Main purpose of internship

The British Embassy in Mexico is part of a worldwide network representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. We have an exciting opportunity for a Political Intern to join the Embassy’s Domestic Politics and Rule of Law team while also supporting the Political Section as required. 

The core purpose of the Political Intern is to provide analytical and administrative support to achieve UK objectives in Mexico. The successful candidate will work with the Domestic Politics and Rule of Law team directly helping with logistics, activities, virtual and in-person events, as well as travel assignments to ensure high-quality outcomes, as part of the busy and high-profile Political Section. 

It is an exciting time to be working on this portfolio, which is a vital part of Embassy’s businesses. The successful candidate will be pivotal in supporting our engagement strategy to build a closer partnership with Mexico. The role will include tasks such as (but are not limited to) monitoring and reporting on Mexico’s domestic politics, security and Rule of Law, support engagement and information-gathering strategies, supporting His Majesty’s Ambassador engagement with political stakeholders, among others. Important themes that the jobholder will follow include political parties, Congress, state governments, and others as demanded.  

Roles and responsibilities

The British Embassy in Mexico City is looking for a Political Intern to support the work on primarily domestic politics and rule of law but also the UK’s objectives in Mexico on a range of issues, which includes foreign policy and cyber.

This is a varied and challenging position, which covers a wide range of political and project related tasks as well as administrative duties. While primarily working with Domestic Politics and Rule of Law Team, the job will involve contact with most sections of the Embassy and a range of external contacts in Mexico and the UK. We often work under time pressure in a fast-paced environment. The successful candidate will need to work flexibly across areas to provide support.

Some activities include but are not limited to:

1. Researching and drafting reports about the Mexican political landscape, political parties, Rule of Law, and security.
2. Helping the Political Section operate as efficiently as possible by ensuring effective communication with Mexican government representatives, civil society, and other non-governmental institutions, as well as with all areas of the Embassy and stakeholders in the UK to facilitate and deliver programmes and activities.
3. Drafting correspondence briefings in Spanish and English as required.
4. Providing administrative and logistics support for daily tasks and events.

All employees of the Embassy network are expected to support to the corporate agenda of the Embassy including through joining one of our many lively committees.

• Recently completed a university-degree level course in or related to Political Science (government, public administration, international relations, etc.) or Law. Students in the last semester will also be considered. Students in master’s programmes will not be considered.
• Have knowledge and interest in Mexican politics, political parties, democratic systems, elections, Congress, state governments, security, justice, human rights, and Rule of Law.
• Have solid drafting and communications skills.
• Should be proactive and creative self-starter with the ability to learn quickly.
• Organisation and time management skills, with a high-level attention to detail.
• Good teamwork abilities – being able to liaise with people over requirements and ask for help when needed but also able to work independently.
• Fluent in English and Spanish (spoken and written). No certification is required but this will be assessed at the interview stage.
• An understanding of video conference software or ability to learn. 
• Legal status to live and work in Mexico in your own right, from time of Application.