Former Downing Street director of communications Andy Coulson has taken the first steps to rehabilitate his career, with a new consultancy role.

After resigning his post in January under intense media scrutiny of his role in the News of the World phone hacking scandal, Coulson has maintained a low profile.

But now after an eight-week break, he has taken on a brief as communications adviser to One Young World, a Euro RSCG-owned body describing itself as the “premier global forum for young people of leadership calibre”.

One Young World organises an annual forum “to connect and bring together the youngest, brightest and best and to ensure that their concerns, opinions and solutions are heard”.

According to Kate Robertson, co-founder of One Young World, Coulson will provide strategic communications advice on an ad hoc basis. Robertson is UK group chairman of Euro RSCG Worldwide, and set up One Young World with David Jones, chief executive of Havas.

Coulson has consistently denied any knowledge of the alleged wrongdoing at the News of the World.