Intern, Grants Programme

About the Commonwealth Foundation

The Commonwealth Foundation is an intergovernmental organisation established by Heads of Government in support of the belief that the Commonwealth is as much an association of peoples as it is of governments.  It is the Commonwealth agency for civil society; a unique, stand-alone organisation established by, funded by, and reporting to governments.

About our Grants Programme

With more than 2.3 billion citizens, the Commonwealth provides a potentially huge pool of ideas for advancing societies.

The Foundation offers grants of up to £200,000 over four years in support of innovative project ideas and approaches that seek to strengthen the ability of civic voices to engage with governments and that have the potential to improve governance and development outcomes through their active participation.

The role

This is an opportunity to join our small, London-based team, with a truly global remit. As part of the Grants team, you will perform a variety of tasks including assisting with the grants programme management, research, database management, and general administrative support to the grants team as required.

You will also be part of the wider internship programme, which includes internship projects that work across the whole Foundation.

The person

The successful intern will have a degree in a related field to the Foundation’s work. You will have experience of working in the area of grant-making and/or international development and be able to demonstrate excellent writing and communication skills. You will be committed to the work of the Foundation including the mission and values. You will be a self-starter who is able to prioritise your own workload and multitask as required. You will have excellent IT skills including database management along with a can-do attitude.

Allowance and Duration: 

• Five days per week, 9.30am to 5.30pm. Flexibility around these timings can be discussed if, for example, the intern is undertaking part-time studying or similar commitments. A minimum of a total of 4 days is required
• Six months’ duration with the possibility of extension to a maximum of one year
• £55 per day
• Travel allowance (commuting to and from the office) to a maximum of £20 per day is available
• 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 is included fully in any external training opportunities (including conference attendance) and appropriate internal learning and development programmes
• Assistance is given where possible to aid the Intern in securing a permanent role in another organisation at the end of their internship. If there was a suitable vacancy at the Foundation, the intern can apply, however, there is no guarantee of any role at the end of the internship.

The role will be based in our London office at St James. At the time of starting, if COVID-19 social distancing restrictions are still in place, it is envisaged the role will initially commence remotely.

This application requires that you submit proof of your right to live in the United Kingdom. If you are not in possession of the correct passport or visa, please do not apply. 

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