View Vacancy - Political Officer

The British Embassy in Tunis currently has a vacancy for a Political Officer, Grade – B3 (L) to start as soon as possible.

Main purpose of job:

This is a critical position within the Embassy, working towards UK objectives to support Tunisia and to build a strong bilateral relationship.

We are looking for a dynamic self-starter who has an excellent understanding of Tunisia’s system of government, domestic and foreign policy, internal politics and history. You will be the Embassy’s resident expert advising British diplomats how best to engage and develop cooperation with Tunisia. You will have regular contact with the Ambassador and Deputy Head of Mission. You will also be responsible for developing and maintaining a large range of senior contacts across Tunisian government, politics and civil society.

We are particularly interested in applications from candidates who have the energy to make new contacts, creativity to try new approaches and the analytical skills to understand and explain the fast-paced political changes in Tunisia.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Providing high quality reporting on political developments in Tunisia and their implications for UK interests, independently and in coordination with Embassy colleagues;

• Keeping abreast of and providing analysis on elections, the political economy, human rights and migration.

• Building a network of contacts across the Tunisian government, think tanks, academics, civil society and media;

• Strengthen the Embassy’s understanding of the key challenges facing Tunisia

• Lobbying on key priorities for the UK when necessary;

• Arranging and supporting visits and meetings for the Ambassador, UK ministers, senior officials and Parliamentarians;

• Advisory role for governance and human rights projects

• Management of the Chevening scholarship programme

• Supporting the wider Embassy team as required, including as deputy political manager for the Embassy’s crisis response team

• Possibility of line management of temporary staff

Key competencies required:

• Seeing the Big Picture – is about having an in-depth understanding and knowledge of how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives and the wider public needs.

• Collaborating and Partnering - People skilled in this area create and maintain positive, professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people within and outside the Civil Service to help get business done.

• Delivering at Pace - Effectiveness in this area means focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes.

• Engaging Internationally - Effectiveness in this area is about leading internationally, engaging our staff, contacts and international partners to help deliver UK Government objectives. Understanding UK Government aims in the wider UK and international context and developing productive relationships with those external contacts and partners to help deliver UK objectives.

• M.A in International Relations, Politics, or other relevant subject area

• Excellent knowledge and understanding of Tunisia’s political scene and interest in current affairs

• Excellent communication skills including in English, French and Arabic

• Strong research, analysis and reporting skills

• Problem-solving and efficient administrative skills

• Ability to work as part of a team and independently

• Experience of working in a governmental or international environment

• Proven ability to prioritise, handle multiple tasks and respond quickly to changing circumstances

• Working IT skills and literacy in Microsoft office (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).