LONDON, UK – June 11, 2026 – Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, has announced the opening of applications for its 2026-2027 Molchanov Sustainability Internship, a six-month programme designed for early-career professionals seeking to develop skills, knowledge, and networks at one of the world’s most respected think tanks.
The internship, based at Chatham House’s historic headquarters in St James’s Square, London, offers a unique opportunity to gain direct exposure to international affairs research, policy development, and high-level convening. Interns will receive the London Living Wage, currently set at £13.85 per hour, working full-time (35 hours per week) on a six-month fixed-term contract. The programme is scheduled to commence on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
Internship placements across seven programme areas
Successful applicants will be placed into one of seven host teams, each offering distinct exposure to critical global issues. These include:
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Africa Programme – Focusing on political, economic, and security developments across the African continent.
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Environment and Society Centre – Addressing climate change, natural resource governance, and sustainable development.
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Europe Programme / Russia and Eurasia Programme (joint internship) – Covering European security, political dynamics, and relations with Russia and neighbouring states.
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Events team – Gaining hands-on experience in convening high-level workshops, roundtables, and public events.
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Middle East and North Africa Programme – Exploring geopolitical and socioeconomic trends in a strategically vital region.
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UK in the World Programme / US and North America Programme (joint internship) – Examining the United Kingdom’s global role alongside transatlantic relations and American foreign policy.
Comprehensive learning and development experience
Interns will not be relegated to menial tasks. The programme promises direct involvement in project development and delivery across a wide range of topics. Responsibilities include providing background research, drafting documents, taking detailed minutes at meetings, proofreading content, and participating in external engagement.
Writing and communication skills will be honed through exposure to the research publications and editing process. Interns will gain experience as rapporteurs at meetings and learn to craft meeting summaries. They will also develop insights into how a leading policy institute operates, building critical teamwork and collaboration skills while helping to convene high-level events.
Marketing and digital engagement form another key component, with interns learning to build targeted campaigns and create engaging content for newsletters, invitations, and social media platforms.
Mentorship and networking opportunities
Each intern will be assigned a dedicated mentor who will provide guidance, suggest training opportunities, and support personal development throughout the six-month placement. Interns will join a cohort of fellow trainees, sharing experiences and learning together.
Access to Chatham House’s diverse community of world-leading policy experts offers lifelong connections. Interns will have opportunities to meet internationally respected experts at networking events, hear from industry leaders, and attend workshops and events both online and at the institute’s premises. Complimentary membership is also available, subject to a performance evaluation.
Eligibility requirements
To be considered for the Molchanov Sustainability Internship, applicants must meet several essential criteria:
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Reside in the United Kingdom for the entire duration of the six-month internship
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Possess a valid right to work in the UK by the programme start date and for the full contract period
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Be aged 18 years or over
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Be available to start on or shortly after September 8, 2026
Chatham House operates a hybrid working environment, with team members expected to attend the St James’s Square building typically two days per week. The institute does not support international remote working, and virtual internships are not offered.
Application process and important deadlines
The application deadline is 23:59 BST on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 – meaning applications closed yesterday. However, Chatham House notes that applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and candidates will be notified of their application status within eight weeks of the role closing.
Crucially, the institute has issued a firm warning against using artificial intelligence in applications. “We want to hear from you! We can tell the difference between a genuine answer and an AI-generated one,” the announcement states. Using AI risks automatic disqualification.
Chatham House screens candidates anonymously. Personal information will not be visible until an application has been moved forward in the process. Applicants are instructed to exclude any personal or identifiable information from their application answers.
Equal opportunity commitment
Chatham House reaffirms its status as an equal opportunity employer, valuing diversity and encouraging applications from all backgrounds. Candidates requiring adjustments or support during the application process are invited to contact [email protected].
The full job description will not be available once the closing date has passed, and applicants are advised to keep a copy for their own records.
