Governance and Executive Engagement Intern in London

Governance and Executive Engagement Intern in London

London Internship 31161 - 31161 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
C40 Cities

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support high-priority projects in climate diplomacy and governance.
  • Company: Join C40, a global network of mayors tackling the climate crisis.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, 35 days paid leave, flexible working, and parental leave.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth in a diverse and inclusive environment.
  • Why this job: Gain hands-on experience while making a real impact on global climate initiatives.
  • Qualifications: Organisational skills, attention to detail, and passion for climate action.

The predicted salary is between 31161 - 31161 £ per year.

Department: Governance and Executive Engagement

Reporting to: Head of Internal Engagement and Steering Committee

Location: London

Salary: (Intern) GBP £31,161 gross per annum

Term: Fixed Term Contract until 31st March 2027

Background

C40 is a network of nearly 100 mayors of the world’s leading cities, who are working to deliver the urgent action needed right now to confront the climate crisis, and create a future where everyone, everywhere can thrive. Mayors of C40 cities are committed to using a science-based and people-focused approach to help the world limit global heating to 1.5°C and build healthy, equitable and resilient communities.

Diversity statement

C40 is committed to supporting and promoting equity and diversity and creating an inclusive working environment for everyone. We believe that when people with different life experiences are involved in decision-making, we deliver better. We welcome applicants that are diverse in terms of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity and perspective.

Department description

The Governance and Executive Engagement department stewards the Executive Director, C40 Co-Chairs, Steering Committee and Board in their role as ambassadors and decision makers of C40. The department represents the C40 leadership both internally and externally.

Position description:

C40 Cities is looking for a proactive, detail-oriented Intern to join the Governance and Executive Engagement team. You will be working at the very heart of the organisation, supporting the coordination of high priority projects. This position is a fantastic opportunity for an early-career professional to gain hands-on experience working in international climate diplomacy and non-profit governance.

Responsibilities:

  • Support the Co-Chair’s Office (40%)
    • Support to the Co-Chairs office, including tracking, project coordination, scheduling and meeting notes
    • Support to the C40’s Steering Committee Secretariat as required, including developing project timelines, project coordination, creating paper packs
  • Executive Office operations (40%)
    • Support to the fundraising team on tracking, due diligence research, triaging incoming requests and organising team workflows
    • Administrative support on special projects as required
  • Cross departmental support (20%)
    • Provide support to the Priority Initiatives and Events team as needed
    • Quality controlling key documents, including designing slides, formatting documents
    • Ad hoc research tasks as required

Person specification:

  • Highly organised, with proven experience of administrative and project coordination excellence.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while meeting strict deadlines.
  • Comfortable communicating with diverse teams across different time zones and seniority levels.
  • Passionate about C40’s mission.
  • Strong attention to detail, particularly in scheduling, data entry, and record-keeping.
  • Proactive approach to organizing meetings and supporting complex administrative workflows.
  • Discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive information.

Other Requirements:

  • Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK.
  • Moderate travel will be required as part of the role.

C40 offers a comprehensive benefits package to support employee well-being and work-life balance:

  • Paid Time Off: Full-time employees receive 35 days of paid time off annually.
  • Company Close-downs: C40 provides two non-contractual, non-statutory close-down weeks each year.
  • Parental Leave: All employees are eligible for up to 52 weeks of parenting leave.
  • Flexible Working: C40 supports flexible working arrangements.
  • Sick Leave: Entitlement to sick leave increases upon the successful completion of the employee's probation period.
  • Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): Confidential services are accessible for short-term support.

Application process

Interested applicants should submit a curriculum vitae and cover letter. The closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday, 26th August 2026 at 4pm BST.

Governance and Executive Engagement Intern in London employer: C40 Cities

C40 is an excellent employer that values flexibility and work-life balance, offering flexible hours and generous paid time off for its IT Helpdesk Technician role in London. With a collaborative work culture and opportunities for professional growth, employees are encouraged to develop their skills while contributing to meaningful IT projects that support the organisation's mission. The vibrant London location provides a dynamic environment, making it an attractive place for those seeking rewarding employment in the tech sector.

C40 Cities

Contact Details:

C40 Cities Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Governance and Executive Engagement Intern in London

Get Involved with Local Initiatives

Dive headfirst into local nonprofit events or volunteer opportunities. Not only will this give you hands-on experience, but you’ll also meet like-minded folks and potentially get inside info on internship openings or tips straight from the horse's mouth.

Leverage University Resources

Your university career services are gold for finding internships in the nonprofit sector. Check out any early-talent programmes they host—these are often tailored to connect students with local organisations looking for interns. Plus, your institution might have connections that aren't widely advertised.

Network Through Niche Platforms

Join online communities and forums dedicated to social impact projects. Platforms like Idealist or NonprofitAF are perfect for connecting with professionals in the field. Engaging in discussions or sharing your own insights can give your profile a boost and help you stand out when it comes to applying for internships.

Show Your Passion on a Personal Website

If you don’t already have one, create a simple personal website or blog to showcase your experiences and thoughts on social impact topics. Link this in your applications—it shows any potential organisations, including C40 Cities, that you're genuinely passionate about making a difference!

We think you need these skills to ace Governance and Executive Engagement Intern in London

Project Coordination
Administrative Support
Attention to Detail
Organisational Skills
Communication Skills
Research Skills
Time Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for the Cause:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for the nonprofit sector shine through! Share any volunteer experiences or personal projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Let 'C40 Cities' see that you’re genuinely excited about making a difference in the world.

Highlight Relevant Skills:Make sure to tailor your CV to reflect skills that are particularly valued in the nonprofit sector, such as communication, project management, and teamwork. Don't forget to include any coursework, workshops, or seminars that relate to the role, especially if they involve social justice or community engagement!

Craft a Meaningful Personal Statement:For internships in social impact projects, we like to see a personal statement that outlines not just what you've done, but why you care about these issues. Talk about the change you hope to make, and how an internship at 'C40 Cities' aligns with your future aspirations.

Include Examples of Initiative:Internships are all about your potential to learn and grow! We recommend sharing specific examples where you've taken initiative, whether it's starting a campus club focused on social issues or organising community service. This shows that you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and contribute to the mission at 'C40 Cities'.

How to prepare for a job interview at C40 Cities

Show Your Passion for Social Impact

Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for the nonprofit sector. Share any relevant volunteer experiences or projects you've been involved in to show that you're not just looking for any internship, but one where you can make a real difference.

Know the Key Issues and Tools

Familiarise yourself with the current trends and key issues that impact the nonprofit sector. Highlight any experience with data analysis tools like Excel or project management software that might help you contribute effectively to C40 Cities’s mission.

Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect some scenario-based questions that assess how you'd handle real-world challenges in the nonprofit space. Think about examples where you've had to work in a team, overcome obstacles, or manage limited resources – these are golden opportunities to showcase your critical thinking.

Emphasise Your Learning Curve

As it’s an internship, focus on your eagerness to learn and adapt. Discuss what skills or areas you’re looking to develop, and how you believe an internship at C40 Cities could be a stepping stone to your career in social impact. This shows maturity and a willingness to grow.