Broadening Horizons Intern - International Engagement - London in Hackney

The Broadening Horizons intern will join the Royal Society of Chemistry's International Engagement team and contribute to the delivery of activities for the Pan Africa Chemistry Network (PACN). The PACN strengthens chemical science capacity across Africa, supports researchers in addressing local and global challenges, and integrates African chemistry into the global scientific community. Working with scientists throughout Africa, the PACN focuses on connecting people, building skills, enabling collaboration, and hosting events and activities that showcase research in critical areas such as environment, energy, food, health and water.

This 10-week placement offers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working on an international programme, supporting a major scientific event, and contributing to the visibility and impact of a longstanding capacity-strengthening initiative in Africa. The intern will work closely with the Africa team throughout the placement, receiving strong support and guidance, as they contribute to an active period for the PACN.

This internship directly supports RSC's organisational objectives, by:

• Delivering a high-impact PACN Congress aligned with RSC core priorities, increasing visibility and influence to shape funding campaigns and expand international engagement.
• Ensuring chemists in the Global South are engaged and empowered, strengthening inclusion in the global chemistry community.

The internship will focus on three main areas:

• Refreshing and updating the PACN website: You will review outdated webpages, draft refreshed text, source current images that reflect recent PACN activities, and work with the RSC web team to implement content and structural updates. This work will help ensure that the PACN's digital presence is accurate, modern and accessible.
• Creating and implementing a PACN promotional social media campaign: You will review existing assets and create new visual and written materials, including LinkedIn posts, website content and short visual summaries. This campaign will help increase the visibility of PACN activities and highlight the impact of the network across Africa. As part of this work, you will use and further develop your communication and social media skills to produce engaging, audience-appropriate content.
• Supporting delivery of the PACN Congress: You will play a key role in coordinating logistics for the Early Career Chemists attending the Congress. This will include managing communications, supporting workshop allocations, gathering information for travel arrangements, and liaising with colleagues and the travel agent. This provides valuable experience in international event preparation and stakeholder engagement.

Throughout the internship, you will support the International Engagement team more broadly as needed, contributing to activities that strengthen the RSC's partnerships across Africa and enhance the visibility of PACN's programmes and impact.

Essential skills and attributes:

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks with varying deadlines.
• Good written communication skills, with an understanding of tailoring content for different audiences.
• Confidence using social media platforms (especially LinkedIn) to communicate professionally and promote scientific activities.
• Attention to detail to ensure outputs are accurate and of a high standard.
• An interest in international collaboration within science and in contributing to a more inclusive chemical sciences community.
• A proactive and positive approach to learning, problem-solving and working with others.
• Confidence in working independently while seeking guidance when needed.

At the RSC, we recognise the benefits of a diverse workforce and welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds to apply. We particularly encourage applications from disabled and ethnic minority candidates.

As a part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we endeavour, where possible, to offer an interview to candidates meeting the essential criteria of the role, who have a substantial physical/mental impairment which impacts their ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. We are committed to making our recruitment processes accessible to all and as part of this, we are flexible in the ways we give and receive information.