Graduate intern jobs in ,

Job Level   Internship

Location Hybrid – with majority working from home 

Hours  Negotiable and can vary between 21 and 35 hours per week

Start Date                     As soon as possible, ideally starting in August 2025

Contract 3 months (with possible extension)

Background

Lepra is dedicated to addressing leprosy and lymphatic filariasis (LF) and their consequences through direct support, advocacy, and the promotion of inclusive communities. We work in Bangladesh and in India, through our sister organisation, LEPRA Society. We work in partnership with people affected by leprosy and LF to improve detection, ensure access to treatment and care, and promote inclusion and wellbeing. Last year we finalised our new Global Strategy for 2024-30, which will guide us in our efforts to accelerate progress towards global targets for leprosy and LF, and towards our vision of a world free from leprosy and LF.

Job Context

Lepra UK is seeking to expand impactful social research, and the research internship was created to assist with moving forward some key research pieces during the summer 2025. As Research Intern, you will work alongside the Head of Research and a team of research volunteers to complete a systematic evidence review on the experience of children affected by leprosy of stigma, discrimination and mental health responses. You will support the review with screening of articles, data extraction, verification, coding, synthesis and quality assessment. You will join the team two months into the project, taking on various roles to assist with the completion of this project. You will also help with conducting a literature review on the socio-cultural reasons for (non)adherence in multi-drug therapy treatment (MDT). Other tasks will be assigned as they emerge. Your work will provide valuable insight into under-researched fields and will contribute to evidence-based publications, recommendations and programming.

Working Relationships

• Reports to Head of Research in the Programmes and Advocacy Department
• Works as part of a research team in the Programmes and Advocacy Department

Person Specification

Essential

• Current or recent post-graduate in a relevant MSc/PhD programme (or otherwise affiliated to an academic institution) 
• Passion for social causes and global health with high levels of intrinsic motivation/drive
• A desire to excel in high quality outputs with superb attention to detail
• A desire to contribute to published outputs as co-author, with the relevant analytical skills
• Previous experience of literature reviews and/or systematic reviews (Prisma)
• Advanced knowledge of referencing mangers, such as EndNote
• Advanced experience of using Excel spreadsheets for data management

Desirable

• Some understanding of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and/or leprosy
• Prior understanding of stigma/discrimination/mental health in NTDs or other contexts
• Experience of qualitative research (including facilitation skills and data analysis)
• Reading knowledge of Portuguese would be an added advantage given the requirements within the team

Key Responsibilities

1. Research assistance in systematic review: data extraction, verification and synthesis

• Assist with screening of academic articles and relevant literature.
• Extract, verify, and code data according to pre-established criteria.
• Organise and synthesise findings in Excel.
• Implement colour-coded classification of themes within PDF documents in an EndNote library.
• Use CASP checklists to assess the quality of included articles.
• Support the writing of specific sections for submission to a peer-reviewed journal.
• Ensure quality control and consistency in data handling and documentation.

2. Research citation management

• Take responsibility for managing a research library in EndNote, updating references and formatting outputs in line with Lancet/Vancouver style

3. Research assistance in new literature review

• Assist with conducting a comprehensive literature review.
• Search academic databases and grey literature for evidence on complex factors for MDT (multi-drug therapy) (non-)adherence.
• Capture both barriers and enablers including the following categories: social, cultural, emotional, clinical/reactions, systemic/health system, disease knowledge.
• Assist with writing up findings for publication in peer-reviewed journal.

4. Any other tasks as they emerge, potentially involving other written outputs

All contributions to published outputs on the required level of quality and depth will lead to
co-authorship.

Please submit your CV and a maximum one page long Cover Letter, specifying the following in one paragraph each:[DD1] 

1) How you meet the essential criteria.

2) How you meet the desirable criteria.

3) Explain your personal circumstances and preferences (such as preferred start date and availability in terms of length of internship and weekly hours). Include a sentence on how this internship will help you with your career goals.

We offer a lot of flexibility in working practices and there is free reserved parking available when visiting our Colchester office. We also offer 26 days annual leave plus public holidays (pro-rated).

 Please check your email inbox and spam/junk mail folder for any email correspondence for this vacancy.

If you require any reasonable considerations such as access or information in an alternative format, please inform us soon as you are able so that we can make the appropriate adjustments.

The Commonwealth Foundation is mandated by its Member States to advance the interests of Commonwealth civil society. The Foundation seeks to nurture the growth of vibrant and free societies: championing the active and constructive participation of people in all aspects of governance. 

The Advocacy and Creative Programme is central to our mission. While advocacy and creativity are two distinct strands of our work, this new programme signifies our commitment to integrating the arts into our advocacy and vice versa. 

As Senior Manager, Advocacy and Creative Programme, you will have overall responsibility for the Advocacy and Creative Programme. Leading a diverse team of professionals, you will engage with policymakers, build partnerships with national and international entities, connect with storytellers and artists from around the world and play a pivotal role in designing, implementing, and overseeing events and engagements that will take you and your work to the global stage.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Strategic planning: Developing programme work plans for the advocacy and creative programme around the Foundation’s key thematic areas – climate justice, health justice and freedom of expression – and ensuring that our advocacy and creative work is intertwined.
• Project management: Overseeing advocacy and creative initiatives, including planning, budgeting, execution, and learning.
• Stakeholder engagement: Building and maintaining effective working relationships with civil society leaders, senior government officials, diplomats, storytellers and creative practitioners, and other relevant partners.
• Convening civil society: Designing, convening, and nurturing spaces and platforms – both online and in-person – for civil society and artists to amplify their voice and work, discuss, debate and make recommendations for change.
• Cross-programme collaboration: Collaborate with the wider-Foundation, particularly in harmonising our advocacy and creative work with the Foundation’s expanded programme of grants to Commonwealth civil society.
• Event management: Designing and leading impactful platforms and events where civil society can come together and influence policymakers.
• Team leadership: Managing a team of diverse, dedicated professionals, providing guidance and coaching, and fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Monitoring and evaluation: Working with the wider team to track performance against our progress markers and collect evidence so that we can tell our story of change.
• Reporting: Preparing reports for our board of governors and communicating programme progress and impact to our stakeholders.
• Representing the Foundation: Attending and participating in meetings and events nationally and internationally.

We seek an individual with strong knowledge of international development and diplomacy, extensive experience in programme leadership and event management, and a demonstrated capacity to lead a high-performing team. An understanding of the power of art and creative expression is essential, preferably with experience of how the arts can bring about social change. Excellent communication and strategic thinking skills are essential, along with a highly practical, solutions-based mindset. Appropriate tertiary qualifications or additional experience in lieu of such qualifications are required.

The Foundation is proud of our welcoming and accommodating working environment. We strive to be a great place to work.

We offer generous holidays (almost seven weeks a year excluding public holidays). Fifteen percent of your salary is payable tax-free at stipulated periods in lieu of a formal superannuation scheme.

Foundation staff have access to our private health scheme, including dental cover.

We are based in Marlborough House, Pall Mall, central London. We are currently operating a flexible working policy which requires all staff to work from the office at least five days per fortnight including every Wednesday, and applicants must be able to affirm their capacity and willingness to work within this policy.

The Foundation celebrates diversity, and we are proud of our diverse and welcoming team. All qualified applicants already eligible to work in the UK will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital status or pregnancy.

The purpose of the Bookkeeper position at Latin American House is to ensure accurate and timely financial administration, supporting the efficient management and smooth operation of the organisation’s financial activities. This includes processing invoices, tracking payments and expenses, managing financial documentation, and ensuring compliance with both internal policies and external regulations.

The Bookkeeper plays a crucial role in maintaining accurate financial records, assisting with financial reporting, audit preparation, and supporting senior management in overseeing budgets, payroll, and compliance.

By providing essential administrative support, the Bookkeeper upholds the integrity, efficiency, and transparency of LAH's financial processes, contributing to the overall success, sustainability, and governance of the organisation.

Main duties and responsibilities:

1. Maintaining accurate and up-to-date financial records by:
● Accurately recording all financial transactions, including income, expenses, invoices, payments, and receipts, ensuring they are categorised correctly in the financial system
● Regularly reconciling bank accounts, credit card statements, and other financial documents to ensure accuracy and identify discrepancies
● Maintaining and organising all financial documentation, including invoices, receipts, contracts, and financial reports, in accordance with internal policies and regulatory requirements
● Ensuring that all financial data is entered into the accounting system in a timely manner and accurately, and keeping records updated as necessary, reflecting any changes or corrections

2. Supporting organisational income and expenditure processes efficiently by:
● Monitoring and tracking income and expenses across various budgets, ensuring all transactions are in alignment with allocated funds and any restrictions on specific funds
● Processing self-generated income from all LAH activities (e.g., Space rental, hall hire, Saturday School, etc.) by preparing related invoices, ensuring accurate record-keeping, and diligently tracking payment status
● Recording and processing utility bills, ensuring proper allocation of recharges where applicable
● Preparing payments on the CAF Bank platform for approval by authorised signatories

3. Assisting organisational financial compliance by:
● Preparing financial records for audits and financial reporting as required, ensuring compliance with tax laws, charity regulations, and other applicable legal standards
● Maintaining and updating the LAH’s inventory by accurately recording purchases, disposals, and changes in assets, such as IT equipment and furniture
● Assisting with payroll enrollment administration for new starters, ensuring accurate processing and compliance with relevant payroll procedures
● Collaborating with senior management to ensure adherence to LAH’s Financial Policy and internal financial procedures
● Supporting the development and implementation of enhanced financial systems and internal controls to improve efficiency and compliance

4. Other accountabilities:
● Attending team meetings and one-to-ones as required 
● Participating in relevant training or professional development to maintain and
improve financial administration skills 
● Carrying out any other bookkeeping-related duties appropriate to the post, as
agreed with your line manager