View Vacancy - Political and Public Affairs Officer (01/23 LIB)

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

Main purpose of job:

The British High Commission in Yaoundé represents the British Government in Cameroon, and on a non-resident basis to the governments of Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. We are recruiting within our political and development teams in the mission. As our bilateral relations with the Republic of Gabon have expanded in scope and scale over the recent period, particularly following the accession of Gabon to the Commonwealth, we anticipate greater needs for diplomatic activity, and so are recruiting a new role in Libreville.

The successful candidate will take on a portion of the extant lines of effort of our representative office in Gabon. This role will focus on political and public affairs, as well as multilateral engagement, communications and protocol. The role will also be expected to work in close collaboration with a direct colleague based in Libreville, whose focus will be predominantly on climate and environment and commercial relations, in addition to logistics. The postholders of positions in Libreville will work also closely with the Political Secretary in Yaounde covering Gabon, and the non-resident High Commissioner (Ambassador) and Deputy High Commissioner (Deputy Ambassador). 

Roles and responsibilities:

 The new role will cover predominantly the below areas, although other work may be required at times from the job holder:

  1. Political: Provide analysis, monitor and advise on the political situation in Gabon [and possibly Equatorial Guinea] including issues such as governance, human rights and democracy, delivering reporting and analysis to a range of UK stakeholders to help develop policy;
  2. Multilateral: engage key stakeholders including governmental departments leading on UN, AU and Commonwealth. Provide insight, monitor and advise on current programmes and opportunities for engagement and support. Act as in-country Point of Contact for UNOCA engaging on regional issues, bringing in wider network where necessary;
  3. Local diplomatic coordination: Work with international partners to coordinate efforts on shared interests;
  4. Visit and protocol: Provide on the ground support to visit preparations and delivery; handle local aspects of HMG correspondence with the Gabonese authorities.
  5. Communication and press: working with communication lead at BHC Yaoundé develop and implement communication plans to promote UK material to key Gabonese audiences. Monitor press and working with BHC Yaoundé provide summaries of stories of interest/substance.  Seek opportunities to engage press to raise the profile of UK in Gabon, particularly around visits.

For all the areas of their portfolio the individual will act as a BHC Yaoundé point of contact in Gabon and engage with a range of stakeholders including government, political groups, civil society, NGOs, and local community.

  • Degree qualification or equivalent experience
  • Strong political understanding and nous, and knowledge of the Gabonese context
  • Previous experience in similar role in public sector or with bilateral/multilateral organizations.
  • Experience of building a network and managing effective relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government officials, delivery partners and local and community groups.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills on complex matters, often requiring persuasion and influence.
  • Ability to identify strategic opportunities and risks, underlying drivers and connections.
  • Computer literate and proficient user of Microsoft programs such as Outlook, Word, Excel and SharePoint.  
  • An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems

Language requirements: 

Language: English and French

Level of language required: Fluent written and oral 

  • Experience of organizing events/conferences/workshops
  • Experience in managing budgets
Seeing the Big Picture, Making Effective Decisions, Delivering at Pace, Communicating and Influencing, Working Together
5 April 2023
Executive Officer (EO)
Fixed Term
24 months
Africa
Gabon
Libreville
British Consulate
XAF 1,669,082
1 May 2023

Learning and development opportunities:

  • Opportunities to undertake regional and internal courses, subject to approval and budgets.
  • Access to FCDO online learning courses and other learning and developing opportunities.
  • The post holder will also be line managed remotely by Second Secretary - Gabon based at the British High Commission in Yaoundé.
  • Some international travel in the region will be expected.
  • Please check your application carefully before you submit, as no changes can be made once submitted.
  • The British Consulate will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position.
  • Employees recruited locally by the British Consulate in Libreville are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Gabon.
  • All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit.
    The responsibility lies on the successful candidate to;
    1.Obtain the relevant permit
    2.Pay the fees for the permit
    3.Make arrangements to relocate
    4.Meet the costs to relocation
  • Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount.
  • Information about the Civil Service Success Profiles can be found on this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/success-profiles
  • Please note: Job grade AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5
  • Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted on successful candidates.
  • Please log into your profile on the application system on a regular basis to review the status of your application.
  • Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 6/12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.
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This opportunity is closed to applications.