Policy & Public Affairs Intern

Job description

Policy & Public Affairs InternshipLength: 32 weeks, estimated start in May

Salary: London living wage, £26,936 pro‐rata

Working Pattern: Full-time, 35hrs Mon - Fri | Staff can opt to work 32hrs over 4 days each week (with either Monday or Friday as a non‐working day). The BES is a 4‐day work week organisation with no reduction in pay.

Location: Hybrid. We ask that staff spend at least 60% of their time at our London office.

Closing Date: Thursday 2 April, 10:00am

Interview Date: Monday 27 April

Purpose of roleThis role will provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain first‐hand experience of working in environmental policy and public affairs. You will join our small friendly Policy team working across the BES's policy priorities, ensuring scientific evidence is accessible to policymakers across the UK. If you have strong interpersonal and organisational skills, demonstrable interest in environmental policy and a desire to learn about the BES's policy work, we would love to hear from you.

Key ResponsibilitiesPolicy & Research

Research and prepare a policy briefing on a topic aligned with the BES's policy strategy.

Drawing from previous BES publications, help develop and refine the BES's strategic messaging to support consistent and effective external communications.

Oversee the policy section of the BES website, including writing expert and engaging blogs and news items, and organising the contribution of external collaborators.

Working with the communications team, help to develop content to communicate key messages, including webinars, podcasts, newsletter content and social media.

Public Affairs

Develop a database of contacts and stakeholders to help communicate our key messages.

Represent the BES, alongside other members of the Policy & External Affairs team, at meetings with external partners, workshops, parliamentary receptions and conferences, building relationships and forging effective partnerships.

Help with policy event management including policy roundtables, expert workshops, policy training and other online and in‐person events.

Support

Provide support to the BES Policy Committee and our national Policy Groups in England, Wales and Scotland. This includes organising meetings, as well as producing relevant papers, agendas and minutes.

RequirementsPerson SpecificationEssential

Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage a wide range of audiences.

Ability to analyse, interpret and summarise complex scientific information in an engaging manner.

Self‐motivated, with the ability to be proactive and work independently.

Familiarity with social media with experience of writing webpages, blogs and social media posts.

Strong interpersonal skills, with experience of developing effective working relationships with a range of individuals.

Strong organisational skills, with the ability to meet multiple deadlines and prioritise work with excellent attention to detail.

Good IT skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Degree in natural sciences or social sciences.

A demonstrable interest in environmental policy.

Desirable

Some knowledge of the environmental policy priorities of the UK and devolved governments.

Some knowledge of BES policy priority areas, including Nature Finance, Nature Based Solutions and Nature‐Positive Infrastructure.

An understanding of the BES's work and the role of learned societies.

To apply for this vacancy

Your CV – no more than 2 × A4 sides detailing your education, training and work history, as well as any relevant skills.

A cover letter – no more than 1 × A4 side explaining why you wish to undertake this particular role at the BES.

Your Equality & Diversity information – this voluntary information helps us to assess the diversity of our recruitment and further improve recruitment processes in the future. It has no bearing on the success of your application and is not considered as part of the shortlisting process.

BenefitsFour‐day working week

Along with our four‐day working week to support a better work/life balance, we offer a range of flexible working options, including hybrid working and variable start and finishing times.

Annual leave

With a generous holiday allowance and office closure between Christmas and the New Year, we'll make sure you have space for yourself. We also offer everyone a week working from anywhere.

Pension

To help with saving for your retirement, we offer a generous pension plan.

Health and wellbeing

With a supportive occupational sick policy, eye care checks and seasonal flu jabs we're here to keep your health a priority. We have regular wellbeing activities, a wellness room and annual away‐days for all staff.

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Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

London

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

03-04-2026

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English