Policy trainee

A think tank is a research organisation that aims to influence government policy making. Green Alliance is a specific type of think tank; many are focused on supporting a particular party or part of the political spectrum, but Green Alliance is politically neutral and focused on policy that improves the environment. It draws up strategies for achieving change internally and with other organisations, doing research for reports and roundtables, and then meeting MPs and civil servants to persuade them to take action. Among other things, staff regularly talk to ministers, appear in newspaper articles and on TV and radio and give evidence to parliamentary select committees. This an exciting traineeship opportunity to develop your professional skills and prepare to take your next step in the environment sector. You will gain experience and knowledge in at least two environmental policy areas (Resource Stewardship, Greening the Economy, Natural Environment or Low Carbon Future). Key activities

• You will learn about researching and summarising data and information on environmental policy issues, through carrying out research within projects
• You will develop writing skills by contributing to reports and briefings and, as part of this, you will gain skills in editing your own work and fact checking
• You will support effective relationships and communications with other organisations and external partners, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs), MPs and other organisations
• You will attend internal and external meetings, sometimes taking minutes and building relationships with Green Alliance's network
• You will grow your skills in communication and presenting, by drafting copy for internal and external uses, and by providing a short presentation to the team towards the end of your placement
• You will see the policy team in action, contribute to debates among the team, and learn to collaborate as people develop new ideas.
  
  Enthusiasm for supporting Green Alliance's vision of a green and prosperous future for all
• Interest in growing your understanding of politics in the UK and how environmental policy is developed
• Those new to the workplace are welcome, but if you have experience of working in an office environment or the wider workplace, or as a volunteer we would love to know about it
• If you have any knowledge of politics, climate change or nature, through your studies, a professional role or through volunteering please provide brief details
• Demonstrable skills in research and writing that you would like to develop
• Diligent and proactive in your approach, with an ability to use your initiative
• Good attention to detail
• Ability to read and summarise complex information
• Collaborative: be able to work as part of a team and demonstrate good interpersonal skills
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to prioritise work and be flexible when plans change
• Good IT skills, with confidence using MS Office software platforms such as Word and Excel
• Confident in asking for clarification when not clear
• Ability to compromise and work in a non-partisan way
• At least five GCSEs including English and Maths graded five to nine (A-C).
  
  Green Alliance is a charity and independent think tank, committed to achieving a greener future. It plays a central role in shaping environmental thinking in the UK and are known for its cross party influence, the clarity of its insights and the quality of its reports, briefings, events and podcasts.