Intern Project Officer

Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI); City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 55,000; Part time

Job summary

The RTPI Scotland team seeks an Intern Project Officer in Edinburgh to support policy, public affairs, research and events, and the Scottish Planner editorial work. The role collaborates with RTPI colleagues to deliver a range of projects while engaging with members and stakeholders.

You will work on policy development, research, public affairs, conferences, webinars, website content, blogs and social media, contributing to RTPI Scotland’s communications and events programme.

Qualifications

• Studying towards or recently completed an RTPI-accredited degree.
• Degree in planning or a related social science (planning, geography, environmental management, economics).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to undertake desk-based research and present findings.

Responsibilities

• Support RTPI Scotland in policy, public affairs, research and events, and the Scottish Planner editorial process.
• Collaborate with RTPI colleagues across Scotland, Policy and Public Affairs, Practice and Research to deliver projects and programmes.
• Assist with member engagement, policy development, events delivery, and communications including conferences, webinars, website content, blogs and social media.

Skills

Strong communication

Desk-based research

Analytical thinking

Project support

Education

RTPI-accredited degree

Degree in planning/geography/environmental management/economics

Job description

Intern Project Officer

£24,479 pro-rata

18 hours per week

Nine-month Fixed Term from January 2027

Edinburgh (with hybrid working)

At the Royal Town Planning Institute (the RTPI), we champion the value of planning in building thriving places and communities. With over 27,000 members worldwide, we support planners at every stage of their career: raising professional standards, shaping planning policy, and proudly awarding chartered status, the highest professional accreditation in UK planning.

For over a century, we have empowered planners to deliver positive impact: creating healthy, inclusive, economically and environmentally sustainable places. As the voice of the profession, we advocate, support, and lead with purpose, professionalism, and passion.

The RTPI is offering a recently graduated or current student planner the opportunity to join the RTPI Scotland team as Intern Project Officer, supporting us in our diverse areas of work, including policy, research and member and stakeholder liaison. It’s an exciting time to join the RTPI Scotland team as Scotland continues to navigate the implementation of planning reforms brought in by the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019, as well as the Scottish Government’s recently announced public service reform agenda. This is your opportunity to be part of an organisation that’s shaping the future of planning and empowering planners to build a better world.

About the role

As RTPI Scotland’s Intern Project Officer, you will support the RTPI, and the RTPI Scotland team in particular, on matters of policy, public affairs, research and events, and editorial of the Scottish Planner. You will work collaboratively with RTPI colleagues in the Scotland, Policy and Public Affairs, and Practice and Research teams, as well as with our various RTPI member committees and networks, to deliver a range of projects and programmes.

In this role, you will support the RTPI Scotland team in member engagement, policy and research development, public affairs, events delivery, and communications activities including; conferences, webinars, website content, blogs, social media, and the production of the Scottish Planner (RTPI Scotland’s quarterly journal).

About you

You will be studying towards, or have recently completed, an RTPI-accredited degree or a degree in a relevant social science discipline such as planning, geography, environmental management or economics.

Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, alongside the ability to undertake desk-based research, analyse information and present findings to a range of audiences.

The successful candidate will be organised, proactive and able to work effectively both independently and as part of a small team. Experience of supporting projects, maintaining websites and social media channels, and contributing to communications and marketing activities would be advantageous.

The RTPI has a positive, supportive and inclusive work environment that actively operates a policy of helping its employees at all levels to achieve professional growth. We seek to foster a collaborative and respectful work environment that promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Closing date: 9 November 2026

Interview dates: W/C 23 November 2026