British Embassy Rome’s Foreign and Security Policy (FSP) and Defence Teams are seeking to hire an intern for a period of six months, starting in January 2027. The intern will split their time between the two teams, working primarily under the direction of a member of the FSP Team. The intern may also provide support to the Justice and Home Affairs and Energy and Climate Teams, as required.
We work closely with the Italian government on shared international priorities. 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 / responsabilities
- 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.
- Supporting the team in their day-to-day work such as Italian/English translation and administrative tasks.
Required experience and skills
- Currently enrolled in a degree programme in Political Science, International Relations, or a closely related discipline.
- Must maintain student status for the full duration of the internship.
- 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 ‘tirocinio curriculare’ is intended for undergraduate students as part of their education/studies or graduates still completing their education. The candidate will have to go through a selection process by way of an oral interview.This 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 in November 2026, unless unforeseen circumstances arise. The successful candidate will be granted a number of credits (crediti formativi), as indicated by the university.
Prior to the appointment, the Embassy will sign an agreement (Convenzione di Tirocinio) with the university. The agreement will set out the arrangements including tutor, health & safety and insurance cover.
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 24 hours per week. The role is spread across Monday to Friday, with one day off per week to be agreed in due course, in line with the needs of both teams. Working hours (including a lunch break) would fall within the 09:00 to 17:00 window, with flexibility to support attendance at seminars and/or evening events.
Flexibility will be supported by the whole team to accommodate the intern’s needs 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) must be submitted through the university or promoting body as set out in Italian law: DM 142/98. Applications must be sent to candidature@unint.eu by Thursday 22 October 2026 with object “British Embassy FSP – Defence shared internship”.
Individual applications will not be considered. Interested students should liaise with the “Ufficio Stages” of their Faculty or University.
Please note that confirmation of appointment will be subject to security clearance and a reference check with the university.
Contatti
Ufficio placement e tirocini
Daniela Cecchini
Tel: 06.510.777.407
