View Vacancy - Political and Economic Officer (LVA22.441)
Who we are:
The British Embassy in Riga is part of a worldwide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and is now looking to recruit a Political & Economic Officer.
What we are looking for:
The jobholder will be responsible for delivering HMG objectives and UK-Latvia Joint Declaration priorities with a particular focus on economic analysis, energy, climate, education and prosperity. The jobholder will also be responsible for delivering projects, funded by HMG programme funding streams, related to the issues they lead on. Additionally, the jobholder will provide cover for the Communications Officer as and when required.
The jobholder will be responsible for building and maintaining a network of both internal and external contacts across HMG, relevant Latvian line ministries, local NGOs, academia and other partners. This work will include research and reporting on Latvia’s domestic politics and Latvia’s position within multilateral institutions, such as the EU and the UN, on economy, climate and digital, including 5G. The jobholder will draw on their engagement with key contacts, as well as academic and media sources, to provide policy advice specifically on the issues they lead on and provide support for the wider Political Team, which will feed into reporting and briefing for ministers and senior officials in the FCDO.
Main duties and responsibilities:
Political/Climate/Energy/SIN:
- Lead on and provide local and regional (Baltics/Nordic-Baltic) analysis and reporting on economic, energy, climate change, competitiveness, digital (including 5G), education, agriculture and fisheries portfolios.
- Build and maintain contacts with key government officials, civil society, business and academic representatives.
- Participate in official meetings and engage with government officials, NGOs and business representatives on particular topics as designated by HMA, DHM and the Head of Political Team.
- Research and report on other issues on behalf of Political Team as dictated by staffing gaps or business needs.
- Support delivery of the objectives in Latvia of the Baltic Science and Innovation (SIN) Adviser.
- Provide cover for Political Officer, including by maintaining key contacts on JHA, citizens’ rights and travel requirements.
- Provide cover for Communications Officer when necessary, including by maintaining contacts with key analysts, officials and media journalists, and participate/organise daily press briefings for HMA, DHM and section heads.
Project Management:
- Manage projects within HMG programme funding streams (FCDO, BEIS, DIT) by liaising with relevant sections within the Embassy, regional colleagues in the Nordic-Baltic Network, implementing partners and contractors.
- Present concepts for potential activities in Latvia and regionally (Baltic/NBN).
- Liaise with prosperity attaches in the Europe Network towards developing joint projects.
- Prepare draft reports for approval by the Post Programme Board on projects within the area of responsibility.
Other:
- Press and media monitoring and reporting: Offer analysis and advice to colleagues and reporting on relevant political and business stories/developments.
- Assist with organisation of visits and events.
- Work closely with colleagues on public diplomacy events to support Embassy objectives (including conferences, media campaigns, visits and projects).
- Support HMA and DHM with meetings, interpretation and translation when needed.
- Good project management and administration skills.
- Full professional fluency in English and Latvian languages (C1/ C2 level CEFR framework*).
- University degree (BA equivalent or higher) in international relations, politics, law or similar subject.
- An understanding of international relations and good understanding of EU institutions and EU policy making.
- Excellent research and briefing skills.
- Self motivation and the ability to work under light supervision.
- Strong interpersonal and team working skills.
- Good IT skills including Microsoft Office and Outlook.
- Good social media skills including Facebook and Twitter.
Would be an advantage:
- Good understanding of both domestic international policy issues, particularly in relation to economy, energy and climate.
- Experience in event management and or visit planning.
- Familiarity with the UK either through work or study.
- Russian language skills.
This is a full-time, permanent position of 37.5 hours net per week.
Embassy provides all its Employees the following benefits:
- Two additional annual leave days on top of those mandated by law.
- A combination of Latvian and UK public holidays - 14 working days-off per year.
- Comprehensive Health Insurance that among others also includes dental care and sports.
The successful candidate will be subject to professional background and security clearance.
Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in Riga are subject to terms and conditions of service that are in line with the employment laws in Latvia.
Visa/work permit requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Latvia and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract.
Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements to live and work in this country.
The deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”. We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application, since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered. Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.
Kindly be advised that the British Embassy will not be able to meet the travel costs incurred when travelling to the interview, nor the costs connected with relocation if offered a position.
*Please note for more information on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment levels please click on the following link CEFR. Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your language skill is going to be assessed.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
