The Portland Trust is offering an exclusive Summer Policy Internship for Laidlaw Scholars, providing a unique opportunity to contribute to high-impact economic development initiatives in the Middle East. This six-week internship will immerse you in strategic policy research and hands-on implementation across five key workstreams: healthcare infrastructure, insurance, pharmaceutical supply chains, healthcare technology, and medical training programmes.

About The Portland Trust
The Portland Trust is the premier economic development think tank in the Middle East, shaping policy solutions that drive sustainable growth. Through this internship, you will engage directly with senior political figures and private sector leaders, spanning sovereign governments, development finance institutions, and global agencies such as the World Bank, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), and the United Nations (UN). This role is ideal for candidates interested in international development, policy advisory, economic strategy, and consulting.

Why This Internship?
This opportunity aligns with the Laidlaw Scholarship’s commitment to leadership development and impact-driven research, providing you with:
• High-level exposure to policy development at the intersection of government and private sector initiatives
• Real-world problem-solving experience, tackling complex economic development challenges in one of the world’s most dynamic regions
• Mentorship and networking opportunities, fostering career pathways in international policy, finance, consulting, and law

Key Responsibilities

Economic Development & Policy Research
• Conduct research and data analysis to inform healthcare policy initiatives
• Assist in preparing policy briefs, white papers, and implementation roadmaps
• Compile and analyse regional healthcare and economic development data, extracting key insights
• Support the development of strategic reports and presentations for stakeholders

Programme Design & Implementation Support
• Assist in preparing materials for high-level stakeholder interviews
• Coordinate and take notes during working group discussions with policymakers and private sector leaders
• Maintain stakeholder databases and engagement records
• Support project teams in documenting policy frameworks and progress tracking

Administrative & Team Support
• Organise and maintain project documentation and reports
• Prepare meeting summaries and key takeaways for leadership teams
• Support data gathering and monitoring efforts
• Assist with general administrative and logistical tasks as needed

Who Should Apply?
We welcome ambitious, impact-driven Laidlaw Scholars with a passion for economic development, international policy, and strategic problem-solving.

Desired Skills & Experience
• Current undergraduate or graduate student in international development, public policy, economics, or a related field preferred, but the program is degree agnostic
• Strong research, analytical, and writing skills
• Interest in economic policy, healthcare systems, and sustainable economic development
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Regional knowledge of the Middle East is a plus
• Fluency in Arabic (preferred but not required)

Personal Qualities
• Analytical thinker with strong problem-solving skills
• Adaptable, proactive, and eager to take initiative
• Excellent communication and cross-cultural collaboration abilities
• Resilient and able to work in fast-paced environments

How to Apply
To apply, please submit:

1. One-page CV
2. 500-word cover letter outlining your interest, background, and how this internship aligns with the Laidlaw leadership development model.

Email your application to stefanella.julius@portlandtrust.org with the subject:
First Name_Last Name_University_Portland Laidlaw Summer Internship Application

In your email, please include:
• Full name, university, and year group.
• Laidlaw leadership development project title (if applicable).
• Preferred start date (June-July or July-August). We will do our best to accommodate your preference.

Application Deadline: 31 March 2025
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a virtual interview, with final decisions communicated by 30 April 2025.

Location: London

This internship provides an unparalleled opportunity to gain hands-on experience in economic development policy, engage with global leaders, and contribute to solutions shaping the future of the Middle East.