Finn van der Straaten
Amsterdam
Summary
Interdisciplinary researcher with expertise in climate governance, socio-environmental systems, and climate-security policy. Skilled in R, GIS, and transdisciplinary methods, with international fieldwork and policy experience supporting impact-based forecasting, adaptation, and equitable climate resilience for vulnerable communities.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Assistant
Clingendael Institute
09.2025 - Current
- Research assistance with a specific focus on policies to reduce negative security impact of climate change in areas where this issue is most pressing (Middle-East, Sahel, Horn of Africa, and South Asia);
- Research assistance with a specific focus on decarbonized defense and green technologies for the military;
- Writing and editing content for the website www.planetarysecurityinitiative.org;
- Assistance in organizing (international) events;
- Assistance in organizing outreach on publications and events;
- Developing content for social media (Twitter, LinkedIn);
- Monitoring media, social media, events and publications on the climate-security nexus.
- Conducted literature reviews to support ongoing research projects and identify relevant studies.
- Assisted in data collection and analysis using statistical software to ensure accuracy of results.
- Reference: hlentschig@clingendael.org
Panelstudent Member of the accreditation panel for Life Sciences
WUR Wageningen University
05.2024 - 05.2024
- Served as a student panel member for the accreditation of Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Wageningen University, where I critically analysed programme structures, assessment methods, and academic development. This experience strengthened my ability to evaluate Bachelor's and Master's programmes with an open and reflective perspective within the broader educational context.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
Student Member of the programme committee Future Planet Studies (Bsc)
University of Amsterdam
09.2021 - 08.2024
- I have been a member of the programme committee as a student for the bachelor Future Planet Studies. I have been analysing the evaluation forms filled in by students with other members, discussing the assessment of the bachelor and the development, and giving feedback to the professors of the bachelor. I have also contributed to writing the student chapter that was positively accepted by the NVAO in the accreditation of the bachelor and helped in the accreditation process of the bachelor. Being a communication between the bachelors' staff and its students has enriched my experience in evaluating education.
- Conducted research and analysis to support academic projects and presentations.
- Collaborated with peers to enhance group study sessions and improve learning outcomes.
Account Relationship and Contracts manager
Samen OM Energy Cooperation
09.2024 - 11.2024
- Supported the business client team at the Netherlands’ only national non-profit energy supplier. Focused on contract management, including drafting and reviewing business energy contracts and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Handled client communications, ensured contractual accuracy, and provided insights on energy usage optimization. Gained practical knowledge of sustainable energy markets, client onboarding, and internal compliance procedures.
- Negotiated contract terms to optimize project outcomes and ensure compliance with regulations.
- Managed vendor relationships, fostering collaboration and enhancing service delivery efficiency.
Internship Sunripe demo farm
Holland Greentech
07.2016 - 07.2016
- Supported the design and implementation of sustainable water management and irrigation systems. Assisted in monitoring water usage, evaluating irrigation efficiency, and optimizing scheduling based on crop needs and environmental conditions. Contributed to data collection and analysis to inform decisions on resource allocation, with a focus on minimizing water waste and improving productivity through climate-smart practices.
Education
Master - International Development Studies
University of Amsterdam
09.2025
Bachelor - Future Planet Studies
University of Amsterdam
08.2024
Erasmus Exchange - undefined
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
01.2024
Participation to the Blue deal conference -
Waternet
07.2023
IB Diploma Programme - English A Language and Literature Higher Level (5/7)
Rijnlands Lyceum
07.2020
Bilingual Education Secondary School - Netherlands (VWO)
Rijnlands Lyceum
07.2020
High and Middle School IB IGCSE - undefined
Green Hills Academy
12.2017
Skills
- Climate & Environmental Research: Expertise in climate governance, climate-security nexus, and socio-environmental research through MSc and BSc theses (Sri Lanka, Netherlands) and Clingendael policy projects
- Quantitative & Systems Thinking: Strong foundation in environmental systems analysis, climate-smart agriculture, and energy transitions (field research in Rwanda; sustainable energy contracts at Samen Om)
- Data Analysis & Modelling: Proficient in R and GIS for socio-environmental analysis; trained in statistical methods, geospatial processing, and sustainability assessment
- Programming & Technical Tools: Skilled in R, GIS, and Microsoft Office Suite; developing expertise in Python for data processing and modelling
- Policy & Governance Analysis: Experience in climate-security policies (Clingendael Institute), EU governance (Brussels Erasmus exchange), and carbon credit markets (CLIFF project)
- Transdisciplinary & Cross-Cultural Research: Fieldwork in Sri Lanka’s marine resource sector and agricultural systems in Rwanda; collaborative research on global North-South energy transitions
- Stakeholder Engagement & Communication: Organized international outreach events and produced publications/web content at Clingendael; facilitated dialogue between students and faculty in programme committees; contributed to Wageningen accreditation panels and Waternet’s Blue Deal workshops
- Scientific Writing & Communication: Produced theses (cum laude distinction) and research reports; writing/editing for the Planetary Security Initiative; contributed to accreditation reports
- Collaborative & Independent Work: Proven ability to work in interdisciplinary, multicultural teams across universities, NGOs, and international projects (CLIFF, Clingendael, Samen Om)
- Adaptability & Cultural Sensitivity: Early multicultural education in Rwanda; experienced in adapting to diverse socio-political and environmental contexts
Websites
- https://www.clingendael.org/topic/critical-resources
- https://cliffproject.eu/
- https://www.uva.nl/shared-content/programmas/en/masters/international-development-studies/international-development-studies.html
- https://www.planetarysecurityinitiative.org/
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/finn-van-der-straaten-3a20392a6/
LANGUAGE SKILLS
MOTHERTONGUE(S): Dutch
Other language(s)
English
Listening C2
Spoken production C2
Reading C2
Spoken interaction C2
Writing C2
French
Listening B1
Spoken production B1
Reading B1
Spoken interaction B1
Writing A2
Levels: A1 and A2: Basic user; B1 and B2: Independent user; C1 and C2: Proficient user
Timeline
Research Assistant
Clingendael Institute
09.2025 - Current
Account Relationship and Contracts manager
Samen OM Energy Cooperation
09.2024 - 11.2024
Panelstudent Member of the accreditation panel for Life Sciences
WUR Wageningen University
05.2024 - 05.2024
Student Member of the programme committee Future Planet Studies (Bsc)
University of Amsterdam
09.2021 - 08.2024
Internship Sunripe demo farm
Holland Greentech
07.2016 - 07.2016
Erasmus Exchange - undefined
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
IB Diploma Programme - English A Language and Literature Higher Level (5/7)
Rijnlands Lyceum
Bilingual Education Secondary School - Netherlands (VWO)
Rijnlands Lyceum
High and Middle School IB IGCSE - undefined
Green Hills Academy
Master - International Development Studies
University of Amsterdam
Bachelor - Future Planet Studies
University of Amsterdam
Participation to the Blue deal conference -
Waternet