To be considered, all applicants must have an existing right to work in the United Kingdom and must be able to provide evidence of that right in their application.

The Commonwealth Foundation is an intergovernmental organisation established by Member States in support of the belief that the Commonwealth is as much an association of peoples as it is of governments. We are the Commonwealth agency for civil society; an organisation dedicated to strengthening people’s participation in all aspects of public dialogue, so they can act together and learn from each other to build democratic societies.

Our vision is of a Commonwealth of equal, just and inclusive societies. Our mission is to contribute to that vision by:

• Supporting the active and constructive participation of Commonwealth citizens in all aspects of their governance
• Nurturing the growth of vibrant and free civil societies in all Commonwealth countries
• Advancing the principles and ideals of the Commonwealth

We work in accordance with our values to advance the principles and ideals of the Commonwealth as enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter.

The role

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

We maintain a team of interns who are recruited together for a six-month period, which may be extended to a maximum of 12 months depending on performance and the needs of the Foundation. Our interns are fully integrated into the Foundation’s staff structure, and we pay close attention to their professional development.

The successful candidates will be allocated to one of the following areas of our work:

• Commonwealth Civil Society (home of our major grants work)
• Creative (within the Advocacy & Creative Programme, home of our cultural initiatives including adda and the Commonwealth Short Story Prize)
• Advocacy (within the Advocacy & Creative Programme, also home of outreach, advocacy and the Critical Conversations events series)
• Communications (working across the Foundation as part of the Knowledge, Learning & Communications team)

Responsibilities are tailored the needs of each team and the intern’s own areas of skill and interest. For more information on our programmes and our work, see our current Strategic Plan.

Although interns will be based in one of the above programmes, they will be given the opportunity to experience other areas of the Foundation’s work and will also collaborate with their fellow interns on specific projects.

The Commonwealth Foundation’s responsibility to Interns

We prioritise the professional development of our interns, encouraging participation in both internal and external learning opportunities and experience across programme areas to broaden knowledge and skills.

We include our interns in all our activities including strategic and work planning and staff events, and endeavour to ensure that everyone feels nurtured and valued.

Who is the Foundation look for

The Foundation strives to be a welcoming and inclusive place to work. We aim to ensure that the Graduate Internship programme is as accessible as possible to people from a range of socio-economic backgrounds.

You will have excellent research and administrative skills and ideally have a good knowledge of, or interest in, at least one area of our work: freedom of expression, climate justice or health justice. Experience using technology is important, and knowledge of Microsoft Office and online platforms is required.

We are looking for people who are curious and willing to learn and who will actively promote the values and principles of the Commonwealth and the Foundation.

You must possess and declare at the time of application the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the internship. The Foundation cannot assist in altering the visa status of any applicant.

What the Commonwealth Foundation offer

We offer interns a salary of £2,000 per month (equivalent to £24,000 per annum) for a six-month fixed term internship contract. Annual leave is calculated at 30 days per year (pro-rata) inclusive of public holidays and the Foundation’s own designated leave days.

We are currently operating a flexible working policy which requires all staff to work from our central London office at least five days per fortnight including every Wednesday. Applicants must be able to affirm their capacity and willingness to work within our policy.

Our aim is to help our interns to their next position. To that end, we provide guidance on future 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.

The Foundation’s commitment

The Foundation celebrates diversity, and we are proud of our diverse and welcoming team. All qualified applicants already eligible to work in the UK will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital status or pregnancy.

If you need us to make any special accommodation in the recruitment and selection process because of a protected characteristic, please let us know.

The process

Applications should be submitted online via the link below. The application requires you to download and complete the application form, setting out your experience and interests and what you can bring to the role as described here and in the role description available on the link below. Your completed application form will then need to be submitted via the online link below.

The application also requires you to provide evidence of your existing right to work in the UK.

Important note on closing date:

The nominated closing date for applications is Monday 22 April 2024, 1pm BST.

However, we will monitor the number of applications received, and reserve the right to close the application window early any time after Tuesday 2 April, 1pm BST. This is to keep application numbers manageable and to be able to give due consideration to all applications received. We therefore recommend submitting your application as early as possible and before Tuesday 2 April 1pm BST.

Interviews:

Week of 13 May 2024

Start date:

Monday 24 June 2024

Download role description
Download application form