Expiry: 1st May 2026

This opportunity is offered through the #BlackInterns program, an initiative of Black Professionals UK (BPU). In collaboration with Social Investment Scotland, it aims to provide valuable professional experience within the social enterprise, impact investment, and Charity sectors.

Anyone from Black OR other ethnic minority communities in the UK can apply.

Purpose of role

This is role focused on developing SIS’ response to the climate emergency by developing our first ever Climate Strategy, along with a related Action Plan and – time allowing – implementing key actions. SIS has been developing its environmental and green finance expertise over a number of years (read our Climate Action statement here) and is now ready to develop our first Climate Strategy. We would very much like the intern to lead how the strategy is developed and anticipate some, or all, of the following activities/ responsibilities:

Responsibilities 

• Become familiar with SIS climate actions to date – through reading, videos and a series of meetings with internal teams/ people
• Research strategies, actions and plans undertaken by other social investors and peer organisations in this space
• Augment learning with desk research (SIS has some data) and academic knowledge
• Potentially hold direct conversations with SIS investees to understand their approaches and needs in relation to taking climate action
• Find out existing support services for charities and social enterprises to help them improve their environmental actions, and identify any gaps in this for SIS investees
• Write and present a proposed Climate Strategy to the SIS leadership team; the strategy will recommend SIS overall approaches and actions (including, for example, HR policies, operations, supply chain) and those that could support our investees’ environmental actions.
• The strategy will also consider strategic environmental risk which is an area that the SIS Risk Committee is focusing on this year
• Develop an action plan to deliver on the Climate Strategy.
• Implement Climate actions (time allowing within the 10-12 weeks)

What we’re looking for

• Studies in a relevant field and relevant technical knowledge
• Knowledge of environmental practices, ideally with an understanding how these can be implemented by small fund managers (like SIS), small/ medium sized businesses and charities/ social enterprise responses or actions.
• Curiosity
• Ability to work across remote teams and motivated to work independently
• Team player – open to getting involved in other SIS initiatives over the internship period and attending in-person, team and community events.
• Research, analysis and strategic thinking

 Benefits of working with us 

We challenge our team to deliver their best, and in return, SIS offers:

• A benefits package that includes 39 days holiday (pro-rata for part-time and temporary staff)
• A range of formal and informal training and learning opportunities.
• Flexible working arrangements in line with best practice approaches
• Social events / team outings including an Edinburgh festival show
• Support for training and development in line with individual development plans

REPORTING TO: Head of Impact and Communications

Hours per week:  35 hours

Duration: 10-12 weeks (can be flexible with overall internship duration)

Commencing: Ideally 1 June 2026 (can be flexible on start date)

Remote/Office/Hybrid: Hybrid with access to an office base in Edinburgh, home-working and at other community venues as required

Office Location: Edinburgh

SALARY: £13.45 per hour (Real Living Wage in Scotland)

 

How do I apply?

1.     If you are not already a BPU member, register for free with Black Professionals United Kingdom by following this link https://blackprofessionals.uk/register

2.     Send a CV (2 pages max) and cover letter (250 words max) to workplacements@blackprofessionals.uk.

3.     In the subject field of your application email, simply type “BPU010 – Name” E.g. If your name is John Mensah, kindly type “BPU010 – John Mensah”