Application Guide
How to Apply for Research Fellow - Strategic Foresight & Intelligence
at Clingendael Institute
🏢 About Clingendael Institute
The Clingendael Institute is a premier Dutch think tank and diplomatic academy that uniquely bridges research, training, and public debate to shape international policy. Its influence extends beyond academia to directly impact governments, businesses, and NGOs, offering a rare platform where strategic foresight translates into real-world security and sustainability initiatives. Working here means contributing to a globally recognized institution that operates at the intersection of analysis and actionable diplomacy.
About This Role
This Research Fellow role focuses on advancing the Foresight & Intelligence program through hands-on research, project leadership, and strategic exercises like scenario building and horizon scanning. You'll directly shape publications such as the Clingendael Geostrategic Perspective and manage key initiatives like the Analyst Network National Security (ANV), making tangible contributions to how organizations anticipate and respond to global security challenges. The remote setup allows for deep, focused analysis while collaborating with international stakeholders to organize events that drive forward-thinking dialogue.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve analyzing emerging security trends through qualitative research, drafting sections of a foresight publication like the Clingendael Geostrategic Perspective, and coordinating with team members on project timelines for the ANV. You could also participate in virtual scenario-building sessions with international partners or plan an upcoming seminar, blending deep analytical work with collaborative event logistics in a remote setting.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Clingendael Institute Is Looking For
- Has demonstrable experience in qualitative research and publishing in international relations or security studies, with a portfolio that includes analytical reports or policy briefs.
- Is proficient in strategic foresight methodologies, such as designing scenario-building workshops or conducting horizon scanning for emerging geopolitical risks.
- Can lead research projects from conception to completion, balancing independent analysis with team coordination, as evidenced by past project management roles.
- Has organized or co-organized professional events like seminars or conferences, ideally with an international participant base, showcasing logistical and diplomatic skills.
📝 Tips for Applying to Clingendael Institute
Tailor your resume to highlight specific qualitative research projects and publications, linking them to Clingendael's focus areas like European security or global sustainability.
Include concrete examples of your experience with strategic foresight exercises—describe a scenario-building workshop you facilitated or a horizon-scanning report you authored.
Mention any prior involvement in think tanks or policy-oriented research, emphasizing how your work aligns with Clingendael's mission to inspire actionable change.
Detail your event organization experience, specifying the scale (e.g., international conferences) and your role in planning, logistics, or stakeholder engagement.
If applicable, note any familiarity with Dutch or EU security frameworks, as this could resonate with Clingendael's base in The Hague and its focus on European affairs.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Explain how your research background aligns with Clingendael's Foresight & Intelligence program, citing specific publications or analyses that relate to their themes like geostrategy or national security.", "Describe your hands-on experience with strategic foresight tools (e.g., scenario building, serious gaming), providing a brief example of how you've applied these in past roles.", "Highlight your project leadership skills, referencing initiatives you've led or supported that mirror the Clingendael Geostrategic Perspective or ANV projects.", "Express your understanding of Clingendael's role as a bridge between research and policy, and how you'd contribute to their public debates and training missions."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review recent publications from the Foresight & Intelligence program, such as the Clingendael Geostrategic Perspective reports, to understand their research themes and tone.
- → Explore Clingendael's event archives and training programs to grasp how they engage with policymakers and international stakeholders.
- → Study the institute's history and its role in Dutch and European diplomacy, noting key initiatives like the Analyst Network National Security (ANV).
- → Look into the broader work of Clingendael's other programs (e.g., EU & Global Affairs) to see how the Foresight & Intelligence program fits into their ecosystem.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic application that doesn't reference Clingendael's specific programs or publications, showing a lack of tailored interest.
- Overemphasizing quantitative research experience without highlighting qualitative analysis skills, which are core to this role.
- Failing to provide concrete examples of strategic foresight work or event organization, leaving gaps in demonstrating required capabilities.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Clingendael Institute!