View Vacancy - Political and Projects Officer
Main purpose of job:
Reporting on the political and economic situation in country, managing VIP incoming visits, and the public diplomacy and social media of the High Commission. Identifying and overseeing projects in line with the High Commission’s objectives.
Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:
- Development of close working relationships with individuals to ensure the UK remains well informed about political, economic and social issues in St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Reporting details of political, economic and social changes, and lobbying on issues of importance to the UK when instructed.
- In line managing the Office Manager, work to organise events that promote the High Commission and enhance priority issues for the UK e.g. the Commonwealth, human rights, etc.
- Lead on incoming visits including logistical and administrative arrangements for high level, VIP and Royal visits, as well as having input into visit programmes and accompanying others on these calls.
- Develop and maintain contacts with local organisations. Drafting and dissemination of press releases and articles. Preparation of relevant background and speaking notes for media handling and Public Diplomacy work. Lead on social media including producing content for Facebook and Twitter. Work closely with the Regional Communications Officer based in Bridgetown to implement the regional communications strategy in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
- Chevening officer specifically responsible for administering scholarships (UK Government funded study in the UK with the aim of building intercontinental bridges), contact with scholars and the alumni, and organising events to promote the programme.
- Identifying and overseeing projects in line with the High Commission’s objectives.
Resources managed (staff and expenditure):
Line management of 1 x (A2L) full time office manager; counter-signing officer for 1 x S1 driver/labourer.
As we are a new mission the successful candidate must be flexible, pragmatic, and prepared to react positively to change and ready to try new ways of working.
Essential:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Detailed understanding of local political and economic system.
- Strong network of local contacts across the political spectrum and in wider society.
- Excellent organisational, project management, and problem-solving skills;
- calmness under pressure.
- A working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams.
Language requirements:
Applicant must be fluent in written and spoken English.
3-5 years’ experience of Public Communications skills and experience in traditional and digital/social media and/or of working in a British or international environment would be an advantage.
Completion of our internal induction programme, which may include travel to Barbados within the first month.
The standard working hours are 0745-1600hrs Monday to Thursday and 0800-1300hrs Friday.
However, the nature of the High Commission and this role means the successful candidate must be prepared to work flexibly within the total core hours per week (totalling 38hrs including breaks). This will likely mean some evening work each week and occasional weekend work. Overtime or time off in lieu will be granted for any additional hours worked
The UK is currently expanding its diplomatic network with twelve new missions, which includes opening a new High Commission in Kingstown. This is an exciting opportunity to be in the heart of the small team that will open the mission in autumn this year. As we set up and develop our new High Commission, we need staff with a “can do” and flexible attitude to ensure our success. This flexibility means that the nature of the role may change slightly as the High Commission establishes itself. A customer focussed team player with an understanding of basic finance, you will ensure that the office runs smoothly on a daily basis enabling the British High Commission to achieve its objectives.
The FCO and our overseas network is recognised as a good employer, with a robust, fair and transparent performance management and appraisal system to which staff bonuses are linked. We have a good learning and development and organisational culture. We treat people with respect and equality and have a policy of zero tolerance for any form of discrimination, bullying, or harassment.
All applicants must be legally able to work in St Vincent and the Grenadines with the correct visa/status or work permit. Staff members recruited locally by the British High Commission are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law.
Employees who are not eligible to pay local income tax: e.g. certain third-country nationals and spouses/partners of UK diplomats will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount. We will conduct checks of references and security clearances. No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position.
Please note that: any questions you may have about this position will only be answered during interview, incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted (consider your application unsuccessful if you have not heard from us three weeks after the closing date).
The British High Commission is an equal opportunities employers and do not discriminate on grounds of ethnic origin, race, religious beliefs, age, disability, gender or sexual orientation.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
