Internship - Political and Public Diplomacy – DFAT – Copenhagen

Description

About the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) The role of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is to advance the interests of Australia and Australians internationally. This involves strengthening Australia’s security, enhancing Australia’s prosperity, delivering an effective and high-quality overseas aid program, and helping Australian travellers and Australians overseas.

The department provides foreign, trade and development policy advice to the Australian Government. DFAT also works with other Australian government agencies to drive coordination of Australia’s pursuit of global, regional, and bilateral interests.

About the Australian Embassy in Copenhagen

The Australian Embassy in Copenhagen is responsible for advancing Australia's bilateral interests with Denmark, Norway, and Iceland and for providing Australians resident in or visiting these countries with consular and passport services.

Internship opportunity at the Australian Embassy in Copenhagen

The Australian Embassy in Copenhagen is providing multiple internship opportunities in 2026-27. The start dates are flexible, beginning from November 2026, and will be offered throughout the year. As part of our policy team, the successful applicants will help to pursue Australia’s interests in Denmark, Norway and Iceland through research, reporting and helping with high-level visits and events. We will provide mentoring to support successful applicants pursue their international career aspirations.

Please be advised that the Australian Embassy, Copenhagen does not assist with relocation. Any costs associated with taking up the position are the responsibility of the successful candidate.### About the Internship

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain an insight into the operations of an Embassy and develop skills in policy analysis, research, public relations, and digital communications. The successful applicant will be mentored, and there will be opportunities to participate in a range of external meetings, visits and events.

Potential tasks that you may participate in include, but are not limited to:* Undertake research and analysis of political, economic and foreign policy issues in Denmark, Norway, and Iceland.

• Assist by monitoring and reporting on developments with an impact on Australian interests in Denmark, Norway and Iceland.
• Assist with preparation for visits by Australian officials and representatives to Denmark, Norway, and Iceland.
• Assist with the coordination of the Embassy’s social media accounts.
• Assist with public diplomacy activities, including event planning and administration.

Internship Details

The length of the internship can be negotiated based on individual circumstances and study requirements. The internship opportunity may be for up to five months and up to full time hours (37 per week), with a minimum commitment of three months and 15 hours per week.

Successful interns will be offered a monthly stipend of DKK 5,000 (full time equivalent, pro-rated to part time hours if required).### Eligibility

• We are seeking interns who are undergraduate students, recent graduates, or postgraduate students or who have successfully completed at least four (4) semesters of their course.
• Candidates who are completing studies in international relations, political science, business, economics, communications, or similar subjects are encouraged to apply.
• Internships are open to all nationalities.
• Should your application be successful, you will be required to complete a relevant police check before commencement and show evidence of obtaining and maintaining relevant medical, accident and liability insurances over the period of the internship.
• Please be advised that the Embassy does not provide assistance or sponsorship for visas. Non-Danish applicants are expected to obtain and maintain a valid work permit during the internship.

Written Statement

In addition to your curriculum vitae, please attach a written statement to support your claims for the internship. The written statement should be a maximum of 500 words and include succinct, and relevant examples that support your claims against the below criteria:

A. Briefly explain your interest in working at the Australian Embassy in Copenhagen and what understanding you have of the embassy’s work in the region.

B. Demonstrate your ability to work effectively as part of a small team, and with a wide range of stakeholders, demonstrating your initiative and adaptability.

C. Demonstrate your planning and organisational skills and your ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and competing priorities.

D. Demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively, both oral and written skills, and your experience/capacity to contribute to developing the Embassy’s social media presence.

E. Please include your preferred start/end date and preferred working hours per week.

The Human Resources Section based in the Australian High Commission, London is responsible for managing all recruitment processes for Australian Embassies across the region. To apply, please use the 'Apply' button below. Please direct any other queries to recruitment.london@dfat.gov.au.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees are valued. We appreciate the experiences, skills and perspectives of all individuals. We actively encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds who share our values.### About The Commonwealth Government of Australia

The Commonwealth Government of Australia employs staff overseas to perform work for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and other Australian Government Agencies at overseas posts (including embassies, high commissions or consulates).

Locally Engaged Staff (LES) support and complement the professional capacities of Australian Public Service (APS) employees by providing essential in-country knowledge, skills, networks and continuity at overseas posts in over 100 locations. LES form an important part of our global workforce and make a significant contribution towards the Australian Government’s objective of advancing Australia’s national interests.

The Human Resources Section based in the Australian High Commission London is responsible for managing all local job vacancies across the European region. This includes other categories of employment, including Head of Mission Domestic Staff positions usually appointed to work directly to the Ambassador or High Commissioner and assistance with Internship Programmes.

Personal data provided during the recruitment process will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Notice and relevant data protection laws.