September 30, 2025
The Open Rivers Programme (ORP) is seeking an intern to support an impact study on dam removal projects, mainly by in identifying and analysing the full impact of its supported projects and research the various impacts being achieved from dam removal projects carried out by others.
Main tasks
- Assist the ORP grants team in finalising a framework for recording impact
- Assist in reviewing completed ORP project progress reports
- Assist in surveying past grantees
- Assist in reviewing other dam removal projects
Please refer to the full description of tasks here.
Profile
The position would ideally suit an undergraduate or postgraduate with an interest in nature restoration or a related discipline. ORP is seeking an intern with the following skills, interests and behavioural qualities:
- An interest in nature restoration, ideally river restoration.
- An interest and experience in monitoring and recording the impact of nature conservation or restoration projects.
- High attention to detail.
- Excellent data management and numerical skills – proficient at using databases.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Fluency in written and spoken English.
- Be comfortable working from home in your own time and away from a physical team (there will beopportunities for regular video meetings, and a file-sharing system will enable easy communicationbetween team members).
Timing and remuneration
- This is a part-time internship running from November 2025 to June 2026.
- Remuneration is €200 / day for up to 60 days of work. This equates to approximately 1.5 – 2 days of work each week, although there is some flexibility in when the assignment is delivered.
How to apply
Please send a CV and a covering letter of no more than one page in length stating why you wish to apply for the position and why you believe you are suited.
About the Open Rivers programme
The European Open Rivers Programme (ORP) offers grants to restore rivers by supportinginterventions that lead to the removal of longitudinal (transverse) dams and the restoration of river flow andbiodiversity. The original and current intention is to only focus on longitudinal (transverse) barrier removal. The rationale is that there are an estimated 150,000 obsolete barriers to river flow in Europe, and ORP should first focus on removing these barriers as a proven means of restoring river longitudinal connectivity.
ORP is administered by Stichting European Open Rivers Programme, a charitable foundation incorporated in the Netherlands. Arcadia funds the programme with a budget of €42.5 million over eight years (2021-29). Grant applications are accepted from any of the 51 countries of Greater Europe via callsfor applications throughout the programme’s life.
ORP’s vision is for: ‘free-flowing rivers with healthy, diverse and connected ecosystems across Europe, which are enjoyed, valued, and protected by the communities that depend on them’. We work towards this vision by offering several categories of grants, with most funds allocated to preparing for and removing small dams from European rivers.
As at 26th August 2025, ORP had awarded 176 grants, amounting to €13.94 million, and supported 91 organisations in 32 European countries.
