The Institute for Government is currently inviting applications for our Autumn 2019 internship programme starting in October 2019.

Who we are

The Institute for Government is the UK's leading independent think tank promoting more effective government. We work with all the main political parties at Westminster and with senior civil servants in Whitehall, providing fresh thinking through research, events and leadership development.

What we are looking for

We are looking to take on a number of interns in October 2019 to work across the research and learning team. The precise nature of each internship will vary according to the needs of projects, but past interns have found themselves carrying out literature reviews, conducting interviews with MPs and civil servants, organising events, undertaking data collection and analysis, presenting research findings to colleagues, contributing to published reports and blogs. Interns are also required to help out with some administrative and other tasks.

Applicants should be confident and reliable graduates with:

• an excellent academic record, including a degree/predicted grade of 2:1 or above, or international equivalent

• knowledge of or strong interest in government in the UK and elsewhere

• strong analytical, organisational and communication (both written/verbal) skills

• commitment to the values and mission of the Institute for Government.

Applicants should be available to work on a full-time basis. Successful candidates will typically join on a six month fixed-term contract, with a probation period of three months.

Our offer to you

We offer you the opportunity to:

• become a full member of the research and learning team in a highly-respected institution at the heart of Westminster with close connections to government and all political parties

• take a fresh, evidence-based look at a range of issues, to improve the Institute’s understanding of problems facing government, and to help develop innovative solutions to these problems

• work with other Institute staff and external partners to deliver the Institute’s research and learning programme

• work on projects combining traditional research with practitioner and expert workshops and stimulating public and private events

• contribute to high-quality publications, presentations and events.

Application process

Our application process has three stages:

About you: Here we ask you for some personal details. This information will only become visible to the Institute if you are shortlisted. All applications are assessed blind by multiple reviewers.

Multiple choice test: Here we ask you to complete a multiple choice test, which is formed of 20 questions, including the following sections:

• Arithmetic

• Word definition

• Data interpretation

• Numerical reasoning

• Verbal reasoning

You will have 30 minutes to complete the test. Once you start the test a timer will count down in the top right corner of the screen. You may use a calculator.

Short answer questions: Here we ask you to complete four questions, about:

• Your education

• Your employment and other relevant experience

• Your motivation for applying to the Institute

• Why you believe yourself to be a suitable candidate.

Each section has a 250 word limit. Once you have completed all these questions you will see a page with all your answers and have the opportunity to amend these before finally submitting your application.

NB each of your answers will be reviewed separately and anonymously by different people. This means the person reviewing your answer to question 2 will not have access to your answer to question 1, and so on. Therefore, do not refer in one answer to what you have written in another section (things like "as explained above"). If it is relevant, explain again in full.

For further information about the internship programme please download the full information pack available here: https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/job/autumn-2019-internship-programme

Closing date: Wednesday 26 June 2019, 10:00.