The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require. Job Category Department for Business and Trade roles (DBT) Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)
Who are we?
The British Embassy in Madrid and our Consulates across Spain are part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. We work at the heart of the UK-Spain relationship, supporting British companies, building strong partnerships, and creating opportunities for growth and collaboration.
We are now recruiting four interns to join our Department for Business and Trade (DBT), based either in Madrid (3 roles) or Bilbao (1 role), offering a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic international environment.
About the role
This internship offers practical experience supporting DBT Spain’s work across its core areas of activity - exports, investment, market access and trade policy - with a focus on Industrial Strategy priority sectors such as clean energy, advanced manufacturing, digital and technology, life sciences and professional and business services.
You will contribute to clearly defined projects, events and business engagement activities, gaining exposure to trade and investment work in an international government setting. The role complements relevant degree studies by linking academic knowledge to real‑world application.
What you will be doing?
You will support agreed activities and projects, including:
1. Assisting with sector‑focused research and background information linked to Industrial Strategy priorities;
2. Supporting the organisation and delivery of events, visits and missions, including logistics, coordination and follow‑up;
3. Helping with work linked to the Country Director’s priorities, such as preparing background information and supporting meetings and visits;
4. Carrying out market and company research to support trade and investment opportunities;
5. Supporting engagement with UK and Spanish businesses, including meeting preparation and outcome tracking;
6. Contributing to communications activity, such as content to promote events or success stories;
7. Keeping records and trackers up to date and supporting project delivery across the team.
Why apply?
This is a unique opportunity to:
8. Gain real experience in an international business and diplomatic environment;
9. Work on a wide variety of projects across different sectors and teams;
10. Develop practical skills in research, events, communications and stakeholder engagement;
11. Build your professional network and gain insight into working in a global organisation.
Essential qualifications, skills and experience
Our Ideal Candidate shows:
12. Excellent Spanish and English language skills (both written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*);
13. Currently studying at a University where the student will remain in the same course or field of study, for the entire duration of the internship period;
14. Studying in a relevant field such as Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Business Management, International Business or similar;
15. High level of motivation and willingness to learn;
16. Ability to work as part of a team as well as on own initiative when required;
17. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly and adapt messaging to different audiences;
18. Comfortable working in a flexible, fast-paced environment and adapting to changing priorities;
19. Good knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word and Power Point);
20. Ability to look for information about a company or sector on the Internet and obtain information by phone;
21. Able to work under pressure and to juggle competing deadlines;
22. A genuine interest in business, trade, or international commercial environments.
Required behaviours Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together Application deadline 26 May 2026 Grade Internship Type of Position Part-Time, Intern Working hours per week 25 Region Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia Country/Territory Spain Location (City) Bilbao, Madrid Type of Post British Embassy Number of vacancies 4 Salary Currency EUR Type of Salary monthly Stipend / Allowance 890.31 Start Date 15 July 2026 Other benefits and conditions of employment
This internship is offered under a prácticas curriculares or extra curriculares agreement, and candidates must be enrolled at a university that is able to sign a Convenio de Cooperación Educativa with the British Embassy in order to be eligible.
This is a part-time internship for a minimum of 6 months, with possibility to extend up to 1 year provided there is a valid agreement with the university throughout the whole period.
The successful candidate is subject to a confirmation of a background check, security clearance and the successful completion of a probationary period.
Please note that the advertised start date is indicative only and may be adjusted in discussion with the successful candidate.
The successful candidate will be enrolled in the Spanish Social Security Scheme and will therefore not be entitled to any gratuity from the Embassy based on gross annual salary.
The Embassy is a Diplomatic Mission with tax exempt status and does not collect taxes for other States. Employees are fully responsible for payment of income tax at the legally required rate. Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in Spain are subject to terms and conditions of service according to local Spanish employment law.
Both the British Embassy in Madrid and British Consulate in Bilbao occupies floors of a high-rise building. In an emergency, lifts may be inoperable, requiring evacuation via stairs or to a fire safety refuge. Applicants with mobility needs are encouraged to discuss this with the job sponsor to ensure appropriate arrangements, including a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan.
Visa/work permit requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Spain and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract. Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements to live and work in this country.
Working patterns: 25 hours per week: 9:00am to 14:00pm from Monday to Friday.
Learning & Development: Interns will have access to learning and development opportunities in line with FCDO/DBT policies, including internal training courses and on‑the‑job learning, as agreed with their line manager. All interns will also receive an induction to support them in settling into the role and the wider organisation.