Job Description
Duration: 6 months
Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)
Who We Are
The British Embassy in Paris is part of a worldwide network representing British political, economic, and consular interests overseas. It also forms part of the UK’s France Network. The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) at the Embassy is currently seeking three Investment and Trade Interns.
Our team drives UK economic growth through trade and investment. We work to:
- Attract French investment into the UK.
- Improve market access for UK companies.
- Grow UK exports.
- Promote the UK’s trade policy interests.
The DBT France team operates from the British Embassy in Paris and an office in Lyon. Interns will join a welcoming, dynamic team of around 30 colleagues focused on enhancing commercial ties with France, the UK’s fifth-largest trading partner and investor.
We seek ambitious, flexible, and committed candidates who are ready to work across a variety of projects under tight timelines. Where possible, interns will be assigned tasks that match their interests and prior experience.
Why You Should Apply
- Real Responsibility: Interns are given meaningful tasks with clear impact.
- Professional Development: Opportunities to collaborate across the Embassy on issues including economic relations, science & innovation, and communications.
- Career Springboard: Previous interns have moved into permanent DBT roles or other UK Government positions.
- Immersive Learning: Six-month internships provide insight into how the UK Government supports international business and how Embassy commercial teams operate.
Roles and Responsibilities
Interns will gain experience in research, analysis, advisory support, and project delivery. Typical responsibilities include:
1. Account Management
- Engage with French buyers and investors to support their investment into the UK.
- Identify export opportunities for UK companies.
- Advise senior officials and ministers on managing relationships with business leaders, including briefing materials for high-level engagement.
2. Research
- Conduct research to support strategic decision-making on UK commercial interests.
- Monitor political trends, emerging legislation, and market developments in France.
- Propose engagement and influencing strategies to senior officials and ministers.
3. Export Lead Generation
- Provide tailored information and support to UK companies, including new exporters.
- Identify French companies potentially interested in establishing a presence in the UK.
- Match company expertise to market opportunities.
4. Events, Communications, and Briefing Support
- Support the organisation and delivery of events to help UK exporters access the French market.
- Assist in promoting the UK as an investment destination for French companies.
- Support marketing and communications activities, including digital campaigns targeting UK and French business audiences.
- Draft briefings for senior officials and ministers as required.
Essential Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
- Excellent French and English language skills (written and spoken, minimum CEFR C1 level).
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
- Currently enrolled in a university or higher education institution and able to provide an internship agreement (“Convention de stage”).
- Demonstrable interest in current affairs, business, and international trade, preferably through academic work.
- Enthusiastic, flexible, motivated self-starter willing to learn.
- Able to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Capable of working under pressure and managing competing deadlines.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Desirable Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
- Experience in a client-facing or customer service role.
- Experience managing projects or juggling multiple priorities, either professionally or academically.
Required Behaviours
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
- Managing a Quality Service
- Seeing the Big Picture
Application Deadline
8 February 2026
