.

Requirements

Candidates for this internship must:

• Be enrolled in or have recently completed an advanced university degree program in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, Communications or another related field.


• Proficiency in written and spoken English. Knowledge of Dutch/any other language is considered as an asset.


• Willingness to learn new concepts and processes in Human Resources.


• Organizational skills and high attention to detail.


• Highly motivated and reliable.


• Good communication and interpersonal skills.


• Proficiency in Microsoft applications, including Word, Access, Excel, Power Point, Outlook and Teams.


• Proven ability to interact positively with colleagues regardless of culture, nationality or gender.


• Commitment to the underlying objective of helping the authorities and families of the missing to account for missing persons in an impartial and transparent manner.
  

BEFORE APPLYING FOR THIS INTERNSHIP PLEASE CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:

Duration: Internships are available for periods ranging from two to six months. The intern’s preference as to start date and length of internship must be specified with the application.

Minimum age: The intern should be at least 21 years of age at the date of application. 

Working hours: TThis is either a part-time (20 hours/per week) or a full-time position (40 hours/per week; Monday to Friday). As agreed with their supervisor, the intern must provide written notice in case of illness or other unavoidable circumstances that prevent them from observing these working hours.

Visa and travel: Interns are responsible for obtaining any necessary visas. If required, ICMP may request the host state to assist a selected intern in obtaining visas. Costs and arrangements for travel, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of intern. 

Insurance: Interns are responsible for obtaining valid medical insurance coverage and providing proof of the same to ICMP prior to the start of the internship placement. 

Conduct and confidentiality: Interns are required to sign and abide by the ICMP Code of Ethical Conduct. ICMP has the authority to terminate any internship due to unsatisfactory performance or conduct. 

Privileges and immunities: In the Hague, the Netherlands – unless Dutch nationals or otherwise entitled to residency in the Netherlands – interns will be registered with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a maximum period of six months and are obliged to leave the Netherlands within 15 (fifteen) days after the end of their internship with ICMP.

Remuneration: This is an unpaid internship. 

VN end date: 17 June 2026

ICMP is committed to maintaining an environment of mutual respect, where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants. ICMP believes that diversity and inclusion among our staff are critical to our success as a global organization, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented individuals from a thoroughly diverse range of candidates. ICMP is proud to be part of the International Gender Champions network.

There should be no expectation of employment by the International Commission on Missing Persons upon completion of the internship.

We kindly ask that applicants review the position details carefully to ensure their skills and experience align with the role before submitting their applications.