At a Glance
- Tasks: Support public health policy work and engage with parliamentarians on dietary health.
- Company: Join the Obesity Health Alliance, a coalition of top health organisations.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, inclusive environment, and valuable experience in public health.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on UK health policy and learn about the political system.
- Qualifications: Passion for public health and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Help shape the future of public health policy. Dietary‑related ill health is one of the biggest challenges facing the UK, and bold government action is urgently needed to fix our unhealthy food system. The Obesity Health Alliance (OHA) – a coalition of leading health organisations including Cancer Research UK, the British Heart Foundation and the medical royal colleges – works to influence government policy on healthy weight, prevention and treatment. We’ve helped secure major wins such as the Soft Drinks Industry Levy, tougher restrictions on junk food advertising, and curbs on fast‑food outlets near schools. Now we’re looking for an Intern to join us at a pivotal moment.
About the role
Reporting to the Government Affairs Lead, you’ll support OHA’s public affairs and policy work – including our role as Secretariat to the All‑Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Dietary Health. You’ll help us engage parliamentarians, track political developments, draft briefings and communications, and support our social media and external engagement. This is a great opportunity for someone who cares deeply about improving population health and wants to learn more about public health policy and the UK political system.
What you’ll be doing:
- Supporting the running of the APPG on Dietary Health
- Drafting briefings, notes and communications for political and external audiences
- Monitoring political and policy developments and summarising key issues
- Taking minutes and supporting meetings with parliamentarians and stakeholders
- Helping coordinate work across OHA’s coalition members
- Supporting OHA’s social media and external communications
About OHA
The Obesity Health Alliance (OHA) is a coalition of more than 70 leading health organisations working together to influence government policy on healthy weight. Hosted by Diabetes UK, we bring together charities, medical royal colleges, academic experts and professional bodies to advocate for evidence‑based action on the food environment. Our mission is to secure meaningful, lasting change that improves the health of the UK population.
Application Process
We have a friendly and inclusive working environment at Diabetes UK and are proud of our hybrid approach which allows great flexibility in the way that we work. This means that you can balance your working time between home and the office, subject to the needs of your role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Obesity Health Alliance Intern - 12 month FTC in London
✨Get Involved in Local Initiatives
Dive into your local community by participating in initiatives or volunteering for local government projects. This not only showcases your dedication but also offers networking opportunities with current employees who might know about internship openings at places like Diabetes UK.
✨Engage in Campus Events
Universities often host career fairs and talks with representatives from public sector organisations. Attend these events to connect directly with recruiters from Diabetes UK and gain insights into what they look for in their interns. It’s a great way to make a memorable impression!
✨Follow Government Social Media Channels
Stay updated by following local government and public service accounts on platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn. They often post about upcoming internship opportunities and valuable events you can attend to further expand your network, making you more visible to places like Diabetes UK.
✨Utilise University Career Services
Make use of your university’s career services to find tailored internship opportunities in the government sector. They often have exclusive listings and can guide you through the application process, so don’t hesitate to ask for help in finding your place at Diabetes UK!
We think you need these skills to ace Obesity Health Alliance Intern - 12 month FTC in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Public Service:When you're applying for an internship in the government or public sector, it’s super important to convey your motivation for serving the community. In your cover letter, share a personal story or experience that ignited your passion for this field. Let us know why government work matters to you!
Use the Right Language and Format:Government applications often have specific guidelines, so make sure to keep your CV and cover letter formal yet clear. Use bullet points and straightforward language – it’s all about being concise. And don't forget to highlight any relevant coursework or volunteering, especially if it relates to public policy or community service!
Include Relevant Academic Achievements:As this is an internship, we're really looking for candidates who are passionate and eager to learn. Be sure to list any grades, projects, or modules that relate to public administration or social sciences. This shows you have foundational knowledge and you're ready to dive deeper into the field with us!
Tailor Your Application to Diabetes UK:Just like we love to personalise your learning experience at StudySmarter, we want to see how you can bring that same energy to Diabetes UK. Research our mission and values, and reflect these in your application. Mention any specific projects or initiatives by Diabetes UK that resonate with your goals or interests and show us how you can contribute!
How to prepare for a job interview at Diabetes UK
✨Understand the Public Sector Landscape
Dive into the specifics of the government and public sector. Familiarise yourself with current policies, recent reforms, and key issues affecting your area of interest. This shows your genuine interest and gives you a leg up when discussing your motivations.
✨Master Key Competencies
Focus on the competencies essential for a government internship, such as analytical thinking, communication skills, and teamwork. Be ready to share examples from your studies or any community work that demonstrate these abilities in action.
✨Showcase Your Enthusiasm for Learning
As an intern, we know you'll be expected to learn and grow. Prepare to discuss what attracts you to this internship at Diabetes UK and how you plan to make the most of the experience. They’ll want to hear about your eagerness to contribute and learn.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions where you'll need to think on your feet. These may revolve around public accountability or ethical dilemmas. Practising these types of questions can help us put your critical thinking skills to the test, which is key for your role.
