The Foreign and Security Policy (FSP) and Defence Teams are seeking to hire an intern for a period of six months, starting in January 2026. The intern will work primarily under the direction of a member of the FSP Team, splitting their time between the teams. The intern may also provide support to the Justice and Home Affairs and Energy and Climate Teams, as required.
The Foreign and Security Policy Team deals with bilateral and international issues. The Defence Team deals with the bilateral defence relationship.
We work closely with the Italian government on priorities of joint concern internationally. These include geographic and thematic areas of interest including Western Balkans, Libya, Middle East, Ukraine, disinformation, counter terrorism, defence industry (including emerging and developing technologies, cyber and AI, supply chain security, skills and resilience against hybrid threats) and civil industry.
We also run a number of projects under various UK government funds in support of our prosperity, security and bilateral objectives. There will also be opportunity to get involved in the wider corporate activity of the Embassy and take advantage of learning opportunities.
The teams collaborate closely with several UK government departments including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Home Office and Ministry of Defence, as well as the UK Parliament and several Italian government ministries, NGOs and other stakeholders.
Main duties/responsibilities
- Monitoring policy developments in Italy in key areas of interest, including through media and parliamentary monitoring, and desk research;
- regular reporting on FSP and Defence issues;
- attending conferences and writing reports;
- providing support for the organisation and delivery of Embassy events and inward and outward high level/ministerial visits;
- project management support;
- pupporting the team in their day-to-day work such as Italian/English translation and administrative tasks.
Required experience and skills
- Enthusiasm, and ability to take the initiative;
- ability to work independently, stay on track and complete tasks to deadlines;
- flexible and a strong team player;
- must be fluent in both spoken and written English and Italian.
Terms and conditions
The opportunity is open to undergraduates as provided for by Italian Law DM142/98. The candidate will have to go through a selection process by way of an interview, conducted in English. Interviews are expected to take place, unless unforeseen circumstances arise, during the first week of December 2025. The successful candidate 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 an 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 09.00 – 17.00 with flexibility to support attendance at seminars and/or evening events.
Flexibility will be supported by the whole team to accommodate the intern’s need in case of university exams or for studying.
Other administrative details are set out in the university ‘progetto formativo’ to be signed once appointed to the internship.
Applications (covering letter + CV in English) will have to come by 6 November 2025. Applications must be sent to the following email address: candidature@unint.eu with object “FSP and Defence Team – British Embassy”.
Please note that applications must be submitted through the university or promoting body as set out in Italian law: DM 142/98. Individual applications will not be considered. Interested students should liaise with the “Ufficio Stages” of their Faculty or University. Please note that confirmation of the appointment will be subject to security clearance and a reference check with the university
La competenza del riconoscimento di crediti formativi universitari (CFU) spetta a una apposita commissione istituita all’interno del corso di laurea e avviene a seguito della compilazione da parte dello studente di un questionario di valutazione del tirocinio svolto.
Contatti
Ufficio placement e tirocini
Daniela Cecchini
Tel: 06 510777407
