Politics trainee

Closing date for applications: 2nd September at 11.59pm

Bursary: £1,855 per month 

Start date: 4th November 2024

Duration: 12 months

Working hours: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week (hybrid with at least two days in office)

Have you ever wondered how you can make a tangible impact on environmental policies that shape our future? Learn from leading political advisers at Green Alliance in this 12-month traineeship.

Green Alliance is a charity and independent think tank, committed to achieving a greener future. It plays a central role in shaping environmental thinking in the UK and are known for its cross party influence, the clarity of its insights and the quality of its reports, briefings, events and podcasts.

A think tank is a research organisation that aims to influence government policy making. Green Alliance is a specific type of think tank; many are focused on supporting a particular party or part of the political spectrum, but Green Alliance is politically neutral and focused on policy that improves the environment. It draws up strategies for achieving change internally and with other organisations, doing research for reports and roundtables, and then meeting MPs and civil servants to persuade them to take action. Among other things, staff regularly talk to ministers, appear in newspaper articles and on TV and radio and give evidence to parliamentary select committees.

This an exciting traineeship opportunity to develop your professional skills and prepare to take your next step in the environment sector. Over 12 months, you will gain experience in a range of areas across the Political Leadership theme, working with a small team of political advisers.

Key activities

• You will learn about researching and summarising data and information on environmental policy issues, through carrying out research within projects
• You will learn about the dynamics of British politics and how to track policy developments in Westminster effectively
• You will develop writing skills by contributing to reports and briefings and, as part of this, you will gain skills in editing and fact checking
• You will develop skills in events managements and learn about the logistics of running high profile events in parliament and Westminster
• You will support effective relationships and communications with stakeholders and external partners, including MPs, civil servants, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other organisations
• You will attend internal and external meetings, sometimes taking minutes and building relationships with Green Alliance's network and learning about the administrative side of running a team
• You will grow your skills in communication and presenting, by drafting copy for internal and external uses, and by providing a short presentation to the team towards the end of your placement.

What we're looking for

• Enthusiasm for supporting Green Alliance's vision of a green and prosperous future for all
• Interest in growing your understanding of politics in the UK and how environmental policy is developed
• A passion for people and building relationships; you will be curious about and thrive on understanding what drives people and networks to do what they do
• Those new to the workplace are welcome, but if you have experience of working in an office environment or the wider workplace, or as a volunteer we would love to know about it
• If you have any knowledge of politics, climate change or nature, through your studies, a professional role or through volunteering please provide brief details
• Demonstrable skills in research and writing that you would like to develop
• Diligent and proactive in your approach, with an ability to use your initiative
• Good attention to detail
• Ability to read and summarise complex information
• Collaborative: be able to work as part of a team and demonstrate good interpersonal skills
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to prioritise work and be flexible when plans change
• Good IT skills, with confidence using MS Office software platforms such as Word and Excel
• Confident in asking for clarification when not clear
• Ability to compromise and work in a non-partisan way
• At least five GCSEs including English and Maths graded five to nine (A-C).

When applying, consider how your experience, including any social or work experience you may have had, helps equip you for working at Green Alliance. We are interested in the life experiences you have had and how you may have overcome barriers to achieve your goals.

To apply

• Log in to your Creative Access account or register today to apply for this opportunity
• Upload your CV and cover letter as one document (applications without a tailored cover letter will not be accepted)
• Once submitted, you can no longer amend your application, so proof-read carefully
• Do not contact the company directly
• Please email any queries about this role to Creative Access at this address: recruit@creativeaccess.org.uk

This opportunity is only open to individuals from a group that is under-represented in the environmental sector and think tank sector. This includes, but is not limited to Black, Asian and ethnically diverse candidates and individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

The successful candidate for this opportunity will also participate in a Creative Access support programme that sits alongside workplace training. This includes a programme of induction training, monthly masterclasses, wellbeing support, buddying / mentoring and more.