Intern - Public Policy
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Position Overview & Specifications
Who we are: ICF (www.icf.com) is a consultancy firm with offices in Brussels, the UK, US and worldwide. At ICF, we help governments, regulators and international institutions solve complex problems and improve the quality of life of people around the world. We offer critical insight and rigorous analytical techniques to deliver innovative solutions and thought-provoking analyses for our clients. Working at ICF means applying a passion for meaningful work with intellectual rigor to help solve the leading issues of our day. Smart, compassionate, innovative, committed, ICF employees tackle unprecedented challenges to assist our clients and benefit their constituencies. We believe in collaboration, mutual respect, open communication, and opportunity for growth. Who weβre looking for:
We are looking for an Intern to join our well-established public policy practice within ICF that provides evaluation, impact assessment and research services to the European Commission, in particular DG Migration and Home Affairs and its Agencies (EBCGA, EASO, EU-LISA, CEPOL, Europol and EMCCDA) and other European bodies with a similar mandate (e.g. DG MOVE and transport security, Fundamental Rights Agency, etc.). Our current portfolio of projects reflects the diversity of our work in the internal security, border management, organised crime and police cooperation. Examples of some of our recent projects include: an evaluation of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism, an Evaluation of the Visa Code, a Study on the risks of terrorist financing in non-profit organisations; a Study on improving rail passenger security, an Evaluation of ECHO interventions in Venezuela and relations with UNHCR, an Evaluation of the Frontex Regulation, and other studies for Frontex and EUAA (formerly EASO). The successful candidate will have a background in EU policies in the areas mentioned above, and preferably in evaluation or research context. This includes migration, humanitarian aid, civil protection, the fight against terrorism and radicalisation, the fight against serious and organised crime, cybercrime, anti-drugs policies, protection of public infrastructure, police cooperation, crisis management, security markets, etc. The successful candidate will also have experience with business development and in contributing or coordinating proposals for public sector clients. Ideally, the successful candidate will also have a background in quantitative analysis. What youβll get to do: You will be a core part of our growing and dynamic team of policy analysts, economists and social scientists who have a passion for applying their skills and knowledge in helping our clients solve some of the most complex challenges. You will play a key role in further developing our portfolio and track record in internal security and home affairs area. You will be responsible for contributing to evaluations, impact assessments and feasibility studies mainly, but not exclusively, commissioned by DG Migration and Home Affairs. The role provides an excellent opportunity to demonstrate strong analytical skills, organisational skills and report writing skills. You will have the chance to develop your knowledge and skills further through excellent training and development opportunities. Your main responsibilities will include:
- Undertake qualitative and quantitative research, analysis and data collection activities
- Contribute towards the preparation of proposals and reports for the European Commission, governments, and other EU clients
- Conduct qualitative data collection and analysis (experience with NVIVO an advantage)
- Conduct quantitative data collection and analysis (experience with Excel is essential and SPSS, STATA desirable)
- Arrange, conduct and facilitate interviews, surveys and focus groups
- Accompany colleagues on site visits and to client meetings
- Collaborate closely with other project teams, external partners and stakeholders
- A Bachelorβs degree in economics, social sciences, law, political science, public policy or a related discipline
- Demonstrable interest in internal security, border management and/or organised crime, fundamental rights
- Strong qualitative and/or quantitative evaluation and analytical skills (experience in impact assessments and feasibility studies preferable)
- Knowledge of European policy making process and EU Institutions, experience of working for the European Commission an advantage
- Highly developed, interpersonal skills and self-motivation
- High level of attention to detail and accuracy
- Excellent oral and written English; fluency in at least one additional European language
- Intermediate or advanced computer user skills (Microsoft applications)
- Excellent time management skills and the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to work within multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary teams spread across several countries
- Sound research and business ethics, including the protection of proprietary and confidential information
- Ability to be flexible to handle multiple priorities, and manage a varied workload to achieve agreed deadlines without compromising quality or standards
- Highly developed, interpersonal skills and self-motivation
- High level of attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to demonstrate a can-do approach, as a problem solver and team player
We offer a hybrid working policy, which will provide you with the flexibility to collaborate in the office, as well as in the comfort of your own home, ensuring you are able to successfully deliver the requirements of your role.
To support you, our employee wellbeing hub is designed to provide highly personalised support across a comprehensive range of wellbeing issues, such as mind, body, finances, community, career programs and HR support.
We enjoy celebrating success, which is why we have a competitive recognition program called βYou Matterβ, which awards points as a βthank youβ for your work achievements. These can be spent on a large variety of high-quality items, as well as online or high-street vouchers, all with zero tax payable by the employee.
ICF also offers a range of competitive benefits, which include:
- Single Private Medical Insurance cover with no restrictions on existing conditions.
- Dental insurance and an online GP service.
- 25 days annual leave, plus UK bank holidays (annual leave increases with years of service).
- Pension scheme with 5% of salary employer contribution
- Life assurance paying 4x annual salary and Group Income Protection paying 66% of salary for up to 5 years if you are off work on long-term sick.
- Enhanced parental leave policies, enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental pay.
Candidate Selection & Onboarding Process
Application & Resume Screening
Submit your tailored CV/Resume directly to the talent acquisition portal.
Technical & Competency Interviews
Virtual interviews with the hiring manager and multidisciplinary team.
Formal Offer & Benefits Negotiation
Written agreement outlining compensation, equity, retirement vesting, and relocation allowances.
Onboarding & Corporate Integration
Equipment provisioning, team orientation, and commencement of duties.
United Kingdom Right to Work & Skilled Worker Visa Guide
Employment in the United Kingdom requires legal Right to Work verified under the Home Office Points-Based Immigration System:
Sponsoring employers must hold an active Home Office A-rated Sponsor License and assign a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Role must meet the general minimum salary threshold (Β£38,700) or occupation going rate.
Continuous employment under Skilled Worker status establishes eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 continuous years, leading to British Citizenship.
Candidate Preparation Blueprint: Business Consulting
Based on transatlantic hiring benchmarks for Intern - Public Policy roles across ICF's corporate sector, successful applicants typically excel across three core dimensions:
Demonstrated portfolio evidence, architecture/system design case studies, or validated professional certifications directly applicable to Business Consulting.
STAR method competency responses highlighting cross-functional leadership, conflict resolution, and delivering measurable enterprise ROI under tight timelines.
Total compensation expectation aligned within the benchmarked Salary Disclosed on Application bracket, including retirement vesting and health parity.
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