Intern - Strategy & Risk Advisory - Summer 2026

Are you looking to join an organization that is growing and dynamic? What about a high-energy, collaborative environment that rewards hard work?

J.S. Held is a global consulting firm that combines technical, scientific, financial, and strategic expertise to advise clients seeking to realize value and mitigate risk. Our professionals serve as trusted advisors to organizations facing high stakes matters demanding urgent attention, staunch integrity, proven experience, clear-cut analysis, and an understanding of both tangible and intangible assets.

The firm provides a comprehensive suite of services, products, and data that enable clients to navigate complex, contentious, and often catastrophic situations.

Whether it is honing your skills or building your network, we know that success cannot come without growth. Our programs equip you with the knowledge and training you need to play a valuable role on your team and establish a long-term career.

Are you looking to join an organisation that is growing and dynamic? What about a high-energy, collaborative environment that rewards hard work?

Within J.S. Held, you would be a member of the Strategy & Risk Advisory unit. The unit  provides strategic business intelligence, political risk, and government relations support to a range of international blue-chip clients, while also helping governments in emerging markets to attract trade and investment.

The Strategy & Risk Advisory unit is looking for an outstanding candidate to join our team to contribute to client projects and support the company’s growth. The selected candidate will benefit from: a highly rewarding work environment; an exponential learning curve; exposure to different business sectors in a variety of emerging market jurisdictions; access to the the teams excellent networks, and the international public and private sector communities; and potential opportunities for growth within a world-leading consultancy.               

Job Responsibilities

The intern will support colleagues in conducting our existing work across Strategy & Risk Advisory, expanding our networks, and increasing the volume of business we conduct. Duties will include, but not be limited to:

• Assisting colleagues in monitoring and conducting research on political/economic/business/ESG trends, risks, and developments in key jurisdictions;
• Contributing to the writing of briefings and reports, as well as to client presentations;
• Conducting research as part of due diligence and reputational investigations;
• Contributing to specialist political analysis of particular regions;
• Assisting in the identification of potentially fruitful government, private sector and other stakeholder relationships across key jurisdictions;
• Assisting in the identification of potential new business opportunities for Strategy & Risk Advisory; and
• Supporting Strategy & Risk Advisory senior leadership on special projects and ad-hoc assignments.

Job Requirements

• Currently pursuing, or recently graduated with, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant social science or humanities subject. Such subjects could include, but are not limited to: International Relations, International Development, Politics, Political Economy, and History.
• Excellent research, writing and verbal communication skills;
• A passion for the business-politics nexus in emerging markets and its implications for international investors;
• An interest in environmental, social and governance factors within business in emerging markets;
• Strong organisational skills and an interest in working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment;
• An interest in developing client skills, and an intuition for how Strategy & Risk Advisory can be relevant to different clients and best fulfil their needs; and
• Language skills beyond English are an added advantage, namely French, Arabic, Portuguese, Swahili, Lingala, Luganda, Amharic, Hausa, Xhosa, Twi, Igbo or Yoruba.

Some of the Benefits We Have Include

J.S. Held understands all our employees are people and sometimes life needs flexibility. We work to always provide an environment that best supports and suits our team’s needs.

• Our flexible work environment allows employees to work remotely, when needed

A reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is £14.80 per hour. Any offered salary range is based on a wide array of factors including but not limited to skillset, experience, training, location, scope of role, management responsibility, etc.

 Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have read the J.S. Held Online Privacy Notice and hereby freely and unambiguously give informed consent to the collection, processing, use, and storage of your personal information as required and described therein. California residents can click here to learn more about the personal information we collect and here to learn about additional privacy rights that may be available.

Please explore what we’re all about at www.jsheld.com.

EEO and Job Accommodations

We embrace diversity and our commitment to building a team and environment that fosters professional and personal enrichment is unwavering. We are greater when we are equal!

J.S. Held is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request for a reasonable accommodation, please email [email protected] and include “Applicant Accommodation” within the subject line with your request and contact information.