View Vacancy - Political Advisor (Domestic Politics/Knesset)

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

The British Embassy in Israel is part of a worldwide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Political Advisor (Domestic Politics/Knesset) to join the Embassy’s Political Team.

The Political Team, comprised of diplomats and country based staff (CBS), is driving forward UK foreign policy and UK-Israel bilateral relations. This role requires high-quality written and oral communication, an understanding of politics, the media and Israeli society, and an ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.

The jobholder will play a key role in the Political Section’s work, focusing on Israeli politics. The successful candidate will give the Embassy oversight of - and access to - the Knesset.  The core functions of the job are: building and maintaining a strong, broad network in the Knesset with ministers and their advisors, and with relevant external commentators, NGOs and pollsters.

You would be expected to use and build this network to lead on Embassy-wide political engagement from His Majesty’s Ambassador (HMA) down. You would report with analytical insight and strategic advice on developments in coalition, opposition dynamics, as well as high-profile political developments and domestic trends.

You would be expected to organise, attend and provide advice for meetings for the Ambassador, Deputy Ambassador, and other members of the political section with political figures across all parties.  You will support wider Embassy work, delivering public events, high profile visits, and programmes.

The jobholder will also act as Embassy point of contact for the UK Jewish community and other UK Israeli-oriented groups, and act as liaison for Israeli political figures visiting the UK. The jobholder will report to Second Secretary Internal.

Duties and responsibilities:

  • Maximise UK influence at the Knesset. Build and maintain a strong network among ministers and their advisors. Use and build this network to lead Embassy-wide political engagement strategy from HMA down. Fix political meetings  for the Embassy political team, providing strategic advice and insights.  Build and maintain network of relevant commentators, pollsters and NGOs.
  • Produce regular reporting, analysis and strategic advice to HMA and London on Israeli politics and Knesset developments. This includes coalition and opposition party dynamics, legislation, committees and elections, as well as high-profile domestic developments. Reporting both verbally and through concise written analytical updates. Conduct and deliver Embassy press review on regular basis.
  • Support incoming UK ministerial and official visits, and assist with organisation of Embassy events.
  • Act as Embassy point of contact for UK Jewish NGOs and other UK Israeli-oriented groups, and act as liaison for Israeli political figures visiting the UK.
  • Actively participate in the corporate life of the Embassy by joining or running a committee which contributes to the quality of the Embassy as a workplace.

The above list is not exhaustive and the jobholder will be required to be flexible and take on other ad hoc tasks as required.

Key behaviours required:

  • Delivering at Pace - Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.
  • Making Effective Decisions - Use evidence and knowledge to support accurate, expert decisions and advice. Carefully consider alternative options, implications and risks of decisions.
  • Working Together - Form effective partnerships and relationships with people both internally and externally, from a range of diverse backgrounds, sharing information, resources and support.
  • Managing a Quality Service - Deliver service objectives with professional excellence, expertise and efficiency, taking account of diverse customer needs.
  • Strong understanding of, and connections with, Israeli politics and the Knesset
  • At least two (2) years’ experience in political work.
  • At least two (2) years’ experience of working in politics, international organisation, academic institution, governmental organisation, or diplomatic mission.
  • Knowledge and contacts in the Israeli political system and civil society.
  • Excellent communication skills in English and Hebrew both verbal and written. Able to tailor approach to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely to different audiences. Capable of Hebrew/English interpretation.
  • A confident team player, with strong interpersonal skills and a proven ability to deliver results.
  • Strong attention to detail. Flexibility and ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment. Ability to prioritise own workload and meet deadlines, without compromising quality.
  • Strategic awareness of UK-Israel relations and the role of the British Embassy in delivering UK objectives.
  • Experience in organising events, conferences, visit programmes
    Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace, Working Together
    28 May 2023
    Executive Officer (EO)
    Full-time, Permanent
    37.5
    Middle East & North Africa
    Israel
    Tel Aviv
    British Embassy
    1
    ILS
    13,000
    31 July 2023

    Eligibility:

    If you are selected for this position, we will be able to employ you as long as you:

    • Receive the appropriate level of security clearance; and
    • Are able to work legally in Israel.

    Working hours and remuneration:

    The Embassy aims to offer an attractive working environment and remuneration package for this role, including the non-negotiable salary of ILS 13,000 per month plus transport allowance and social benefits: Pension employer contribution 7.5% and Keren Hishtalmut employer contribution 7.5%.

    This position is for a full-time employment, on a permanent contract, subject to a 4-month probationary period. No accommodation nor relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position. Parking facilities are not provided nor paid for by the Embassy.

    Working hours is 37.5 per week. Normal working hours are Monday to Thursday 8:00-16:00 and Friday 8:00-13:30 but there is flexibility for the successful candidate to work Sunday to Thursday.

    The position can be worked partly from the office and partly remotely or full time from the office. Any further flexible working patterns may be considered based on operational requirements and agreement with the line manager, and in line with FCDO and Embassy policies.

    The Embassy is committed to providing a wide range of learning and development (L&D) opportunities.

    How to apply:

    Interested candidates must include 1) an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) 2) motivation essay, in the relevant sections of the online application form, stating how you meet the requirements of the role; and 3) examples, in the relevant sections of the online application form, of how you meet the key behaviours and skills required. 

    Applications that do not include this information will not be considered. 

    Closing date of receiving applications is before 23:55 (Local Time) on 28 May 2023. 

    Applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered. 

    Process:

    The recruitment process, including security clearance, is expected to take around two-three months. The security clearance process includes checks available in country and with UK, dependant on the security level required for the role and the candidates profile and UK footprint. You may experience some delay in the progress of this recruitment campaign, and we are working hard to minimise any disruption.

    Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful at interview may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of six (6) months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.

    The start date mentioned in the job advert is a tentative start date and the successful candidate will be required to undergo security-vetting procedures. Any offer of employment will be subject to the candidate achieving suitable clearances.

    Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to terms and conditions of service according to local labour law.

     

    The British Embassy Tel Aviv is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.

    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.