Internship - Public Affairs
About the Role
As the public affairs function continues to grow within EMEA PMA, we are looking for a motivated and curious intern to join our team. With increasing demands across both regional and country-level initiatives, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our evolving public affairs strategy.As a Public Affairs Intern, you will support high-impact projects, help drive new initiatives and play a key role in strengthening our capacity to engage with stakeholders and shape policy conversations across the region.
Responsibilities- Assist with ongoing public affairs projects, such as the European Consensus Paper, internal trainings, landscape analyses in pilot countries, and patient surveys
- Conduct stakeholder mappings, support outreach efforts, and track engagement activities
- Help prepare for and contribute to cross-functional meetings
- Participate in brainstorming sessions to develop new public affairs initiatives and refine existing strategies
- Lead smaller projects independently
- Draft communications for internal articles, social media, and other channels to promote public affairs activities
- Support other day-to-day business needs
- Currently pursuing a master’s degree in European studies, international relations, public policy, public health, or a related field.
- Ability to understand and communicate well in English (verbal/written); knowledge of other European languages is a plus.
- Knowledgeable in European public policy and the structure and functions of the European Union; knowledge of health policy is a plus
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially PowerPoint
- Strong execution skills and ability to meet deadlines consistently
- Eagerness to learn and grow quickly
- Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams
The following documents are required for us to continue with your application:
- CV and cover-letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the internship.
- You must have a valid EU passport or a work permit that allows you to do an internship in the Netherlands. Candidates must already be residing in the Netherlands. Relocation is not possible for this position.
Please note that in order to be considered for an internship, you need to be registered as a student during the entire internship period. Formal documentation of which may be requested at any time.
If you have any questions about the specific details of this position, please contact Nadiya Deferne – Sr. Manager Public Affairs (EMEA) nadiya.deferne@santen.com- Start Date: September 2025
- Duration: 6 – 8 months
- Full Time: 5 days per week (40hrs) or Part time: 4 days per week (32hrs)
- Flexible hybrid work style.
- Ability to travel: Occasional travel around Europe.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Santen SA, the Netherlands Branch has an exclusive arrangement for recruitment services. External recruiting agencies are kindly requested not to contact us regarding the positions listed here.
If you require any kind of accommodation during our recruitment process, please let the recruiter from our team know.
As a global specialized company dedicated to ophthalmology, Santen carries out research, development, marketing, and sales of pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter products, and medical devices that benefit patients in over 60 countries. Santen’s long-term vision is to become a social innovator in ophthalmology and address social and economic issues related to eye health by strategically exploring advancing technologies and collaborating with key leaders around the world.Underpinned by its people-centric values, Santen aims to ultimately deliver happiness with vision – a life with the best vision experience for every individual around the world. With scientific knowledge and organizational capabilities nurtured over 130 years, Santen provides products and services to contribute to the well-being of patients, their loved ones and consequently to society.
Santen is in an exciting phase of growth with a market leading portfolio of products in glaucoma and dry eye treatment – areas in which our portfolio serves every stage and type of disease. We are also growing our range in eye infections, allergies, and devices for vision correction and glaucoma surgery.
This is an exciting time for us and we want exceptional people to be a part of it. More than just a part of it – we want your talent to drive our growth and grow with us. Because it’s our people that make our vision a reality; it’s their passion, creativity and expertise that makes a difference to patients’ lives, every day.
If you’re motivated by new opportunities, if you’re ready for new challenges, and if you believe in doing business responsibly and staying true to your values, you may be the perfect candidate for a role at Santen.
https://www.santen.eu/careers