V

Sustainability Internship

Van Oord Netherlands Added on Jun 9, 2026
Apply →

Join the Stakeholders and Sustainability team at Van Oord to support the practical delivery of a global corporate sustainability strategy. You will play a central role in coordinating high-profile events and strategic initiatives, moving beyond theory to help the company operationalize its environmental and social goals. This position involves direct involvement in content creation, research, and the mapping of international opportunities to elevate the firm’s impact.

Working within the marine infrastructure sector, you will help bridge the gap between heavy engineering and the global climate agenda. This is a unique chance to work on the strategy for a major platform like COP31, where meaningful stakeholder dialogue directly influences the energy transition and coastal protection efforts. You are contributing to the legacy of a family-owned innovator that is actively shaping future coastlines.

This suits someone who is a proactive communicator and thrives in a dynamic, international setting where technical maritime challenges meet sustainability advocacy. You should enjoy building relationships and synthesizing complex information into engaging narratives in a professional environment.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The intern will be deeply involved in the strategic planning and execution of sustainability initiatives. A primary responsibility is supporting the organization and content structure of major sustainability events, ensuring the messaging remains consistent and impactful. Additionally, you will conduct research to build participation strategies for COP31. This involves identifying opportunities for the company to influence the global climate dialogue, preparing briefings for leadership, and developing roadmaps for international engagement. Beyond event planning, you will focus on internal and external stakeholder alignment. This includes preparing communication materials and presentations that translate the sustainability vision into actionable insights for colleagues and partners.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Candidates can expect to gain a high-level perspective on ESG strategy within a complex, international industrial environment. You will learn how a global marine contractor navigates the energy transition and incorporates nature-based solutions into large-scale infrastructure projects. Practical skills in stakeholder management and international diplomacy will be developed through the COP31 preparation. You will learn to draft professional briefings and understand the nuances of communicating sustainability goals to diverse audiences. Exposure to cross-functional collaboration is a key learning pillar. Working within the sustainability department allows you to see how different business units interact with sustainability mandates.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate is a proactive and curious student or recent graduate with a strong academic background in sustainability, environmental science, or international relations. You should demonstrate a genuine passion for the energy transition. Strong interpersonal and networking skills are vital, as the role relies heavily on building relationships across different departments. You should be someone who feels comfortable reaching out to new people and synthesizing diverse viewpoints. Technical proficiency in creating engaging visual and written content is highly valued. Whether it is a presentation for executives or a briefing note, the ability to translate complex data into stories is essential.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, move beyond the standard narrative and showcase a technical curiosity for the maritime industry. Research the company's specific pillars—enhancing energy transition and accelerating climate action—and mention which one aligns with your interests. Highlight any experience you have in event management or strategic research. Since a major part of this role involves high-level summits, demonstrating that you can handle multiple workstreams will be very compelling. Finally, demonstrate your analytical mindset. In your application, briefly discuss a current trend in the maritime energy transition that you find interesting to show you are ready to contribute to high-level discussions.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role primarily focuses on stakeholder engagement and strategic positioning within the company's sustainability pillars. You will be helping to translate 'Net Zero' and 'Climate Action' ambitions into visible external actions. There is a significant emphasis on nature-based solutions and how they are integrated into marine infrastructure. This role helps the company explain its ecological impact to the wider world through strategic events. Additionally, the role supports the social aspect of ESG by looking at how the company empowers communities. By building partnerships, you help ensure that global projects provide long-term value to local ecosystems.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the main challenges is navigating the complexity of a global engineering firm. Understanding technical jargon and the needs of different business units can be a steep learning curve for those new to the maritime sector. Managing high-stakes external deadlines, such as those related to international summits, requires excellent time management. There may be periods of high pressure where briefings and strategies need to be finalized quickly. Finally, bridging the gap between ambitious sustainability goals and industrial operations can be difficult. You might face the challenge of making sustainability 'real' for colleagues focused on technical maritime construction.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with a team check-in to align on the progress of research for COP31. You might reach out to various department heads to gather success stories that illustrate progress toward climate targets. Your afternoon could be dedicated to content creation. You might draft a roadmap for a sustainability event or design a presentation that explains participation in a global partnership for leadership review. Throughout the day, you will engage in collaborative meetings, either with the internal sustainability team or external partners. The day ends with updating project timelines and preparing your priorities for the following morning.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

This internship serves as a prestigious entry point into corporate sustainability for a major industrial player. Success in this role can lead to future opportunities within the company's expanding sustainability department. You will have the chance to build a robust professional network within the maritime and renewable energy industries. By interacting with senior leadership, you gain visibility that is rare for an internship. Furthermore, the mentorship provided ensures you are developing a strategic mindset. You will learn to think like a sustainability leader, gaining insights into how to influence corporate culture and drive systemic change.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

Internal stakeholders include project managers and engineers as well as senior leadership. You will work closely with the Stakeholders and Sustainability team and colleagues in communications and business development. Externally, you will interact with international organizations and NGOs involved in climate action. This is particularly relevant when building the strategy for global summits and increasing the company’s impact. You may also interface with vibrant community groups and industry partners. These stakeholders provide the external perspective necessary to ensure sustainability initiatives are relevant, credible, and impactful.

CSR Jobs newsletter

Never miss the next opportunity

Get a curated selection of new CSR, ESG, and sustainability roles in your inbox. No daily noise, just useful opportunities.

Free to join. Unsubscribe anytime.