JOB DESCRIPTION

View Vacancy – Policy & Corporate Intern (Political, Communication, Climate and Operational Support) (05/25 YAO)

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 (Operations and Corporate Services)

Job Subcategory

Policy

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

Main purpose of job:

Are you a dynamic, curious, and motivated graduate looking to make a meaningful impact in international affairs? This internship offers a unique opportunity to work at the heart of the British High Commission in Yaoundé, supporting a wide range of activities across Policy, Communication, Climate and Corporate functions.

You’ll gain hands-on experience in diplomacy, policy development, public engagement, and operational support, while contributing to our strategic goal of building a bilingual, regionally diverse workforce that reflects Cameroon’s rich cultural and linguistic landscape.

This is more than just an internship, it’s a launchpad for future careers in diplomacy, governance, and international development.

Key Responsibilities:

Corporate & Operational Support

• Document minutes of meetings (e.g., corporate services updates, contractor meetings) and ensure timely circulation.
• Support logistics for internal meetings, workshops, and training sessions.
• Assist with store management, ensuring accurate records and conducting monthly spot checks.
• Serve as alternate receptionist: greet visitors, manage incoming calls, and ensure a professional front-of-house experience.
• Provide ad-hoc administrative support to various sections including Estates, IT, and Finance.

Policy, Climate & Communications

• Conduct research and prepare briefings on political, economic, and social developments relevant to UK interests in Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea.
• Assist in planning and delivering high-profile events, stakeholder meetings, and public diplomacy initiatives.
• Draft bilingual communications (English and French) including press releases, social media content, and official correspondence.
• Support the Political and Communications team with media monitoring, stakeholder mapping, and engagement tracking.
• Contribute to internal reporting and analysis to inform UK policy and programming.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are:

• Recent graduates or final-year students from any discipline.
• Passionate about public service, diplomacy, and international relations.
• Strong communicators in French and English.
• Organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple tasks independently.
• Committed to learning and personal development.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

• Analytical Thinking: Ability to interpret data, identify trends, and draw meaningful insights.
• Critical Thinking: Sound judgment and problem-solving skills in dynamic environments.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills in both English and French.
• Adaptability: Comfortable working independently and managing competing priorities.
• Digital Literacy: Proficiency in Microsoft Office and online collaboration tools.
• Highly Desirable: Advanced proficiency in French (spoken and written); familiarity with Cameroonian regional dynamics.

Required behaviours

Changing and Improving, Communicating and Influencing, Leadership, Making Effective Decisions, Seeing the Big Picture, Working Together

Application deadline

11 November 2025

Grade

Internship

Type of Position

Fixed Term

Working hours per week

35

Duration of Post

9 months

Region

Africa

Country/Territory

Cameroon

Location (City)

Yaounde

Type of Post

British High Commission

Number of vacancies

3

Salary

XAF 250,000

Type of Salary

monthly

Start Date

2 February 2026

Other benefits and conditions of employment

Development Opportunities:

• Access to Foreign Commonwealth Development Office’s online learning platform with courses in diplomacy, leadership, and project management.
• Shadowing opportunities with colleagues during meetings, briefings, and external engagements.
• Participation in networking events with alumni.
• Exposure to real-world diplomatic operations and policy-making processes.

Additional information

• Please check your application carefully before you submit, as no changes can be made once submitted.
• The British High Commission will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position.
• Employees recruited locally by the British High Commission in Yaounde are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Cameroon.
• All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit.
• The responsibility lies on the successful candidate to;
  1.Obtain the relevant permit
  2.Pay the fees for the permit
  3.Make arrangements to relocate
  4.Meet the costs to relocation
• Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount.
• Information about the Civil Service Success Profiles can be found on this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/success-profiles
• Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted on successful candidates.
• Please log into your profile on the application system on a regular basis to review the status of your application.
• Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.

Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements