The British Consulate General in Recife is currently seeking 2 interns to join their team. There are 2 vacancies open for application: an internship vacancy at the Department of Business and Trade (DBT) and an internship vacancy at the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office – FCDO:

DBT Internship:
The UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has overall responsibility for promoting UK trade across the world and attracting foreign investment. We are a specialised government body with responsibility for negotiating international trade policy, supporting business, as well as delivering an outward-looking trade diplomacy strategy.

The vacancy is for one intern who will provide commercial and administrative support to the Northeast Team, based in the British Consulate-General Recife.

The activities are largely focused on supporting the team on the management of the relationship with UK and Brazilian stakeholders and support in the delivery of several initiatives focused on market access and the development of a pipeline of commercial opportunities for UK companies in Brazil. 

You will have the opportunity to participate on commercial meetings, internal and external events in order to develop your professional skills and experience to enhance your future career prospects.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Provide support to the organisation of meetings with Brazilian and UK companies, both virtually and in person;
• Respond to enquiries from Brazilian and UK companies;
• Keep and update records of interactions with relevant stakeholders, under the guidance of the line manager;
• Keep Data Hub (strategic system for tracking and managing relationships with the UK and international businesses) and databases regularly updated;
• Provide support to the organisation of events such as trade missions, webinars, seminars and official visits including agenda and logistic arrangements;
• Attend trade fairs and official events when necessary;
• Assist in the preparation of market research reports, briefings and visiting programmes;
• Scope business opportunities through research, commercial meetings and cold calls;
• Assistance in the production of market analysis, lists of contacts, sector reports, and translations;
• Support the production of content for events and communication materials about the UK offer in the priority sectors;
• Provide administrative support to the Northeast team in Brazil;
• Support estates activities;
• Cover media activities when necessary.

FCDO internship:
The work of the intern to the British Consulate in Recife will focus on five areas: consulate administration, delivering events, political analysis, renewable energy trade support and managing the consul’s diary. In order to perform these roles, the intern will have the support of the Consulate Director, as well as from His Majesty’s Government colleagues from other posts in Brazil.

The intern will work directly with the Consulate Director on the majority of issues covered by the consulate. The candidate will also have space to be independent and work on their own projects or with colleagues outside of the consulate in Recife.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Produce political analysis in the build-up to the elections, which will go toward producing political reports to be read by Brasilia and London. Therefore, it is extremely beneficial for the intern to have a strong interest in Brazilian politics.
• Provide support to the organisation of meetings with Brazilian and UK companies, both virtually and in person;
• Provide support to the organisation of events such as trade missions, webinars, seminars and official visits including agenda and logistic arrangements as well as support the production of content for these events and communication materials about the UK offer in the priority sectors;
• Assist in the preparation of market research reports, briefings and visiting programmes;
• Make sure that the consulate office space is well maintained, including liaising with suppliers and coordinating with the Corporate Service and Financial Teams in the embassy.
• Organise the Consulate Director’s agenda to ensure that travel and meetings are booked efficiently.
• Support the Consulate Director in improving the accessibility of UK companies in the northeast of Brazil, especially focused on Renewable Energy, Water & Sanitation and Education Sectors.
• Support the Communication team, especially with media coverage, ensuring that all the Recife activities are being well spread in the network and externally.
• Make sure that the Consulate’s firecrests, smartphones, tablets and other equipment are updated.

Both positions will suit an energetic, motivated self-starter with an interest in the sectors. The ideal candidates must have the ability to work under pressure both independently and as part of a cohesive team. We also expect strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

Essential on arrival:

• Undergraduate student in International Relations, Business, Marketing, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Political Science or related areas, with a particular interest in international trade and clean growth.
• Strong research, organisation skills and attention to detail;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, flexible, dynamic and pro-active;
• Team-working skills, opened to learn and receive feedback;
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, Outlook and Teams.

Language requirements: 

Language:  Portuguese and English 
Level of language required: Excellent command of written and spoken English and Portuguese