Internship in Science

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

The British Embassy in Berne is part of a worldwide network representing the UK’s political, economic and consular interests.

We are currently recruiting for a fixed-term (six-month duration) Intern to support the work on Science and Innovation agenda. You will join the Embassy’s dynamic Prosperity and Trade Diplomacy team, supporting the Science and Innovation Adviser with delivering the UK Government’s ambitious agenda for Science and Innovation.

We are offering you the opportunity to be part of a friendly and supportive working environment, working across the whole of the Embassy. This is an exciting and fast-moving role, and you will work on a wide array of issues shaping UK policy development and strengthening bilateral cooperation between Switzerland and the UK on science and innovation as well as progressing work on priority areas of Emerging Technologies, Climate and Life Sciences.

We are looking for a dynamic and proactive individual who has some experience in policy work and/ or academia, with evidence of analytical and communications skills. You will need to be able to work proactively and manage priorities effectively. Confidence, judgement, language skills and teamwork are essential.

**Responsibilities will include**:

- Science& Innovation policy: Supporting the Science & Innovation Adviser in delivering the S & I priorities for Switzerland. You will track, analyse and report on Switzerland’s science, innovation and education policy developments, and help take forward proactive projects to deepen our bilateral cooperation in these areas, including in the innovation domain.
- Bilateral collaboration across priority fields: Help showcase UK science expertise in priority topics (Climate, Emerging Tech and Life Sciences) by engaging relevant Swiss stakeholders and fostering connections/collaborations, linking up our respective centres of excellence. Support the planning and delivery of various SIN engagements/ events both between government players as well as wider S&I stakeholders.
- Communications: Working with the Science and Innovation Adviser and the Embassy Communications team to develop and deliver communication campaigns in support of our SIN objectives and engagement activities, including events.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience
- Excellent communication skills (oral and written);
- Full professional proficiency in English including excellent writing skills* (C1 Level). Level of Languages will be assessed during the interview;
- Degree-level qualification or vocational equivalent;
- Some knowledge of Swiss R&D and education system;
- Strong organisational skills including the ability to deliver high quality work to tight deadlines and to multi-task effectively;
- Experience of working collaboratively and engaging effectively with different levels within an organisation, including senior leaders;
- Proven IT competence with the full range of Microsoft Office software and other standard office technology.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience
- Professional experience of working in an office environment in a related field;
- Experience of organising events;
- Experience of communications work including social media updates;
- Familiarity with UK culture;
- German or French language skills desirable (B2 level).
- Required behaviours- Delivering at Pace, Communicating and Influencing, Working Together Application deadline Application deadline - day Application deadline - month Application deadline - year
- 4 July 2023

Grade
- Internship

Type of Position
- Fixed Term, Full-time

Working hours per week
- Full time 40 hour week.

Duration of Post
- 6 months

Region
- Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia

Country/Territory
- Switzerland

Location (City)
- Berne

Type of Post
- British Embassy

Number of vacancies
- 1

Salary Currency
- CHF

Salary
- 2190- CHF

Start Date Start Date - day Start Date - month Start Date - year
- 1 September 2023

Other benefits and conditions of employment

This is a full-time internship position of 40 hours per week inclusive of four compulsory 45-minute lunch breaks. Embassy opening hours are 0730 - 1830 hrs (Mon - Thu) and 0730 - 1330 hrs (Fri).

**Visa/work permit requirements**:All applicants should have permission to live and work in Switzerland. Applicants must hold a full passport valid for at least 18 months for any EU / Schengen country.

The British Embassy will offer the intern a monthly training allowance of CHF 2,190. AHV social charges will be deducted from the monthly allowance. Probationary period of one month, during which either party may bring the agreement to an end, in writing with seven days’ notice.

FCDO is committed to continual learning and development throughout the year both directly at the Embassy and virtually through the FCDO International Academy. There will be opportunities to attend training, lectures etc. on the job.

The final appointment an