View Vacancy - Political Officer - B3, Colombo (maternity leave cover)
"Note : All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online application form including the employment and educational details, motivational segment and competency questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the application forms only for all the required details. Forms that are incomplete in any respect will not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.’’
Please note that due to Covid-19 outbreak, the start date of employment mentioned in the advert is tentative, subject to normal business of British High Commission. All recruitment campaigns will remain open for applications, we will progress the recruitment process as swiftly as possible and continue to review all applications, monitor progress and developments. We will be in touch with you for the interviews/ should there be further updates on the application, however given the circumstances, kindly expect some delay in response and please reach out to SAAD.Recruit@fco.gov.uk if you have any further questions.
Main purpose of the job:
To provide reporting and analysis of developments in Sri Lanka with a focus on the local dynamics in the North and East, minority politics, and freedom of religion and belief.
Roles and responsibilities:
Provide political reporting and analysis on developments in Sri Lanka: (50%)
- Monitoring the situation in the north and east, including political developments.
- Building and maintaining relationships with a broad range of contacts to inform reporting.
- Writing regular balanced reports to inform policy development.
- Providing in depth analysis of issues such as conflict related human rights, Freedom of Religion and Belief and other developments impacting Tamil and Muslim communities.
Support effective delivery of UK objectives on accountability, reconciliation, and human rights, by: (40%)
- Engaging with a range of stakeholders including government, political groups, civil society, NGOs, and local community.
- Planning and delivering successful visits including for senior visitors to the North and East while also providing adequate briefing and post-visit reporting.
Provide Tamil Language Support: (10%)
- Providing support with interpretation when accompanying the High Commissioner, senior visitors and members of the political team to the north and east.
Learning and development opportunities:
The British High Commission offers a range of learning and development opportunities – on the job training, e-learning, job shadowing, and could include visits to Delhi and London for more substantial training courses. This could include opportunities to develop foreign policy skills, communications, human rights, and crisis training.
There is also the opportunity to be involved with the wider work of the High Commission, taking part in change management, communications, business continuity and crisis management planning.
Working patterns:
The job holder will need to be willing and able to work remotely for at least a proportion of their time. The role is suitable for fully remote working if that is the preference of the successful candidate.
Language requirements:
Language: English and Tamil
Level of language required: Fluent
Sinhala would be an advantage.
Other skills / experience / qualifications:
Essential on arrival:
- Excellent command in written and spoken English and Tamil (this will be tested at the interview).
- A thorough understanding of Sri Lankan history, culture and politics.
- An established network of contacts in Sri Lanka, particularly in the North and East.
- Confidence to express ideas clearly and concisely.
- Personal drive and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Flexibility and resilience under pressure.
- Experience of working in an international context.
- Programme experience.
- Communications experience.
For British High Commission (BHC) candidates, the Local Staff BHC Terms & Conditions will apply.
For other than BHC candidates, starting salary will be LKR 119,306 + EPF 12% + ETF 3% per month. Other benefits include 13 month’s salary (pro-rated) and medical insurance coverage.
Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment and security checks.
The BHC is recognised as a good employer, with a robust, fair and transparent performance management & appraisal system. The High Commission takes pride in its organisational culture and its strong and diverse team. We offer leave entitlements as per Sri Lankan labour laws.
We treat people with respect and equality and have a policy of zero tolerance for any form of discrimination, bullying, or harassment.
Please note that applications will only be considered with (a) and (b):
(a) Complete the Online Application Form
(b) Complete the Motivation Segment in the Online Application Form
Internal candidates applying for this position need to upload their appraisal forms for the previous 2 years (if applicable). They should also inform their current line managers, else the applications will not be considered.
We will accept only online applications received by midnight on 29th June 2020 (Sri Lanka Standard Time).
Please note that all the applicants will be required to strictly adhere to the security guidelines for British High Commission.
- Applicants who do not have the required qualification & experience should kindly abstain from applying, as their applications will not be considered.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and no telephone enquires will be dealt with. However, the status will be updated on the recruitment software which will be viewed by the applicant.
- The appointment will be subject to police and other checks including references, educational and professional.
- We welcome all applications irrespective of age, race, colour, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief or creed.
Other information:
Those who advance in the selection process will be interviewed based on the competencies above.
Only electronic applications will be accepted.
NOTE:
- The British High Commission in Colombo is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.
- Staff recruited locally by The British High Commission in Colombo is subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law.
- The successful candidate will be subject to reference checking and security clearances checks.
Any other information:
There may be a requirement to work non conditioned hours and occasionally take telephone calls in the evenings and exceptionally at weekends. The British High Commission is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications from applicants with diverse backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of gender, ethnicity, age, religion, sex or disability.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
