DBT Intern

Job Description

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

Who we are:

The British Consulate in Bilbao, Spain is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and is now looking for a Intern for its Department for Business and Trade (DBT) team in Bilbao.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is the UK Government organisation that helps UK-based companies to sell their products and services in Spain and other international markets. DBT also assists overseas companies to bring high-quality investment to the UK’s economy.

As the selected candidate, you will have the chance to join a multinational/multicultural environment that will allow you to learn and get excellent experience in the Department for Business and Trade. Your internship will cover areas such as event management, strengthening the relationship between UK and Spanish companies, business reporting and social media communications. This is a good opportunity to put into practice and broaden your business and communication skills.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. General support

To the Head of Post, lead for Automotive and Advanced Manufacturing sectors for Spain, as well as to the Trade Advisers, assisting with:

• Project support;
• Event management and coordination;
• VIP visits;
• Stakeholder management;
• Market research, including of UK & Spanish businesses;
• Recording interactions in Data Hub (CRM tool);
• Communications, support in social media outreach.

2. FDI

To provide effective support to the Bilbao team in promoting the UK to companies from the North of Spain as the most attractive location for inward investment and by providing them with relevant information and contacts to assist their investment.

Main tasks are as follows:

• Lead generation: Identification of companies that could be interested in establishing a presence in the UK matching their expertise to opportunities in the UK market;
• Marketing of Investment Services via networking at events and through cold calling Spanish companies;
• Research: Use of digital tools to research existing and potential investors in the UK; market research (economic/statistical/sectorial); data analysis (using internal CRM);
• Data input to Contacts & Investors Databases; liaison with HQ and other Government Departments as required; maintain electronic filing system;
• Provide support organising events and inward missions; evaluation of and follow up to events.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

Our ideal candidate shows:

• Proficiency in English and Spanish (both written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*);
• Understanding of trade-related issues and familiarity with both the UK and/or Spanish business ecosystems;
• High level of motivation, curiosity, and a genuine willingness to learn;
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team, as well as independently when needed;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and familiarity with AI-based productivity tools;
• Strong research skills, including the ability to investigate companies and industry sectors online and gather information effectively via phone;
• Capacity to work under pressure and manage multiple deadlines simultaneously;
• Currently pursuing a degree in International Trade, Business, Economics, Law, Politics or International Relations.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

Nice to have:

• Genuine interest in international trade and investment;
• Familiarity with the Automotive/Mobility and Advanced Manufacturing sectors, or a strong willingness to learn about these industries;
• Intercultural awareness and diplomacy, with the ability to engage professionally across different business cultures;
• Analytical thinking, with the ability to identify market trends and business opportunities;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in both English and Spanish, with a professional tone. Knowledge of the Basque language would be a plus;
• Interest in public sector work and understanding of how government departments support business and trade.

Required behaviours Delivering at Pace, Making Effective Decisions, Working Together Application deadline 29 September 2025