Go to website

Reference: 47305

Date Added: 27 August 2014
Closing Date: 15 September 2014

Job Title: Interns

Working For: Policy Research Unit

Location: London

Salary: London living wage - £8.80 per hour (20 hours per week)

Length of Contract:

Job Details

The Policy Research Unit (PRU) is a pooled research facility for around 260 Conservative MPs and Peers. Each member of the Unit specialises in one or more Government departments, producing briefings on Parliamentary business and undertaking correspondence support relating to their subject area.

The Unit is seeking interns to work alongside our teams (which usually consists of four researchers) in the House of Commons for three months. PRU internships are ideally suitable for graduates looking to gain knowledge and experience of working within the Houses of Parliament. A structured training programme is provided with an aim to provide interns with experience in all aspects of the Unit.

This post would suit a highly organised individual, educated to graduate level with sound judgement and an eye for detail. Previous Parliamentary or related experience is desirable but not essential. Strong written, verbal, research and IT skills are vital.

Successful applicants will be expected to work 20 hours per week, usually daily from Monday to Thursday.

Key responsibilities include helping our teams with:
• Drafting policy-related correspondence
• Completing research projects
• Preparing briefings on policy issues
• Monitoring parliamentary activity, including bills, early day motions, Hansard, select committees, debates, and Parliamentary Questions

Key skills
• Excellent written skills
• Ability to form strong professional relationships
• Strong analytical and research skills
• Good IT skills
• Knowledge of Parliament and UK politics
• The ability to work to tight deadlines
• Good communication skills
• Strong academic credentials

Minimum Requirements
• 320 UCAS points or equivalent
• Existing documented right to work within the EU
• 2:1 Degree or equivalent
• Fluent English speaker

All applications are considered on their merit and through an independent process. The candidate should bear in mind that the Unit’s subscribers are Conservative MPs and be comfortable supporting them in their Parliamentary duties.

Upon appointment you will be required to apply for security clearance, undertaken by the Security Vetting and Pass Office. See Members’ Staff Security Clearance page for further info. MPs generally pay staff in accordance with IPSA guidelines.

Closing Date: 15 September 2014

Interview/Start Dates

Successful candidates will be asked to submit written work as part of the application process. Final interviews will take place in London shortly after. Successful candidates will start on the 13 October 2014. 

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. We may appoint before the closing date.

Application Details

The application form can be found at http://tinyurl.com/PRUInternApplication.

Completed application forms should be emailed to michael.pickton@parliament.uk with ‘Intern Application’ in the subject box.

Website: http://www.pru.org.uk/

Additional Notes