Digital Communications Intern - Scaling Innovation Practice (London, UK)
London
International – Scaling Innovations /
Intern /
Hybrid
Results for Development (R4D) is a leading non-profit global development partner. We collaborate with change agents around the world — government officials, civil society leaders and social innovators — to create strong systems that support healthy, educated people. We help our partners move from knowing their goal to knowing how to reach it. We combine global expertise in health, education and nutrition with analytic rigor, practical support for decision-making and implementation and access to peer problem-solving networks. Together with our partners, we build self-sustaining systems that serve everyone and deliver lasting results. Then we share what we learn so others can achieve results for development, too.
We have a unique and vibrant culture at R4D. Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the heart of our work environment and help advance our mission. Diversity—of ideas, identities, perspectives and backgrounds—is vital to who we are and what we do. We seek people who embrace these values and will help reinforce them. Our work culture is collaborative, creative and entrepreneurial. We operate based on trust and respect. Teams across the organization frequently collaborate on programmatic work and support each other in continuously building a better R4D.
About the Innovation Practice
Finding innovative solutions to complex development challenges is essential to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and enable billions to overcome hardship. Innovations in health, education, agriculture, finance, and other sectors have been vital in driving the life-saving and life-improving breakthroughs of recent times. Where inadequate practices slow progress, more effective approaches need to be found.
Through R4D’s wider programming, our Scaling Innovation practice connects with a wide diversity of actors at global, regional and country levels committed to doing development differently. In partnership, we facilitate the design, testing and scaling of new solutions to complex challenges. We also provide thought leadership through our unique position managing highly respected global innovation initiatives such as the International Development Innovation Alliance (IDIA) a collaboration platform which brings together the innovation departments of leading development agencies, and the Million Lives Collective, a global, multistakeholder network of actors committed to promoting proven, impactful innovations and supporting their further scale-up to address development challenges..
R4D is seeking a motivated and creative Digital Communications Intern to join our Innovation Practice, based in London, UK. This position represents an exciting opportunity to work with a highly collaborative team which embraces innovation and learning together, working across a number of different programmes.
As a Communications Intern, you will play a key role in helping to build, moderate, and grow an engaging and vibrant digital community for our IDIA members and training alumni. You will assist with content planning and posting, contribute ideas to improve engagement, and ensure the platform remains a welcoming and active space for members. Working closely with our Senior Communications Associate, you will also assist in the creation and dissemination of compelling multimedia content, including quarterly newsletters, blogs, graphics, webpages and social media campaigns.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong communication skills, an eye for design, and a passion for fostering meaning online engagement to make an impact and gain practical experience in a mission-driven organisation.
What you’ll gain
R4D’s internships are designed to provide an opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge and training about our programs and projects in developing countries as well as supporting areas of R4D. Through this opportunity you will gain:
o Hands-on experience in online community building, digital communications and content creation.
o A platform to develop professional skills and expertise in strategic communications, engagement and events planning.
o Opportunities to contribute creative ideas and see them brought to life.
o Understanding of latest topics in development innovation, and exposure to a range of actors, including multilateral agencies, private foundations and social innovators.
o The role will report to the Senior Communications Associate (based in London).
Responsibilities
Responsibilities will vary from project to project, but will likely include a combination of:
Online digital community engagement
o Assist with the setup and maintenance of a digital community platform for IDIA members and training alumni.
o Collaborate with the communications team to brainstorm and implement creative strategies to engage our audience and drive platform usership
o Identify and foster opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and knowledge sharing between community members and groups
o Source relevant and engaging multimedia content for the platform, including member blogs, events and knowledge and learning resources
o Develop digital communications assets, including graphics, banners and posts to promote the platform via social media/email
o Support in ensuring regular and timely content updates to the platform,.e.g. uploading new knowledge and learning resources, announcing upcoming events and opportunities, and issuing member updates etc.
o Track engagement metrics and stay updated on latest digital community best practices and trends.
Communications
o Formatting of newsletter content, ensuring clarity and consistency.
o Draft, edit and format LinkedIn posts working from provided outlined or source materials.
o Assist in maintaining and updating website content in line with house style and brand.
o Design digital communications assets, including graphics, flyers and banners for web and social media.
o Help ensure content maintains a consistent visual and editorial style.
o Maintain email communications with MLC members
o Monitor digital engagement and provide recommendations for improvement and outreach.
Innovation Practice contribution
o Attend regular Innovation Practice team meetings
o Contribute to the development and implementation of the Innovation Practice Communications and Engagement Strategy.
o General administrative tasks such as database updates, knowledge management and logistics support.
o Source opportunities for communication of wider innovation team impact through external communications via the R4D website, social media, blogs and newsletters.
Qualifications and experience
o Strong written and verbal communication skills.
o Comfortable navigating digital tools, online forums and social media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Facebook Groups, WhatsApp etc.).
o A genuine interest in social media, with the ability to engage with and create content for platforms such as LinkedIn and Instagram to build community, online presence and increase visibility.
o Creative mindset with a keen eye for digital trends and storytelling.
o Excellent copy-editing and proofreading skills with strong attention to detail.
o Organized and proactive, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and competing deadlines.
o Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a remote/team environment.
o Proficiency in MS Office, Outlook and Google Drive
o Basic graphic design skills and experience with creative tools such as Canva for designing engaging social media graphics, banners, infographics and other visuals.
o Candidates must be legally authorised to work in the UK.
Preferable but not essential
o Currently pursuing / recently completed a degree in Communications, Marketing, Media Studies or a related field.
o Interest in social justice, international development, or global health, although prior experience in the sector is not a requirement.
o Experience in content creation, including graphic design, video editing and blogging.
o Familiarity with website editing (HTML, WordPress, or other CMS).
Compensation and Length of Internship:
This internship will be for 3 days a week (24 hours), but flexible arrangements could be considered.
This role is a hybrid position, with a mix of remote work and in-office days. Interns are expected to work from our London office at least one day per week. Additional in-office days may be required based on team needs or business priorities.
The internship will be for a period of 6 months.
With many of the initiatives in our portfolio at an exciting stage of their development / implementation, we are eager to find someone who can start as soon as possible. As a result, we will be interviewing candidates on a rolling basis as we receive strong applications.
€13.85 - €13.85 an hour
Results for Development is an EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled/Affirmative Action Employer committed to fostering
and nurturing an energetic, collaborative and diverse workforce. R4D provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits.
