Policy Interns, CHEB26-009126

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.

Who are we? 

The British Embassy in Berne is part of a world-wide network representing British political, economic and consular interests. 

Main purpose of job:

We are recruiting two Policy Interns for the following teams:

• Illicit Finance and Prosperity Team
• Domestic and Foreign Team

It comes at a promising time for UK-Swiss and UK-Liechtenstein relations on the back of enhanced co-operation since the UK’s departure from the EU. 

We are offering you the opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated candidate to gain political engagement, reporting, project management and administrative skills in a busy and high-performing diplomatic mission. You will be part of a friendly working environment, where you can take responsibility for your own projects while learning about the world of diplomacy.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Political Research, Reporting and Briefings:

• Contribute political analysis by researching, briefing, engaging, lobbying and reporting on a broad range of domestic, foreign and security policy issues in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
• Carrying out in-depth analysis of relevant developments in policies to combat corruption and money laundering, economic policy and trade, in particular in the context of Switzerland. 

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Help identify priorities for engagement with key stakeholders, and develop a network of contacts in and beyond government, in order to promote and strengthen the bilateral relations between UK and Switzerland and Liechtenstein and with the purpose of helping to identify and advise on opportunities to advance UK policy and soft power objectives.

Visits and Events:

• Supporting the delivery of Embassy events, programmes and campaigns including senior level visits, regional visits and other events.

Administrative Support:

• Diary support, assisting with travel arrangements, budgeting, meeting arrangements, reporting and monitoring, and liaising with contacts.

Wider Embassy Support:

• Contribute to cross-HMG and cross-Embassy activities, working collaboratively with relevant teams across the Embassy to achieve shared objectives. 

Our Ideal Candidate: 

• Proficiency in English and German (written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR*)
• University degree, preferably in a related field
• Excellent attention to detail, and organisational skills
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written)
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to build strong working relationships across an organisation.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines and multi-task effectively

Nice to have: 

• Proficiency in French (written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR*)
• Experience in or with the Swiss or Liechtenstein governments and/or civil society organisations and/or basic knowledge of the Swiss political context
• Knowledge of Swiss domestic policy or of the financial sector
• Experience of working in public policy and/or international relations
• Familiarity with UK culture
• Office experience 

Required behaviors:

Communicating and Influencing, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together