View Vacancy - Policy Internship (IRL26-008783)

View Vacancy - Policy Internship (IRL26-008783)

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing 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 identity, 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. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require.

Job Category

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)

Job Subcategory

Policy

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

Kick-start your career in diplomacy and policy! Are you looking for a role where your work genuinely matters? Do you want to be at the heart of UK-Ireland relations, working on real political and policy issues from day one?

Join the British Embassy in Dublin as a Policy Intern and gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced, high-impact environment.

Who are we?

The British Embassy in Dublin is part of a world-wide network, representing UK political, economic and consular interests overseas. We work closely with government, business, media and civil society to support UK priorities, strengthen bilateral partnerships, and shape the relationship between the UK and Ireland.

We are currently recruiting two Policy Interns to join our Political Team, offering a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience at the heart of UK-Ireland relations.

Main purpose of the role

As a Policy Intern, you will support the Embassy's Political Team in delivering UK objectives in Ireland. You will gain first-hand exposure to diplomacy, international relations and policymaking, contributing to meaningful work that informs decision-making in both Dublin and London.

This role is an excellent opportunity for someone at an early stage of their career who is curious, proactive and motivated to engage with complex political and policy issues in a dynamic, international environment.

We are recruiting two interns for two consecutive six-month placements, and candidates will be able to indicate their preferred period during the application process (e.g. autumn-spring or spring-summer).

What you will do?

You will work across a broad range of policy areas and activities, including:

Policy & Analysis

• Research and analyse political, economic and policy developments in Ireland.
• Produce reporting to inform UK Government understanding and decision-making.
• Contribute to work on UK-Ireland relations, EU developments and foreign policy priorities.

Engagement & Events

• Build relationships with stakeholders across government, business and academia.
• Support organisation of high-level visits, meetings and events.
• Assist with stakeholder engagement to advance UK priorities.

Communications & Media

• Help create engaging content for Embassy social media channels.
• Support media activity, public diplomacy campaigns and events.
• Contribute ideas to strengthen communications initiatives.

Wider Team Support

• Assist with coordination, logistics and administrative tasks.
• Contribute to a dynamic team environment and support a range of ad hoc activities.

What will you love about this role

• Real impact from day one - your work directly contributes to understanding and shaping UK policy.
• Exposure to senior stakeholders - work closely with decision-makers and policy professionals.
• Variety - no two days are the same; from political reporting to events and media.
• Learning and development - gain practical experience in diplomacy, policy and government.
• Strong team environment - collaborative, supportive and fast-paced.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

Our ideal candidate shows:

• Fluency in both oral and written English (minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*);
• A relevant higher education degree (e.g. Public Policy, Politics, International Relations, Diplomacy), either recently completed or nearing completion;
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with experience of coordinating/supporting events;
• A good understanding of current affairs, with a genuine interest in foreign policy;
• In-depth knowledge of Irish politics and society;
• A collaborative mindset, with the ability to work flexibly, deliver at pace and remain resilient under pressure;
• Confidence and professionalism when engaging with a wide range of stakeholders;
• You will also bring a positive and flexible approach to work, with a willingness to adapt to changing priorities and take on a variety of tasks across a dynamic team environment.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

Nice to have:

• Experience of working in a political or policy-focused role;
• Familiarity with the UK, UK politics and culture;
• Strong IT skills - familiarity with Microsoft Office and internet search engines;
• Social media content and management skills.

Required behaviours

Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together

Application deadline

12 July 2026

Grade

Internship

Type of Position

Full-time, Intern

Working hours per week

41 hours gross

Region

Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia

Country/Territory

Ireland

Location (City)

Dublin

Type of Post

British Embassy

Number of vacancies

2

Salary Currency

EUR

Type of Salary

monthly

Stipend / Allowance

€2,513.98

Start Date

21 September 2026

Other benefits and conditions of employment

The successful candidate will be subject to a three month probationary period and will be employed on a fixed-term contract basis for 6 months. The appointment is subject to satisfactory reference and security checks.

All L&D required on FCDO/UK government standards and systems will be provided. The Embassy is committed to a strong Learning and Development culture, and provides opportunities for staff to invest in their personal and professional development.

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in Ireland are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Irish employment law.

Other benefits of this job offer:

• 11 days annual leave;
• Learning and Development opportunities.

Working pattern: Due to the nature of the job, it will be required to work predominantly in the office. However, we try to ensure family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing 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 identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law.

Visa/work permit requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Ireland and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract. Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements to live and work in Ireland.

Additional information

Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field "Application deadline".

We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application, since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered.

Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.

Please be advised that the FCDO will not be able to meet the travel costs incurred when travelling to the interview, nor the costs connected with relocation if offered a job.

*Please note for more information on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment levels please click on the following link . Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your language skill is going to be assessed.

Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.