Terms: Full-time, minimum 1 year contract 
Salary: London Living Wage (£12.21)
Location: Remote working and quarterly in-person team away days
Start Date: May/June 2025
Line Manager: Project Manager
Closing Date: 27th April 2025

Please note that you must have the right to work in the UK. 

To apply, please submit your application via email to [email protected] with ‘Policy Intern’ in the subject line. Your application should include the following:

• Cover Letter

• CV

Please note that, due to the large number of applications we receive, we are not able to acknowledge receipt of all applications and only shortlisted candidates will be notified. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, you have not been successful.

About BASIC

BASIC is an independent think tank whose mission is to safeguard humanity and Earth’s ecosystem from nuclear weapons risks and interconnected security threats, for generations to come. Founded in 1987, we have 40 years’ experience of convening meaningful dialogues across complex political divides, and a reputation for generating innovative, high-quality research and policy advice.

BASIC sees its role as one of drawing together different perspectives within the nuclear weapons / security debate and pushing the boundaries of policy discussions. We cherish our independence and freedom of speech. We are independent, receive no core funding from any state, and our project work is funded transparently.

BASIC is a fast-paced, inclusive, and rewarding environment in which to work. We have experienced 5x growth since 2017, and our intention is to continue this growth trajectory, and have an exceptionally positive team culture.

Role Description

The policy intern is a highly-motivated early career expert who has a strong sense of affinity with our mission and who has longer term career ambitions to work in disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation. They will have strong core professional skills around drafting, research, speaking and event organisation and will be comfortable working as part of a close-knit and friendly team. They may need training and guidance but can complete tasks independently once instructed, and they should be proactive and fast learners. 

The Policy Intern will support BASIC’s Nuclear Responsibilities Programme in its daily activities and projects, working alongside a team of high-level experts. Responsibilities will include assisting with research, contributing to the organization of Track 2 nuclear risk reduction dialogues, and supporting key Programme initiatives. This role also offers opportunities for publication with BASIC and valuable career development in disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

Project work

• Support event organisation, including drafting invitations, sending out invitations and keeping track of RSVPs
• Organising and coordinating venues, travel, accommodation, catering etc. 
• Providing background research on an issue area
• Coordinating research interviews
• Proofreading and referencing
• Similar tasks as required to support project running

Organisational support

• Provide administrative support as required: liaise with the finance team to pay and process invoices, organise services for the organisation
• Note taking in meetings
• Preparing briefing papers
• Looking after BASIC’s social media and website
• Similar tasks as required to support organisational running
  

Skills and Experience

	Essential	Desirable
Educated to Master level in Social Sciences (especially International Relations, International Security, or History) with a focus on nuclear weapons issues.	x
At least 1 year of work experience in a think tank, research institute, NGO, foundation or government working on international security issues, or related office experience.		x
Passion and commitment to our organisational mission of promoting dialogue to advance global security	x
Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders from a variety of professional and cultural backgrounds and with broad variations in seniority and function	x
Excellent analytical and methodological skills, and an organised approach to research	x
Well-developed interpersonal skills, including evidence of working successfully as part of a team	x
Event organisation experience, especially roundtables, panels or international travel	x
Strong organisational skills and an eye for detail	x
Ability to travel internationally	x
Evidence of strong research and writing skills on relevant topics (i.e. peer-reviewed or op.ed publications)		x