Description
The British Embassy to the Holy See is offering a six-month curricula internship, starting on 2 November 2023, at the new offices near the Vatican, in Via dei Corridori 48.
The British Embassy to the Holy See is a small but highly active embassy. They are a team and place a high value on supporting all of the staff, including interns, with their professional development goals.
This is a unique opportunity to gain insight into different aspects of an embassy’s work, from events planning and administration to policy research and reporting, as part of a supportive team. They are looking for a professional, motivated and organised individual with a drive to learn, strong attention to detail and a good knowledge of international affairs.
They serve the UK’s interests by working with the Vatican on some of the major issues the world faces today. These include climate change, human trafficking, violence against women and girls, and freedom of religion and belief. This work will include daily monitoring and reporting on such issues to the Ambassador and Deputy, as well as contributing to the embassy’s political work by conducting research, for example.
The candidate assists with other projects, such as support with translations, as required; he will also support the Ambassador’s Private Office in delivering a high-quality service through administrative tasks, such as managing the embassy inbox. Social events, big or small, are integral to meeting our diplomatic objectives. As their intern, the candidate will support the Social Secretary with events, from lunches and reception to high-level events and delegations.
Main duties
- Daily press summaries;
- occasional policy research;
- occasional translations/summaries from Italian to English and vice versa;
- assisting with correspondence and diary management;
- assisting the Social Secretary with the organisation of embassy events, including lunches/receptions;
- contribute to high-level events, including logistics and welcoming guests;
- administration eg contacts database management and ad hoc tasks.
Required experience and skills
- Minimum C1 CEFR level or equivalent spoken and written English and Italian;
- IT and analytical skills;
- organisational and interpersonal skills;
- ability to prioritise work;
- drive to learn and develop;
- ability to work as part of a highly dynamic team;
- interest in learning about the UK, the Holy See and the work of an embassy.
Terms and conditions
The “tirocinio curriculare” is intended for students only.
The candidate will have to go through a selection process by way of an interview, both written and oral. Only applicants who will be registered students with the university for the duration of the internship are eligible to apply.
Prior to appointment of the successful candidate, the Embassy will have had to sign an agreement with the university setting out the arrangements including tutor, health and safety and insurance cover.
The intern will be granted a number of credits (crediti formativi) as indicated by the university.
The internship is not a work contract and as such is not paid. However the Embassy will pay the intern a monthly allowance of €350 per month. This amount is not subject to tax under current local legislation.
The intern would be expected to work an average of 30 hours per week, Monday to Friday, within the range of 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Some degree of flexibility is expected, mostly in case of events. Flexibility is ensured by the embassy to accommodate the intern’s need in case of university exams or personal reasons. Other administrative details are set out in the university “progetto formativo” to be signed once appointed to the internship.
Applications will have to come through the university by 24 September 2023. Applications should be sent to candidature@unint.eu with object “British Embassy to the Holy See”. Interviews will take place around the beginning of October.
Please note that applications will have to come through the university abiding by Italian law: DM 142/98.
Individual applications shall not be considered. Interested students can liaise with the “Ufficio Stages” of their Faculty or University which should send us the application(s). Individual applications not coming through an eligible institution will not be acknowledged or considered for an internship.
Applicants should send a CV and covering letter, setting out their motivation for applying and what they can bring to the role, in English. Applications without a covering letter will not be considered.
