This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to gain experience in public affairs in a leading financial services trade body. The Investment Association (IA) represents UK asset managers. Our 250 members, including BlackRock, Schroders and Vanguard, collectively manage funds totalling £7.7 trillion. The industry is a key part of the UK’s financial ecosystem, helping millions of individuals and households save for the long term, enabling them to have a more secure and prosperous retirement. We play a key role in financing UK businesses and infrastructure projects (you can find out more information on our website, details below).

About the role
We are looking for an ambitious and dynamic candidate with an interest in financial services to join the IA's paid internship programme. The internship is 12 weeks long, with the potential for an extension, and paid at the London Living Wage. The office hours are 9am-5.30pm Monday to Friday.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with the UK Government Affairs team on high-profile public affairs campaigns, including on diversity and FinTech, as well as on the IA’s government relations strategy. The role will include the following:

• Political monitoring, including of speeches at Westminster
• Daily media monitoring
• In-depth political research, including for IA policy briefings and public affairs strategy plans
• Support on organising events, including the IA’s policymaker roundtable series with senior politicians
• Helping organise meetings with MPs and liaising with offices

About the candidate
The successful candidate will need to have a strong interest and understanding of politics and government, as well as an interest in financial services and the business landscape. The candidate should be highly literate with very good written and oral communication skills. They will also have a positive outlook, a strong work ethic, excellent attention to detail and be willing to take on tasks at short notice and deliver them successfully in a fast-paced work environment.

The role is an ideal starting point for those looking to enter public affairs and politics.