Main purpose of job:

The British Embassy in Santo Domingo is seeking an enthusiastic and fast-learning intern to provide support to the Political and Communications team across the range of their work. This will include a wide range of work, from helping research and draft briefings on local and international political issues, supporting visits, supporting comms work, to providing support for events. This is a great opportunity for somebody early in their career to get experience working in an international environment and an insight into the work of an Embassy.

This role forms part of the Embassy’s Internship Programme and offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience of working in an international organisation. The intern will receive on-the-job guidance, access to relevant FCDO training and exposure to a wide range of corporate functions, helping them develop transferable organisational and professional skills in a supportive and inclusive environment. 

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, all of which enhances 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, 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.

Roles and responsibilities:

The Political intern will support across the whole range of work of the Political and Communications team, helping with a wide variety of tasks and projects, obtaining experience of the main political functions that we carry out in the Embassy.  

Duties are likely to include:

Political (70%)

• Drafting and research for political reporting
• Practical and logistical support for Embassy political team events and activities
• Supporting meetings and visits for senior staff, including through the elaboration of briefings
• Supporting the Director of Political Affairs in liaising with key contacts
• Drafting speeches, correspondence and translating documents
• Maintaining and updating the Embassy’s political contact database
• Support embassy’s political communications work as required

Projects (20%)

• Administrative support to projects run by the Embassy as needed, including arranging visits (normally by the Ambassador or Deputy Head of Mission)

Other (10%)

• Liaising with the Residence Manager on Embassy events – guest lists, contact details etc.
• Drafting the Daily News Report for embassy colleagues
• Supporting Director of Political Affairs as necessary
• Supporting Head of Communications as necessary
• Additional tasks as required

This is a varied role, with the opportunity to get experience in an unusually broad mix of areas of administrative support. An excellent suite of online training is available and the job-holder is expected to commit to personal learning and development as part of the role.

The Embassy’s working language is English.

Learning and development opportunities:

The British Embassy Santo Domingo is committed to Learning and Development, and a wide range of training will be available, including FCDO Mandatory Training as set out on HERA Learning at the time of hiring. 
 
The internship offers a structured and supportive Learning & Development (L&D) programme designed to help interns build practical workplace skills and gain a clear understanding of how a British Embassy operates. 
 
Key learning opportunities include: 
 
Structured induction and onboarding, including introductions to the work of the Embassy, and other teams, as well as briefings on ways of working, security, HR, welfare, and IT systems.  

• Access to Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)  learning programmes, including the Foundation Programme, which provides an overview of diplomacy, international development, global issues, security, economics, and how the UK works internationally. Learning time is built into the working week.
• Hands-on workplace learning through day-to-day involvement in Political, participation in Project and events.
• Monthly skills development sessions covering practical topics such as event management and logistics, project management basics, communications, diplomatic drafting, and finance essentials.
• Intern swap opportunity, allowing interns to spend a short period working in a different section of the Embassy to broaden their understanding and experience.

Language requirements: 

Language: Proficient in English and Spanish

Essential on arrival: 

• Fluent Spanish and English, spoken and written.
• Recently graduated from a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject, such as, Politics, Public Policy, Media or International Relations.
• Good understanding of the Dominican political landscape
• Interest in local and international politics, and in the UK
• Strong IT skills and confidence in Office Applications.
• Strong research skills
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills
• Ability to work as a team player in a fast-moving environment
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Good attention to detail
• Interest in programme management