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 Subcategory Department for Business and Trade (DBT) Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)
The British Embassy in Lisbon is part of a worldwide network representing British political, economic, security and consular interests overseas. We are now seeking a top-quality Trade & Investment Intern to join the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) team for a six-month internship.
Economic growth is a top priority for the UK government. We focus on driving growth for the UK through trade and investment, preparing our economy for the future by developing and growing British business.
We manage relationships with businesses and government to secure Portuguese investment into the UK, improve market access, grow UK exports, and promote the UK's trade policy interests.
Ready to take on real trade and investment challenges?
As an intern, you'll help with events, market research, and connecting UK companies with opportunities in Portugal and Portuguese businesses with investment prospects in the UK.
The intern will gain a combination of research, drafting and advisory skills, analytical and commercial skills, as well as the ability to deliver at pace through a balance of operational and project-based tasks.
As an intern, you'll get involved in tasks such as:
1. Events and briefing support: Supporting the organisation and delivery of events aimed at supporting UK exporters to access the Portuguese market and Portuguese companies to learn about the UK as an investment destination. Interns regularly support teams working in different sectors on a variety of high-profile events – including associated logistics and briefings. Also includes database management support.
2. Market Research: Undertaking research to inform strategic decision making across key topics that are relevant to UK commercial interests, supporting the a range of market access issues and requests. This work could involve researching market trends, policies and business opportunities.
3. Export & Investment lead generation: Providing tailored information and support to UK companies in a variety of sectors, including new exporters and companies new to the Portuguese market. Identification of companies that could be interested in establishing a presence in the UK matching their expertise to opportunities in the UK market.
Essential qualifications, skills and experience
4. Fluency in both English and Portuguese at a minimum of a C1 level according to the CEFR framework*.
5. Bachelor's degree-level in Business Management, Economics, International relations or similar.
6. Good knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word and Power Point).
7. A demonstrable interest in current affairs, business and international trade, but not necessarily through academia.
8. An enthusiastic, flexible, committed self-starter, with a high-level of motivation and willingness to learn.
9. Ability to work as part of a team as well as on own initiative when required.
10. Ability to work under pressure and to juggle competing deadlines.
11. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Desirable qualifications, skills and experience
12. Experience in a client-facing role, or customer service experience.
13. Experience of working in a project-based environment or of juggling competing priorities, whether in a work or personal context.
Required behaviours Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together Application deadline 11 December 2025 Grade Internship Type of Position Intern, Fixed Term Working hours per week 35 Duration of Post 6 months Region Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia Country/Territory Portugal Location (City) Lisbon Type of Post British Embassy Number of vacancies 1 Salary Currency EUR Type of Salary monthly Stipend / Allowance 870 (gross) Start Date 5 January 2025 Other benefits and conditions of employment
This is a full-time, 6-month internship contract (35 hours net per week). The successful candidate will be able to work remotely up to two days each week.
The British Embassy in Lisbon aims to offer an attractive working environment and remuneration package for this role of €870 gross monthly allowance plus a monthly meal allowance of €193.60.
All staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in Portugal are subject to local Portuguese employment law as well as internal regulations in force at any given time.
The successful candidate will be subject to a professional background and security clearance and must have pre-existing work authorisation for Portugal in order to apply.
All applicants should have the right to live and work in Portugal. The British Embassy does not sponsor work permits.
British Embassy Lisbon offers a supportive environment for its team, including flexible working opportunities, a rich learning and training offering and a focus on individual development.