Economic intern

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. Job Category 1 Other British Government Departments (Partners across Government, including UK Visas) Job Subcategory 1 UKMIS (UK Mission to the United Nations) Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities) 1

The UK Mission to the United Nations (UN) & World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva represents the interests and policies of the UK at the international organisations in Geneva. We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join us for an internship within the UK Mission’s Trade and Economic team. 

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to delivering key UK objectives under the UK’s Integrated Review of Security, Defence and Foreign Policy in areas such as economic cooperation, trade, standards and regulation, sustainable development and science and digital technologies, and to promote UK and global prosperity through the rules-based international system.

The role will offer insight into the work of the UK Mission, and to our work with counterparts across government, including in the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the Department for Business and International Trade (DBT) and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) along with many more. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to learn about and support the delivery of UK strategy in international organisations including the United Nations (UN), World Trade Organisation (WTO) and CERN.

The work can be both demanding and rewarding. We often work under time pressure in a fast-paced environment on multiple issues. This interesting internship provides the opportunity to demonstrate essential administrative and coordination skills, as well as the chance to support the development of UK policy and strategy in the international organisations.

The successful candidate will be part of the Trade and Economic team at the UK Mission in Geneva, working within the Digital, Tech and Intellectual Property sub-team. They will work closely with colleagues from across the Mission on cross-cutting issues and events to deliver wider UK diplomatic objectives. 

This internship offers hands on experience, with on-the job-training and performance evaluation.

Roles and responsibilities:

Supporting delivery of UK economic, foreign policy and sustainable development objectives at international organisations. These may include organisations focusing on economic cooperation and development (e.g., UN Economic Commission for Europe, World Trade Organisation and UN Conference on Trade and Development); digital and communications (e.g., International Telecommunication Union) and science and tech (e.g. CERN). Attending and reporting on meetings in the above organisations. Coordinating visit programmes - e.g., senior visitors from the UK government to Geneva. Conducting background research on new issues of interest. Writing briefings for meetings between senior members of the UK Mission and representatives of international organisations and other stakeholders. Providing administrative and cross-cutting policy support to the Economic Team at the UK Mission as required.

The UK Mission in Geneva prioritises dignity and respect at work. We value respect, inclusiveness, empowerment, teamwork and kindness.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience 1 C1 Fluency in English with excellent writing and communication skills. Ability to plan and execute work in an independent and proactive manner within agreed objectives and guidance. Highly motivated and adaptable, with the ability to deliver in fast-paced environments. Excellent written and oral communications skills, with the ability to tailor communications to different audiences and to distil complex topics in an accessible way. A good team player, with the ability to build strong relationships with a diverse range of people in a professional context. Strong interest in international diplomacy and the multilateral system. Willingness to undergo a mandatory security check. Desirable qualifications, skills and experience 1 Background/experience in science and technology, sustainable development, trade/economic policy or international relations. Prior experience of working internationally, engaging with multilateral institutions and/or in a diplomatic setting. Required behaviours 1 Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Developing Self and Others, Working Together Application deadline 1 19 May 2024 Grade 1 Internship Type of Position 1 Full-time, Fixed Term Working hours per week 1 40h/ week Duration of Post 1 11 months Region 1 Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia Country/Territory 1 Switzerland Location (City) 1 UK Mission to the Office of the United Nations, Geneva Type of Post 1 UK Delegation Number of vacancies 1 1 Salary Currency 1 CHF Salary 1 The internship allowance is CHF 1,450 Start Date 1 1 July 2024 Other benefits and conditions of employment 1

The UK Mission will offer the intern a monthly training allowance of 1,450 CHF. Please note that interns will need to arrange and pay for their own travel and accommodation, as well as any other living costs and are subject to Swiss taxes. This internship will be for a period of 11 months, with a 3-month probation period.

Where applicable, we encourage successful applicants (if from Europe or the UK) to obtain an Insurance Card (EHIC or GHIC) prior to entering Switzerland. 

The Mission offers a contribution to the payment of travel insurance for the duration of internship, in place of Private Swiss Health Insurance that includes health & accident cover for all interns.

The final appointment and commencement of internship will be dependent upon successful security clearance.

All applicants should have permission to live and work in Switzerland.

United Kingdom, European Union and EFTA nationals do not require visa sponsorship along with Nationals of: Brunei Darussalam, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Principality of Andorra, Principality of Monaco, San Marino, Singapore and Vatican.

The UK Mission Geneva attaches great importance to the learning and development of its staff, with both formal and informal training and development opportunities available for all employees, in line with a personalised development plan. This learning and development offer is facilitated by the Mission’s L&D Committee, and supported by the L&D Champion.

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