Political & communications team intern

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 Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

We are seeking a proactive and organised intern to provide support the Political & Communications Team at the British High Commission (BHC) Kingston. The intern will support the delivery of the BHC’s broad portfolio. This will include supporting high-quality strategic communications, events, and political outputs spanning BHC's efforts which all go some way to help to underpin the UK's strong relationship with Jamaica. Assistance with administrative work may also be required and so the successful jobholder should be prepared to be flexible according to business needs.

The ideal candidate would be someone with professional experience and/or an interest in international relations, communications and working in diplomacy.

Political (25%):
• Support Political team on local political developments and priority policy areas through research, monitoring and analysis when required.
• Assist with drafting internal political updates, briefing notes, background papers and talking points for senior leadership and visiting UK officials.
Communications & events (75%):
• Support the Communications Team with content creation, including drafting social media posts, producing and editing digital content and contributions to communications planning.
• Assist with the planning, coordination and delivery of events, visits and public diplomacy activity (e.g. receptions, roundtables, cultural or outreach events).
• Provide general administrative and coordination support to the Political and Communications Team when required.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Strong social and digital media editing and production skills. Applicant should be very familiar with editing software such as Canva and Instagram Edit etc.

Strong interest in politics, international relations, communications, public policy or diplomacy

Ability to research, summarise and interpret information effectively

IT and AI literacy across Microsoft Office suite/other platforms with the ability to learn new systems quickly

Strong planning, organisational and administrative skills, with attention to detail

Ability to work flexibly which could mean independently and as part of a team

Strong interpersonal skills and professional judgement

References (preferably professional) will be requested

Fluency in the English language

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

Relevant academic, voluntary or professional experience in communications, political research, public relations or events

Knowledge of Jamaican politics or regional Caribbean issues

Experience using social media for organisational or professional purposes

Interest in UK foreign policy, public diplomacy or international development

Required behaviours Communicating and Influencing, Developing Self and Others, Working Together Application deadline 5 July 2026 Grade Internship Type of Position Intern, Fixed Term Working hours per week 39 Duration of Post 6 months Region Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories Country/Territory Jamaica Location (City) Kingston Type of Post British High Commission Number of vacancies 1 Stipend / Allowance J$162,005.36 Start Date 17 August 2026 Other benefits and conditions of employment

Candidates must have the legal status to live and work in Jamaica at time of application.

Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary, e.g. some non-local national staff and some spouses or partners of UK diplomatic staff, will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.

Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list. If during the reserve period of 6 months the same or largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second of subsequent candidate.

The intern will develop practical experience and skills in diplomacy, communicating and influencing with a broad range of stakeholders across a range of thematic areas, political analysis, strategic communications, and event delivery within an international working environment.