apply: Commonwealth Foundation Graduate Internship Programme
deadline: 1pm on Tuesday 2 may
Graduate Internship Programme
The Commonwealth Foundation is recruiting for its Graduate Internship Programme. We are seeking four Interns for six-month placements across different areas of our organisation.
To be considered, all applicants must have an existing right to work in the United Kingdom and must be able to provide evidence of that right in their application.
Who we are
The Commonwealth Foundation is an intergovernmental organisation established by Member States in support of the belief that the Commonwealth is as much an association of peoples as it is of governments. We are the Commonwealth agency for civil society; an organisation dedicated to strengthening people’s participation in all aspects of public dialogue, so they can act together and learn from each other to build democratic societies.
Our vision is of a Commonwealth of equal, just and inclusive societies. Our missionis to contribute to that vision by:
Supporting the active and constructive participation of Commonwealth citizens in all aspects of their governance
Nurturing the growth of vibrant and free civil societies in all Commonwealth countries
Advancing the principles and ideals of the Commonwealth
We work in accordance with our values to advance the principles and ideals of the Commonwealth as enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter.
The role
Our Graduate Internship Programme provides opportunities for recent graduates to participate in all aspects of the Commonwealth Foundation and gain experience, strengthen their knowledge and develop their skills.
We maintain a team of interns who are recruited together for a six-month period. Our interns are fully integrated into the Foundation’s staff structure, and we pay close attention to their professional development.
The successful candidates will be allocated to one of the following areas of our work:
Commonwealth Civil Society (home of our major grants work)
Creative Commonwealth (home of our cultural initiatives)
People of the Commonwealth (home of our outreach, advocacy and the Critical Conversations events series)
Communications (Working across the Foundation as part of the Knowledge, Learning & Communications team)
Responsibilities are tailored the needs of each team and the intern’s own areas of skill and interest. For more information on our programmes and our work, see our current Strategic Plan.
Although interns will be based in one of the above programmes, they will be given the opportunity to experience other areas of the Foundation’s work and will also collaborate with their fellow interns on specific projects.
Our responsibility to Interns
We prioritise the professional development of our interns, encouraging participation in both internal and external learning opportunities and rotation between programme areas to broaden knowledge and skills.
We include our interns in all our activities including staff retreats, and endeavour to ensure that everyone feels nurtured and valued.
Who we are looking for
The Foundation strives to be a welcoming and inclusive place to work. We are proud of our track record of attracting a wide range of young people to our Graduate Internship Programme–a reflection of our strong commitment to celebrating and promoting diversity.
You will have excellent research and administrative skills and ideally have a good knowledge of, or interest in, at least one area of our work: freedom of expression, climate or health. Experience using technology is important, and knowledge of Microsoft Office and online platforms is required.
We are looking for people who are curious and willing to learn and who will actively promote the values and principles of the Commonwealth and the Foundation.
You must possess and declare at the time of application the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the internship. The Foundation cannot assist in altering the visa status of any applicant.
What we offer
We offer interns a salary of £1,812 per month (equivalent to £21,750 per annum) for a six-month fixed term internship contract. Interns will receive 15 days paid annual leave inclusive of public holidays and the Foundation’s own designated leave days (equivalent to 30 days per annum).
We are currently operating a flexible working policy which requires all staff to work from our central London office at least five days per fortnight including every Wednesday. Applicants must be able to affirm their capacity and willingness to work within our policy.
Our aim is to help our interns to their next position. To that end, we provide guidance on possible opportunities as well as assistance with refining CVs and undertaking interviews. There is no expectation of a role with the Foundation at the end of the internship.
Our commitment
The Foundation celebrates diversity, and we are proud of our diverse and welcoming team. All qualified applicants already eligible to work in the UK will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital status or pregnancy.
If you need us to make any special accommodation in the recruitment and selection process because of a protected characteristic, please let us know.
The process
Applications should be submitted online via the link below. The application requires you to provide a comprehensive CV as well as a motivation letter that sets out your experience and interests and what you can bring to the role as described here and in the Description below.
The application also requires you to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK.
Closing date:
Tuesday 2 May 2023, 1pm GMT
Interviews:
Week of 15 May 2023
Start date:
Tuesday 27 June 2023