Corporate Services Intern, CHEB26.081

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.

Who are we? 

The British Embassy in Berne is part of a world-wide network representing British political, economic and consular interests. We are now recruiting a Corporate Services Intern to join us for a 6-month period, with the possibility to extend up to 11 months (subject to business needs and performance).

Main purpose of job:

The Corporate Services Intern at the British Embassy in Berne provides hands-on support to the Corporate Services Team and gains practical experience in the day-to-day operations of a diplomatic mission. The role supports internal operations including HR administration, finance and purchasing support, basic procurement-to-pay processes, logistics for arrivals and departures, inventory management, and coordination of diplomatic mail and courier services.

This internship is designed as a learning opportunity in a fast-paced environment, supporting the delivery of a high-quality corporate service to colleagues across the Embassy.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Support the Corporate Services Team as a first point of contact for routine HR/admin queries; log and redirect requests; signpost to guidance and escalate where needed;
• Information management for Corporate Services work, including internal management systems and online guidance, sharing and maintaining information on local SharePoint pages;
• Stock management of IT/facilities items; support periodic stock checks and flag discrepancies; provide first line IT support where relevant;
• Assist with local payments and purchases by compiling documentation, preparing draft requests, and filing invoices/supporting documents;
• Support basic budget administration by updating trackers and helping compile routine inputs for reconciliation/cash reporting under supervision;
• Assist with monthly payroll preparation by collating inputs and maintaining checklists (final review and submission remains with substantive staff);
• Support contract/supplier administration by maintaining registers, tracking renewal dates, collating quotes and preparing simple summaries;
• Undertake other reasonable duties as required in line with the FCDO’s agile workforce approach.

Our Ideal Candidate has: 

• Full professional proficiency in English (written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR*);
• Good IT skills (e.g. SharePoint, Microsoft Office components and AI tools) and willingness to learn new systems quickly;
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail; ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines;
• Professional communication skills and a helpful, customer-focused approach;
• Ability to handle information sensitively and maintain confidentiality;
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently with appropriate supervision.

Nice to have: 

• Additional language skills (German and/or French);
• Any prior exposure to administration, finance, HR, logistics, or customer service environments;
• Interest in corporate services and learning about how a diplomatic mission operates.