View Vacancy - BK - Rule of Law and Inclusion Officer, EO

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 identity, 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.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
Political

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

The British Embassy Bangkok is a large diplomatic mission of around 140 staff delivering a dynamic and rapidly expanding programme of activity in support of the UK’s objectives including on prosperity, trade, security, open societies, consular services and law enforcement. This is an exciting opportunity to join our diverse team.   

This is an exciting new role focusing on building and implementing a new area of work on Rule of Law (RoL) for the British Embassy; as well as supporting activities to understand and support the inclusion and rights of certain marginalised groups in Thailand.

  • This role will scope and help define our future vision and objectives for engagement on RoL in Thailand, drawing upon external and internal expertise.
  • The officer will oversee planning and delivery of projects supporting our RoL activities, working closely with key stakeholders and implementing partners.
  • The officer will support the Embassy’s Inclusion agenda, contributing to policy, advocacy and reporting relating to migrants and refugees.
  • The role will primarily provide policy support (as below) on Rule of Law and Inclusion; it will also provide flexible policy support on other political and security issues on an ad hoc basis.

Rule of Law [60%]:

The jobholder will be the policy and programme lead for the Embassy’s work on rule of law, working closely with the Deputy Head of Mission (DHM). Specific tasks will include:

  • Support the scoping of our future work on rule of law (RoL), which will be overseen by the Deputy Head of Mission (DHM). Familiarise themselves with the new Political Economy Analysis (PEA) of Thailand’s criminal justice system; secure further input from a range of stakeholders (see below re network) and consult with relevant teams in the FCDO and Ministries/Arm's Length Bodies across the UK's criminal justice system. Support the DHM in developing a clear set of objectives and a work plan for 2023 onwards.
  • Undertake stakeholder mapping for our work on RoL in Thailand. Build and maintain a broad and effective network of contacts, who are knowledgeable about and influential in key organisations and on priority RoL issues. Utilise this network to ensure we are able to pursue our objectives, overcome challenges, and spot future opportunities.
  • Proactively engage UK colleagues working on related thematic issues in the Embassy and in HQ, including UK law enforcement agencies and the UK’s Ministry of Justice, to identify and exploit potential synergies. Lead coordination of inter-related work streams.
  • Support planning of, and manage day-to-day implementation of, projects supporting work on RoL (from the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund and other budgets). With support from the team’s Programme Manager, ensure this is in line with the organisation’s approach to project management, and keep up to date with latest guidance issued by UK headquarters. Undertake the full range of project management responsibilities for RoL projects, such as scrutiny of programme documents to ensure relevance and VfM, preparation of contracts or grant agreements, adherence to correct financial and reporting procedures, monitoring and evaluation, and risk management.
  • Maintain relationships with RoL project partners during the project cycle, identifying and initiating actions to deal with emerging issues and risks.
  • Working with the DHM, identify future funding opportunities, ensuring a pipeline of activity that keeps the UK engaged on RoL in Thailand in line with our stated objectives.

Inclusion [20%]:

  • Act as policy lead for our work on migrants, refugees and other marginalised groups, ensuring the local policy is clear, proportionate and effective, and our messaging is effectively targeted. Build a network of contacts working on these issues to gather greater understanding and support Embassy engagement.
  • Spot opportunities for the Embassy to support inclusion and rights of marginalised groups and demonstrate UK commitment to upholding the rights of these groups.
  • Maintain up to date policy lines on sensitive issues related to marginalised groups. Coordinate / support related activities such as visits and meetings.
  • Myanmar border: support Political Counsellor in monitoring, analysis and reporting on the situation in Myanmar from a Thailand perspective, and in understanding dynamics along the border, including humanitarian and human rights concerns.

Flexible Policy Support, Crisis, and Other (20%):

  • Supporting Political Section (and other teams) with research, analysis, reporting and other ad hoc input on various political and security issues, as well as visits and events.
  • Actively support the corporate life of the Embassy, and play your part in Embassy crisis preparedness and response work.
  • In times of peak operation demand, work flexibly within the Section and within the Embassy.

RESOURCES MANAGED (staff and expenditure):

  • No management of resources. Will be responsible for making and monitoring project payments against receipts.
  • Familiarity with / experience working on issues related to rule of law, legal affairs or justice.
  • Experience of driving forward work and to respond proactively.
  • Positive attitude and proactive approach to working with others.
  • Some experience in building a network of influential stakeholders.
  • Project management skills.
  • Some knowledge of developing or implementing policy.
  • Strong numeracy skills.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and clearly both orally and in writing, when providing advice or responding to demands from colleagues and external interlocutors.
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word and Excel.
  • Ability to prioritise own workloads and make adjustments to accommodate urgent work demands.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS:

Language:  English & Thai

Level of language required: 

English: Excellent command of spoken and written English, equivalent to IELTS 7 or above.

Thai: Excellent command of spoken and written Thai, equivalent to C1 CEFR level or above. (Political Thai not required). 

  • Experience working on migration or refugee issues, or with other marginalised groups.
  • Experience working in an international organisation or multicultural setting, or studying or working abroad.
Seeing the Big Picture, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace, Communicating and Influencing
11 August 2022
Executive Officer (EO)
Permanent
36
Asia Pacific
Thailand
Bangkok
British Embassy
1
THB
THB 65,152 per month
15 September 2022

The British Embassy offers a competitive remuneration package, including salary (will be abated for those not liable to tax), benefits, a leave entitlement, Health Insurance and comprehensive development programme based upon business need and individual staff requirements. 

LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES: The British Embassy Bangkok encourages all staff to develop their capabilities, through both formal training (courses) and informal (job-shadowing, coaching, on-the-job training etc). The majority of our formal L&D opportunities are drawn from FCO resources. All staff are encouraged to share their skills and experience with colleagues, through informal training (‘lunch & learn’) or coaching/mentoring. All staff are eligible for 5 L&D days a year. As stated above, you will be required to complete the trade modules of the Diplomatic Academy upon arrival into the position.

WORKING PATTERNS

This is a permanent, full time role - 36 hours/week, Monday to Friday. We are currently piloting hybrid working (some time working in the office, some time working from home) as we transition back to normal working practices, while ensuring the health and safety of our staff. You will be expected to spend some time out of the office, engaging with partners and stakeholders; some time in the office; and will be able to have the flexibility to work from home. If the context of the pandemic changes, the proportion of time spent at home / in office / in external engagements may change.

The Mission has a smarter working policy and is committed to offering flexible working patterns balanced with the operational requirements of the role. In crisis/emergency situations you may need to work as required to support the Mission response, sometimes on a shift pattern working which may result in unsociable hours and/or weekend working.

As an inclusive employer we are happy to discuss alternative working patterns at interview or at the point of any job offer.

OTHER CONDITIONS:

Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment and security checks. Staff who are locally recruited by the British Embassy are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law.

No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position. You must have or be able to obtain correct permit to work or work authorisation in Thailand in order to apply. Any costs related to obtaining or renewing permits and visas are the responsibility of the successful applicant.

Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Embassy salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount.

Please note that your application must be submitted before 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”.  Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.

All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the online application form completely including the employment and educational details, experience, professional skills and behaviour based questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the applications and incomplete form in any respect may not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.

Incomplete application forms will not be taken into consideration, so please ensure you provide the information requested. Only shortlisted candidates for interview will be contacted. Interviewees will be assessed on the core competencies listed above. Unsuccessful candidates will be notified via the system in due time

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.

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.

In terms of peak operation demand, work flexibly within the Section and within the Embassy 

All staff will be expected to make a corporate contribution to the smooth running of the British Embassy either through a committee membership or another voluntary role to support the vision and values of the Embassy as outlined below. 

BRITISH EMBASSY BANGKOK'S VISION & 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:

  • Collaboration     We support each other and are inclusive

                                    We work closely with others to deliver

  • Empowerment    We are innovative and adaptive

                                    We achieve a healthy work-life balance, taking advantage of hybrid working

  • Expertise            We build on and champion our diverse skills and expertise

                                     We draw on data, technology and evidence

  • Respect               We build trust and value differences

                                     We invite and appreciate other perspectives

  • Impact                 We take a strategic approach

                                     We prioritise and are all clear on expectations

Please note that it is likely that any non-Thai national who is successful in securing a role within the Embassy will need to leave the country and re-enter with a specfic type of visa if currently living in Thailand or will need to apply for a visa before travelling here if currently based outside of Thailand. Whilst the Embassy can support you with this process, the costs involved will need to be met by the candidate

Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

This opportunity is closed to applications.