The British Embassy in France is recruiting three FCDO Interns to join its team in Paris.
This 5-month, full-time internship offers successful candidates the opportunity to work in an international environment, contribute to real-world policy and diplomatic activities, and develop valuable professional skills.
Applicants can indicate their preferred team: Economics and Political Section (EPS), National Security and Foreign Policy Section (NSFP), or the Communications and Engagement Team.
Applications must be submitted in English before 2 September 2026 at 23:55.
📌 FCDO Interns 2026 – Quick Overview
| Job Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | FCDO Interns |
| Organization | British Embassy in France |
| Department | Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) |
| Location | Paris, France |
| Number of Vacancies | 3 |
| Job Type | Full-time, Fixed Term |
| Grade | Internship |
| Duration | 5 months |
| Working Hours | 35 hours per week |
| Monthly Salary | €1,000 gross |
| Additional Benefit | Meal contribution |
| Expected Start Date | 2 November 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 2 September 2026, 23:55 |
| Language Requirement | English and French, minimum C1 |
| Work Arrangement | Flexible, with at least 60% expected in-office |
| Work Authorization | Independent right to live and work in France |
🇬🇧 About the British Embassy in France
The British Embassy in France represents UK interests and works to strengthen political, economic and diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and France.
As part of the UK’s global diplomatic network, the Embassy works on a wide range of issues involving international relations, policy, security, communications, economic cooperation and public diplomacy.
The internship provides candidates with an opportunity to gain first-hand experience of how diplomacy works in practice while working alongside experienced professionals.
💼 About the FCDO Internship
The British Embassy in Paris is seeking three talented and motivated interns to contribute to policy, communications and international engagement.
Successful candidates will be able to indicate their preferred team:
- Economics and Political Section (EPS)
- National Security and Foreign Policy Section (NSFP)
- Communications and Engagement Team
The internship is designed for students and graduates who have an interest in international affairs and want to develop practical experience in an international setting.
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🌍 1. Economics and Political Section (EPS)
The Economics and Political Section works with French government institutions, businesses, academia and civil society organizations to strengthen UK-France cooperation.
The successful intern will join the European Affairs team, working at an important time for UK relations with France, the European Union and other European partners.
Key areas include:
- Bilateral and Political Affairs
- Economic, Social and Sustainability Policy
- European Affairs
- Science and Technology
What could you be doing?
The intern may be involved in:
- Monitoring and analysing political, EU and economic developments
- Conducting research on priority policy issues
- Drafting briefings, reports and policy updates
- Supporting strategic engagement with French stakeholders
- Assisting with major Embassy events
- Supporting ministerial visits and diplomatic engagements
- Providing administrative and project support
This area may particularly suit candidates who enjoy research, current affairs, policy analysis and international relations.
🛡️ 2. National Security and Foreign Policy Section (NSFP)
The National Security and Foreign Policy Section works on some of the UK’s key international challenges.
The section covers:
- Foreign and Development Policy
- Migration and Borders
- National Security
What could you be doing?
The successful intern may:
- Research and analyse French policy developments
- Prepare reports and briefings for colleagues in London
- Contribute to strategic stakeholder engagement
- Support relationships with think tanks and policy experts
- Assist with Embassy events and high-level meetings
- Work with colleagues across the FCDO
- Work with the Ministry of Defence and Cabinet Office
- Support the wider UK Government network
This area is particularly suitable for candidates interested in international relations, global affairs, migration, security and public policy.
📣 3. Communications and Engagement Team
The Communications and Engagement Team supports the UK Government’s communications and public diplomacy work across France.
The team works with colleagues in Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux and Marseille.
Its areas of work include:
- Media relations
- Media engagement
- Social media
- High-profile visits
- Public diplomacy
- Cultural engagement
- Flagship events
The successful intern will primarily support the Europe Regional Programme Fund, helping coordinate projects that advance UK priorities and strengthen UK-France relations.
What could you be doing?
Responsibilities may include:
- Supporting programme and project management
- Monitoring project delivery and outcomes
- Monitoring financial compliance
- Maintaining programme documentation
- Supporting governance meetings
- Providing secretariat support
- Working with external partners and stakeholders
- Working with media organizations
- Supporting public diplomacy events
- Conducting media monitoring and analysis
- Supporting social media and communications activities
- Supporting high-level visits
- Assisting with major diplomatic engagements
This role may particularly suit candidates interested in communications, project coordination, relationship management, public diplomacy and event delivery.
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🎓 Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience
The British Embassy is looking for candidates who demonstrate the following:
Language Skills
Applicants must have excellent French and English language skills, both written and spoken.
A minimum of C1 level under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required.
Language skills may be assessed during the interview process.
Internship Agreement
Applicants must have an internship agreement known as a “Convention de stage.”
Relevant Interests
Candidates should have an interest in one or more of the following:
- Europe and the European Union
- Migration
- Communications
- International relations
- Politics
- UK-France bilateral relations
Other Skills
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Strong research skills
- Resourcefulness
- Initiative
- Excellent communication skills
- Teamwork
- Strong organizational skills
- Attention to detail
- Drive and enthusiasm
- Flexibility
- Ability to work in an international environment
- Ability to support a wide range of Embassy priorities
- Confidence using Microsoft Office
🧠 Required Behaviours
Applicants should demonstrate the following Civil Service behaviours:
Delivering at Pace
The ability to organize work effectively, meet deadlines and deliver high-quality results.
Working Together
The ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, stakeholders and diverse teams.
💰 Salary and Benefits
The FCDO internship offers a monthly gross salary of €1,000.
In addition, staff receive a meal contribution.
The position is a full-time internship based on a 35-hour working week.
The France Network also places a strong emphasis on learning and development. The successful intern may benefit from learning opportunities offered through the Diplomatic College and Civil Service learning, as well as informal development opportunities within the Embassy.
📍 Where Is the Internship Located?
The internship is based at the British Embassy in Paris, France.
The team works flexibly, including some remote working. However, under the current policy, the successful candidate is expected to work from the office at least 60% of the week, and more frequently when required.
📅 Application Deadline
2 September 2026 at 23:55
Applicants are strongly advised to submit their applications early and allow enough time to complete and submit the full application.
The deadline is based on the time zone of the country where the vacancy arises.
🛂 Visa and Work Permit Requirements
Applicants must currently have an independent right to live and work in France.
Candidates must also be prepared to maintain that right throughout the duration of the contract.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that they meet all legal requirements to live and work in France.
🔐 Security Clearance and Background Checks
All appointments are subject to satisfactory professional background checks and security clearance.
Successful candidates will be required to provide:
- A copy of their passport or national identity card for all nationalities held
- An up-to-date criminal record (casier judiciaire) for recent countries of residence
- Two written proofs of address, such as utility invoices or bank statements
- Two references
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📄 Application Requirements
Applications must be:
- Submitted in English only
- Clear about all nationalities held
- Authentically written based on the applicant’s own experience
The Embassy states that applicants should ensure that their application reflects their own professional journey, experiences and achievements.
If AI tools are used, their use must be limited to specific tasks such as formatting consistency and keyword relevance. Personal narratives and responses to behaviour and skills-based questions must genuinely reflect the applicant’s own experience.
⚠️ Important Information for Applicants
This internship is not an entry point into the UK’s Diplomatic Service.
The advertised start date of 2 November 2026 is an expected date and may change depending on various factors.
The British Diplomatic Missions will not cover travel costs for interviews or relocation costs if a candidate is offered the position.
The successful candidates will be subject to professional background checks and security clearance.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FCDO Interns position?
The FCDO Interns position is a full-time, fixed-term internship at the British Embassy in Paris, France, supporting policy, political, security, communications and diplomatic work.
How many FCDO Intern vacancies are available?
There are three vacancies available.
Where is the FCDO internship located?
The internship is based at the British Embassy in Paris, France.
What is the salary for the FCDO internship?
The salary is €1,000 gross per month, plus a meal contribution.
How long is the internship?
The internship has a duration of five months.
How many hours per week will interns work?
The position is based on a 35-hour working week.
What languages are required?
Applicants need excellent written and spoken English and French, with a minimum C1 CEFR level.
Do applicants need a Convention de stage?
Yes. Applicants must have an internship agreement (Convention de stage).
Do I need the right to work in France?
Yes. Applicants must currently have an independent right to live and work in France and must maintain that right throughout the contract.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 2 September 2026 at 23:55.
When is the expected start date?
The expected start date is 2 November 2026, although this may change.
Can I apply if I am interested in communications?
Yes. One of the three available teams is the Communications and Engagement Team, which works on media, public diplomacy, social media, projects and high-level visits.
🌟 Who Should Apply?
This internship could be particularly suitable for students and graduates interested in:
International Relations | Diplomacy | European Affairs | Public Policy | Politics | Communications | Public Diplomacy | Migration | National Security | Foreign Affairs | International Development
Candidates from diverse academic and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply, provided they meet the stated requirements.
📌 Final Thoughts
The British Embassy FCDO Interns 2026 opportunity offers a valuable chance to gain practical experience within an international diplomatic environment in Paris.
With three internship positions available across political and economic affairs, national security and foreign policy, and communications and engagement, applicants can pursue an area that aligns with their interests and skills.
However, candidates should pay particular attention to the C1 English and French language requirement, Convention de stage requirement and independent right to live and work in France before applying.
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