Graduate Internship programme

We are currently recruiting for three Commonwealth Foundation interns. Successful candidates will be allocated to one of the following areas of our work: Commonwealth Civil Society, Creative Commonwealth, or Communications (part of Knowledge, Learning and Communications).

The organisation

The Commonwealth Foundation was established by Heads of Government in 1965, reflecting the commitment of Member States to ensuring that the Commonwealth family would be as much an association of peoples as of governments. As one of the three intergovernmental pillars of the Commonwealth, the Foundation operates within that critical space between government and civil society. Our future focus is to:

• Support the active and constructive participation of Commonwealth citizens in all aspects of their governance
• Nurture the growth of vibrant and free civil societies in all Commonwealth countries
• Advance the principles and ideals of the Commonwealth.

Information on the Foundation’s current Strategic Plan, which details what we are doing, how and why, can be accessed here.

The Foundation’s work is delivered through three core programmes: Commonwealth Civil Society, Creative Commonwealth and People of the Commonwealth. Each programme works closely with a fourth, Knowledge, Learning and Communications. The Foundation’s leadership is overseen by a Directorate. Full details of the Foundation and our work can be found here.

Interning at the Commonwealth Foundation

Our Graduate Internship programme provides opportunities for recent graduates to participate in all aspects of the Commonwealth Foundation; to gain experience and to develop and strengthen their knowledge and skills.

The Commonwealth Foundation maintains a team of 3-4 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.

We are currently recruiting for three Commonwealth Foundation interns. This is a general call, and the successful candidates will be allocated to one of the following areas of our work: Commonwealth Civil Society, Creative Commonwealth, or Communications (part of Knowledge, Learning and Communications).

Although interns will be based in one of the above teams, they will be deployed to other programmes as needed and work with their fellow interns on specific projects.

In relation to their home programme, responsibilities are tailored to the programme needs and the intern’s own areas of skill and interest. Tasks might include support to specific project work; research and preparation of research reports and briefing papers; drafting of correspondence; maintenance of our internal information systems; engagement with social media; participation in reporting and our M&E work; contributing to our outreach including our online events; and provision of general logistical and administrative support.

All Commonwealth Foundation interns will be required to actively promote the values and principles of the Commonwealth and the Foundation.

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.
• Before moving on from the Foundation, we support interns with CV development, interview technique and opportunities for networking.
• We are committed to celebrating and promoting diversity; actively working to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment.
• We aim to ensure that the Graduate Internship programme is as accessible as possible to people from a range of socio-economic backgrounds.

Other details

• Interns are paid a daily allowance based on the London Living Wage.
• Internships are for a six-month duration.
• The Foundation is currently operating a flexible working policy which involves some days at our London Office and other days where staff can choose to work from home or at the office. That policy is subject to Government guidelines. Applicants must be able to affirm their capacity and willingness to work to our policy.
• Our interns are given opportunities for both internal and external training and professional development.
• Our aim 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.
• As an internship, this does not constitute employment with the Foundation. There are no payments for bank holiday, privilege days or sickness. There is a limited holiday allowance.
• The intern must have the right to reside in the UK for the full duration of the internship. The Foundation cannot assist in altering the visa status of any applicant.  The intern will be required to work in the London office as required.

Closing date:

Monday 21 March 2022 1pm

Interviews:

Week of 4 April 2022

Proposed start date:

April 2022