Green Team Intern ELIA & ECHO

The opportunity

Are you knowledgeable about climate action and climate mitigation? Passionate about the arts and about helping cultural organisations transform into their most eco-responsible selves? Excited to experience working in a fast-paced international environment? If the answer is yes, this internship might be your next opportunity. 

Organisations Profile

ELIA is Europe's leading multi-disciplinary network in higher education and research. Powered by almost 300 members, we are a globally connected knowledge community for peer-learning, international collaboration and advocacy. ELIA’s work includes the organisation of international events, the facilitation of cross-institutional working groups, participation in research and innovation projects, and the publication of influential policy papers. Based in Amsterdam’s creative hub, A-Lab, ELIA is a member association funded through the Creative Europe programme. Our work culture is open and participative, with a focus on key outcomes and continuous learning and development.

The European Concert Hall Organisation (ECHO) unites 23 premier venues across 14 European countries, specializing in delivering exceptional live music experiences, and cherishing the classical repertoire. ECHO halls believe in the transformative power of music to enhance the lives of the communities they serve. Together we learn from each other, we develop projects, and we advocate for a fair, sustainable, inclusive, and diverse musical sector. As leaders of our sector, we support exceptional young musicians and composers, and provide invaluable opportunities for professional development.

Internship Profile

ELIA and ECHO are hiring an intern to support their organisations’ respective Green Teams. Both networks are eco-certified since December 2023. The Green Team intern will support ELIA and ECHO in maintaining their certification as well as accompanying the 2026 external audit.  

Given the significant overlap between the envisioned tasks, the intern will support both networks contemporaneously. The internship will be mostly remote and based at the ELIA office in Amsterdam, with some occasional travel to Brussels, to work from the ECHO office.

As Green Team intern, you will contribute to maintaining environmental and eco-responsible policies and action plans. Following the SHIFT Eco-Guidelines for Networks, you will research on and implement a variety of eco-actions, some independently, some in collaboration with team members. A key part of this will be carbon footprint monitoring, mostly in relation to travel. You will be working with two influential networks in the cultural sector that are highly motivated in greening their practices and promoting climate mitigation among their peers and members.

You will also have the opportunity to fully experience the auditing process and connect to an international community of colleagues from different networks who are peer-learning and exchanging knowledge on how to green their organisations while learning from experts in the fields of eco-sustainability.

Tasks and Responsibilities 

• Play a key role in preparing and supporting ELIA and ECHO for 2026 certification
• Contribute, also with research, to review/create eco-policies and action plans for ELIA and ECHO, in collaboration with their green teams;
• Implement a variety of eco-actions, following the SHIFT Eco-Guidelines for Networks. These include:

1. Measures to green the office space;
2. Carbon footprint monitoring (in particular, for travel); 
3. Measures contributing to the eco-responsibility of the two organisations’ international events;
4. Communicating with the networks’ members about eco-actions.
5. Report on the implementation status of various eco-actions;
6. Participate in general team meetings and Green Team meetings; 
7. Participate in the eco-certification training and exchange sessions with colleague networks, led by experts in the field;
8. Partake in the preparation of the two organisations’ events as required. This might involve travel and extended working days;
9. Provide practical support to the ELIA Working Group Arts&Ecology and projects related to eco-responsibility topics.
10. According to the profile and interests of the chosen candidate, ECHO will consider discussing and offering tasks for other projects of the network.

Profile  

• You have a relevant educational background (University or University of Applied Sciences), in sustainability (e.g., circular economy, global business and sustainability), international tourism and leisure management, cultural management, or liberal arts and sciences (e.g., university college, major in sustainability);
• A valid work permit for the Netherlands (according to Dutch Labour Law) already in place, which pertains to the time they will be working with ELIA.
• You have a strong interest in the cultural sector, higher arts education, and performing arts/music.
• You are currently in the final stages of your Bachelor's, enrolled in a Master's programme, or recently graduated (no longer than 2 years ago); 
• You are fluent in English; additional language skills are an asset (especially Dutch and French);
• You excel at crafting clear and engaging texts in various formats, including articles and social media posts.
• You are passionate about the environment and care about achieving long-term progress in climate change mitigation and raising awareness;
• You are a proactive team player and are keen to learn and grow together with the ELIA and ECHO (green) teams;
• You are well-organised and able to implement tasks independently; some previous experience in project management and/or implementation of sustainability actions is an asset;
• You are comfortable with digital tools and a partly remote working environment; you can use Microsoft Office/Office 365 (including Excel) and willing to learn other digital tools when relevant (e.g., Basecamp for project management and zoom for video conferencing);
• You are a resident in The Netherlands. 

What ELIA and ECHO offer  

• A great international opportunity in the cultural sector filled with challenges and responsibility; 
• Gaining hands-on experience with eco-certification in small international organisations with a big reach;
• The opportunity to connect and cooperate with expert organisations in the sustainability field;
• Working as a part of small teams with engaging colleagues in Amsterdam and Brussels;
• Creative and inspiring workplaces in Amsterdam (A-Lab)
• Possible travel to and work from Brussels;
• Opportunities for some remote working; 
• A vast international network in the world of arts, culture, and education; 
• A worthy upgrade of your resume; 
• Monthly internship compensation.
• Travel compensation to and from the ELIA office (on in-office days); working from home compensation and mobile phone compensation. 

Practical Details

• Position: Green Team Intern ELIA & ECHO
• FTE: 0.8 FTE, 32 H/week
• Compensation: €400 monthly
• Location: Amsterdam (office + remote)
• Start Date: 17 August or 1 September 2026
• Duration: 6 months
• Application deadline: 25 May 2026
• Interview dates: 28-29 May 2026

Any questions can be addressed to Joana Alves, HR and Operations Manager, at [email protected].

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ELIA strives to be an equal opportunities employer and to see that the make-up of its staff is diverse and representative of society. ELIA welcomes applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Candidates must have a valid work permit for the Netherlands (according to Dutch Labour Law) already in place, which pertains to the time they will be working with ELIA.

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