Public Affairs and Policy Intern

Skytree; Amsterdam; Hybrid; EUR 74,000 - 103,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Lunch allowance

Travel cost reimbursement

Job summary

Skytree, a cleantech company accelerating Direct Air Capture, seeks a Public Affairs and Policy Intern to join the Project Development team in the Netherlands. This hands-on role offers exposure to policy, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, and business development.

You will monitor Dutch and EU policy, prepare briefings for policymakers, and help build Skytree's network with government bodies, research institutions, and industry groups.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in or recently completed a Bachelor's or Master's in a relevant field.
• Native Dutch speaker with fluent English; German a plus.
• Strong organizational awareness; experience writing for politically sensitive environments.
• Clear communicator with ability to tailor messages to different audiences.
• Organised, proactive and able to thrive in a fast-moving environment.
• Based in the Netherlands, near Amsterdam.

Responsibilities

• Monitor Dutch and EU policy developments related to Direct Air Capture and climate policy.
• Assist with public affairs activities, including parliamentary engagements and meetings with government stakeholders.
• Contribute to policy briefs, position papers, and briefing materials.
• Research funding mechanisms and subsidies for climate tech.
• Support input for public consultations on climate, energy, and industrial policy.
• Engage with government bodies, sector associations, researchers, NGOs to grow Skytree's network.
• Represent Skytree at events and conferences; prepare meeting briefings.

Skills

Dutch native

English fluency

Organizational awareness

Clear communication

Proactive

Policy writing

Stakeholder engagement

Messaging tailoring

Netherlands-based

Education

Public Policy / Political Science / European Studies / Environmental Science / Law

Job description

Skytree enables a transition to a world with cleaner Air for everyone. We do this by developing and deploying smart technology that captures atmospheric carbon dioxide, enabling its use or storage to combat climate change and aid society and businesses around the world. Born out of the European Space Agency (ESA), we are a global team of highly talented scientists, engineers and business professionals, supported by an experienced management team. Our working culture is based on a dynamic and smart approach to business with an open and understanding attitude to others and a desire to expand the boundaries of what is possible.

As we enter a new phase of growth and presence in Europe , we're excited to bring on a driven and curious Public Affairs and Policy Intern to join our Project Development team to learn, grow, and go on this journey with us.

Ready to make your mark on the world of CO2? Then read on!

Your role and learning opportunity

Direct Air Capture doesn't scale itself, it needs the right policy frameworks, the right stakeholders, and the right conversations happening in the right rooms. As our Public Affairs and Policy Intern, you'll help make that happen.

You'll learn and assist at the intersection of public affairs, market development, and stakeholder engagement, supporting our team as we bring DAC projects to life across the Netherlands and Europe. From monitoring regulatory developments to preparing briefings for policymakers, you'll contribute directly to Skytree's mission of deploying DAC at scale.

Dutch language skills are essential for this role , given the focus on the Dutch market and engagement with Dutch government bodies and public institutions. In addition, you should be fluent in the English language.

Important Notes:

This is a practical internship which provides hands-on, immersive experience in the world of work

The Internship duration is at least 6 months (40 hours/week)

The start date is Immediate

This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Please ensure that you meet the legal requirements to undertake an internship in The Netherlands.

You must be based in The Netherlands, ideally near Amsterdam. Monthly stipend together with transportation allowance are offered, however, accommodation is not provided.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll be learning and supporting

POLICY AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS

• Support the monitoring and analysis of Dutch and EU policy developments relevant to Direct Air Capture (DAC), carbon removal, and broader climate and energy policy (e.g., Routekaart Koolstofverwijdering, EU ETS, ReFuelEU).
• Assist with Skytree's public affairs activities in the Netherlands, including preparations for parliamentary engagements, public consultations, and meetings with government stakeholders.
• Contribute to policy briefs, position papers, consultation responses, and briefing materials.
• Research and track funding mechanisms, subsidy schemes, and innovation programs relevant to first-of-a-kind climate technologies.
• Support the development of input for public consultations on climate, energy, and industrial policy, helping represent the perspective of the carbon removal sector.
• Build practical experience in climate policy, stakeholder engagement, and public affairs within a fast-growing climate technology company.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

• Support outreach to and relationship-building with government bodies, sector associations, research institutions, NGOs, and potential project partners across the Netherlands and EU;
• Prepare meeting briefings, stakeholder overviews, and follow-up materials;
• Contribute to Skytree's presence at events, conferences, and industry forums where we represent our vision publicly;
• Help to identify and engage new contacts to grow Skytree's network across the CO2 ecosystem.

What we're looking for

• You are enrolled in or have recently completed a Bachelor's or Master's programme in Public Policy, Political Science, European Studies, Environmental Science, Law, or a related field in the intersection of policy and technology;
• You are a native Dutch speaker with excellent English language skills; proficiency in German is an advantage;
• Possess strong organizational awareness and have a proven track record of writing and engaging in debates within politically sensitive environments;
• You are a clear communicator, in writing and in person, and know how to tailor your message to different audiences;
• Organised, proactive, and comfortable working in a fast-moving environment where no two days look the same;
• Have a genuine interest in climate policy, energy transition, and the role of technology in reaching net zero;
• Curious, eager to learn, and energised by working on problems that actually matter.
• Already based in the Netherlands, within commuting distance to Amsterdam

What you can expect

Apart from working with great colleagues and a competitive package, you can also expect:

A unique start-up environment offering organic professional and personal growth at one of the most innovative cleantech companies in Amsterdam!

A diverse (35+ nationalities) and fun team to work with.

A monthly allowance of EUR 550 + lunch allowance and travel cost reimbursement.

A vibrant office close to the Science Park train station (5 minute walk!), as well as close to the highway.

Access to the Science Park and Amsterdam University cafeterias (and all the great and healthy meal options).

Fun activities, organised by our very own Champagne Committee (e.g. a cooking class or Canal Adventures at the heart of the city centre).

Stay fueled with tasty fruits and snacks - because work should be enjoyable too!

Questions?

Need some more info, or simply have a question for us? don't hesitate to reach out to our Talent Partner Alisa Volcker ( [e-mail] )