Vacancy: Internship Leiden Asia Centre

In 2026, the Leiden Asia Centre celebrates its 10th anniversary🎉. To mark this milestone, we are organising a special anniversary symposium and several additional public events throughout the year. We are looking for an intern who is enthusiastic about supporting both the thematic development of the programme and the practical organisation of these activities.

The Leiden Asia Centre is a dynamic research institute based in Leiden. We focus on political, economic and cultural relations between the Netherlands and Asia. Our mission is to build connections between academia, government, business and society, and to contribute to informed public debate. The anniversary year is an important moment for us to highlight our work. Your contribution can play a key role.

Leiden, The Netherlands

Bachelor (HBO/WO), Master

32 hours per week

Conform to the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities

1 February 2026 – 30 June 2026

Apply before 15 December 2025

Your tasks

As an intern, you will support the team in preparing and carrying out the 10th anniversary activities. Your responsibilities may include:

• Contributing to the development of the content and structure of the anniversary symposium and related public events, including themes, speakers and formats.
• Supporting event logistics, including venue arrangements, schedules, guest lists, registrations, catering and technical requirements.
• Assisting with project management, including timeline development, internal coordination and progress monitoring.
• Supporting event related communication together with colleagues responsible for outreach.
• Helping with on-site coordination during events, including guest reception and solving practical issues.
• Assisting with post event evaluation and documentation.

What you bring

• Affinity with event organisation, programme development or project coordination.
• Interest in Asia related topics or international affairs.
• Can combine substantive thinking with hands-on organisational work.
• Excellent social skills, enabling you to work in a team.
• Strong attention to detail and feeling comfortable working with deadlines.
• Excellent command of English, spoken and written.
• Being proactive, flexible and enjoying dynamic working environments.
• Independence, focus and efficiency, allowing you to assume responsibility for a project and work individually.
• Experience with tools such as Excel, project planning software, WordPress, Canva or Mailchimp is an asset but not required.

Knowledge of Dutch is not required for this position.

What we offer

• A unique opportunity to contribute to a high-profile anniversary programme at a leading research institute.
• Insight into the political, economic, and cultural dynamics between the Netherlands and Asia.
• A collaborative team environment that values initiative and creativity.
• The chance to build a valuable network in academic, governmental and civil society circles.
• An internship allowance in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch universities.

How to apply

Please send your CV and motivation letter to info@leidenasiacentre.nl, addressed to Floris Harm, Executive Director, before 15 December. Interviews with shortlisted candidates will take place on the 13th of January.

For questions about the internship, please contact Emma Burgers at burgers@leidenasiacentre.nl.