How to apply for Communications Intern, French / Portuguese

About Concentric Policies

Concentric Policies is a global health policy organization that works with governments, civil society, and citizens to reduce the unhealthy consumption of tobacco, sugar, sodium, and alcohol. What makes them unique is their direct collaboration with policymakers and on-the-ground partners to create evidence-based, culturally adapted solutions. If you're passionate about public health and want to use your language skills to drive real policy change, this is a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of research, advocacy, and international development.

About the role

As a Communications Intern for French/Portuguese, you'll be the bridge between Concentric Policies' research and Francophone and Lusophone government officials and NGO partners. You'll translate policy briefs, interpret high-level calls, and conduct outreach to local organizations, ensuring that critical health policy information is accessible and actionable. This role is impactful because your translations and communications will directly inform policy decisions that aim to curb non-communicable diseases in vulnerable populations.

A typical day

A typical day might involve translating a policy brief from English to French, preparing for an interpretation session with a government official, and reaching out to local NGO partners to schedule a meeting. You'll collaborate with the communications team to ensure messaging is culturally appropriate and impactful, and you'll likely juggle multiple time zones to coordinate with colleagues and partners worldwide.

Who Concentric Policies is looking for

• Fluent in French and/or Portuguese (native or professional working proficiency) with excellent written and verbal communication skills in those languages.
• Has experience or strong interest in public health, policy, or international development, and is comfortable engaging with government officials and civil society organizations.
• Possesses translation and interpretation skills, with the ability to accurately convey complex policy and research concepts across languages.
• Is proactive, culturally sensitive, and able to work independently in a remote, global team environment.

Tips for this application

• Highlight any experience you have translating or interpreting in a policy, health, or international development context—even if it's volunteer or academic.
• Demonstrate your understanding of the health policy landscape in Francophone or Lusophone countries; mention specific examples if you have them.
• Show that you can work with diverse stakeholders: include any experience liaising with NGOs, government, or civil society in your resume or cover letter.
• Since the role is remote and global, emphasize your ability to manage time zones, communicate asynchronously, and work independently.
• If you have writing samples in French or Portuguese (e.g., policy briefs, articles, reports), include them or link to a portfolio.

What to cover in your cover letter

["Your language proficiency and how you've used French/Portuguese in professional or academic settings, especially for translation or interpretation.", "Your passion for public health policy and why you're excited to contribute to Concentric Policies' mission to reduce unhealthy consumption.", 'Any experience you have working with NGOs, civil society, or government officials, and how that prepares you for outreach and liaison tasks.', 'Your ability to translate complex policy concepts into clear, accessible language for diverse audiences.']

Research before applying

• Explore Concentric Policies' website, especially their projects and publications, to understand their approach and the countries they work in.
• Research the health policy landscape in Francophone and Lusophone countries, focusing on tobacco, sugar, sodium, and alcohol control efforts.
• Look up key organizations and NGOs that Concentric Policies might partner with in those regions.
• Familiarize yourself with global health policy frameworks, such as WHO's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, to speak knowledgeably about the context.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you approach translating a policy brief on tobacco taxation for a Francophone government official? Walk us through your process.
• Describe a time you had to interpret or translate in a high-pressure situation. How did you ensure accuracy?
• What do you know about the health policy challenges related to tobacco, sugar, sodium, and alcohol in Francophone or Lusophone countries?
• How would you build relationships with local NGOs and civil society organizations in a new country?
• Why are you interested in working at Concentric Policies specifically, and how does this internship fit into your career goals?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying without demonstrating any actual proficiency in French or Portuguese—this role requires more than just basic knowledge.
• Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention public health, policy, or the specific languages and regions relevant to this role.
• Neglecting to show any experience or interest in working with NGOs, government, or civil society, which is core to the internship.
• Failing to proofread your application materials in both English and French/Portuguese; errors in your target language will be a major red flag.