View Vacancy - BK - Senior Political Analyst C4 (L)
Main purpose of job
The principal source of advice in the Embassy on what is happening in Thai politics and foreign policy, the implications of those events, the key players/institutions and longer-term trends.
Roles and responsibilities
- Proactively provide impartial analysis, reporting and advice on Thai domestic politics, Thai foreign policy and aspects of the bilateral relationship;
- Maintain and extend Political Section’s network of contacts with government, parties, academics and civil society: use that network creatively to get to the people we need to speak to quickly and effectively;
- Work with, and in support of, teams across the mission to help deliver wider Embassy objectives: tailored research for other sections; high level visits; advice on issues of protocol and etiquette;
- Represent the Embassy in meetings with contacts and at public events; occasionally act as interpreter at high level meetings;
- Contribute fully and constructively to the change and corporate agenda as the Embassy moves to new office premises.
Essential on arrival
- At least 2 years’ professional experience in a field closely linked to Thai domestic politics and foreign policy; an established range of contacts in these fields
- Ability and readiness to combine short, sharp reporting on fast-moving issues and in-depth analysis of longer term trends
- Confidence and credibility to engage with senior Embassy external contacts
- Ability to think creatively, to challenge assumptions and play a meaningful part in shaping of policy
- Ability to work proactively with limited supervision, and to deliver under pressure
- Discretion and an ability to maintain political impartiality in official dealings
- Track record in delivering in working effectively as part of a team; and of cooperating with other teams to deliver organisational objectives
- Caring, inspiring line manager, able to convey the bigger picture of organisational priorities
- IT competent and ready to adapt to new office technologies
- Knowledge of, and interest in, the UK, its political system and place in the world
Full time role (36 hours/week, Monday to Friday). Flexible working available (Embassy core hours are 1000-1600 Mon-Thurs and 1000-1300 Friday).
In crisis/emergency situations work as required to support the Embassy response (sometimes on a shift pattern working unsociable hours)
This job is suitable for flexible working patterns, subject to operational requirements.
Please note that your application must be submitted before 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”.
Incomplete application forms will not be taken into consideration, so please ensure you provide the information requested. We regret to advise that we will only be contacting short-listed candidates. Applicants called for an interview will be assessed on the core competencies listed above.
Indicated start date is provisional and subject to successful completion of reference and security checks.
To those applicants not short-listed, we extend our appreciation for considering the British Government as a potential employer.
Reminder for existing Embassy staff who will be interested to apply:
Along with the completed online application form, candidates should upload their last two years End of Year Appraisals if applicable. If applicants have been employed for less than twelve months, they will need to provide permission from their Head of Section to apply and should attach this to their application.
Guidance on completing competency based application forms and sitting Interviews can be found on the BE Website and also on the Civil Service Learning portal, Virtual Ashridge portal and Goodpractice.net (both accessed through the CSL). Staff are strongly advised to refer to these.
We recommend all applicants to understand the Civil Service competences before applying for any role and in preparation for interviews. For more information, you can visit our website - https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-embassy-bangkok/about/recruitment.
Kindly check your application centre or email regularly for any update on the status of your application.
British Embassy Relocation
In late 2019/early 2020, the Embassy will be moving from the current premises on Wireless Rd to new accommodation in the Sathorn area.
The British Government is an inclusive and diversity- friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.
Embassy Vision and Values:
VISION: What do we want to build?
A better, safer, more prosperous world for Britons and Thais alike.
MISSION: How will we achieve this?
By championing UK values and delivering tangible benefits to individuals, businesses and society: through quality service, effective partnerships and local expertise.
VALUES that underpin our work
Courage: In our approach to our work: supporting innovation, creativity and taking calculated risks in solving problems; encouraging challenge and welcoming diverse perspectives; honesty in acknowledging and learning from mistakes.
Ambition: In the challenge we set ourselves: Striving to be excellent in the quality of service we deliver; inspiring our teams, colleagues, customers and stakeholders; passionate about our purpose.
Generosity of spirit: Kindness in our daily actions and conversations; openness to differing cultures, ideas and opinions; understanding of differing styles and honest mistakes to build a culture of support.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
