View Vacancy - Political Analyst

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

The British Embassy in Bahrain has a vacancy for the position of Political Analyst, Grade B3 (L).

Main purpose of the job:

The Political Analyst will support the Ambassador and Embassy’s Political Section to deliver the FCDO’s priorities set out in the Country Business Plan.  The primary role will be to deliver high quality and timely analysis and reporting of local and regional political, legal and social developments, using a broad range of contacts from different sectors to facilitate the exchange of information and ideas between UK and Bahrain.

The successful candidate will need to have a close understanding of the political, legal and social environment in Bahrain, and quickly develop an understanding of UK interests and priorities in order to identify possible areas of interest and opportunity. They will be required to produce reports and present persuasive cases, adapting style and content to suit various audiences. The candidate must be proactive, resilient, flexible, and work well under pressure, producing swift independent analysis and delivering against tight deadlines. They must be able to operate orally and in writing in fluent Arabic and English.

 

Roles and responsibilities:

  • Strengthen the Embassy’s understanding of Bahrain’s policy priorities and political developments by independently researching and analysing information (academic papers, reports, media, etc.) and identifying areas of relevance to UK. Produce high quality analysis and reporting of current events and developments in Bahrain and the region, adapting style and content to suit different audiences. Research specific subjects and explore potential new areas on request.
  • Lead on researching security and related issues in Bahrain and across the region; support Embassy project work to strengthen Bahraini security institutions and practices.
  • Research and build Embassy understanding of new and existing Bahraini legislation in relevant policy areas e.g criminal justice system, social reform, and Human rights issues, as well as support to monitor cases of judicial interest.
  • Support the Head of Political External & Economics Team in the organisation of VIP visits including the bi-annual UK-Bahrain Joint Working Group.
  • Build own, and support the expanding of the Embassy’s network of contacts, including identifying Bahrain’s future leaders. Proactively build focused networks around particular policies.
  • The above list is not exhaustive and the jobholder will be required to be flexible and take on other ad hoc tasks as required, including leading the annual Ramadan majalis programme, supporting the wider team during busy periods and leave, as well as participating in Embassy corporate/social activity.

Key competencies required:

  • Engaging Internationally - Leading internationally, engaging our staff, contacts and international partners to help deliver UK Government objectives. Understanding UK government aims in the wider UK and international context and developing productive relationships with those external contacts and partners to help deliver UK objectives. Being aware of cultural sensitivities in your area of responsibility and valuing and modelling professional excellence and expertise.
  • Delivering at Pace - Focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes. Working to agreed goals and activities and dealing with challenges in a responsive and constructive way.
  • Seeing the Big Picture - Having an in-depth understanding and knowledge of how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives and the wider public needs. Focusing your contribution on the activities which will meet the organisation’s goals and deliver the greatest value. Scanning the political context and taking account of wider impacts to develop long term implementation strategies that maximise opportunities.
  • Making Effective Decisions - Using sound judgement, evidence, and knowledge to arrive at accurate, expert and professional decisions and advice. Being careful and thoughtful about the use and protection of government and public information to ensure it is handled securely and with care. Reaching evidence-based strategies, evaluating options, impacts, risks and solutions that aims to maximise return while minimising risk; and balancing a range of considerations such as social, political, financial, economic, legal and environmental to provide sustainable outcomes.

Essential

  • Deep knowledge of the political and social environment in Bahrain, including of key figures within government, business and wider society.
  • A bachelor’s degree in Politics, International Relations, Law, or similar discipline.
  • Ability to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely, both orally and in written communication, in English and Arabic. Ability to write to a high standard for a wide range of audiences.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with confidence to work proactively on own initiative.
  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
  • A self-starter with the ability to prioritise own workload and meet deadlines and drive to see through to completion compromising the quality of the work.
  • Strong IT skills and literacy in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams).

Desirable

  • Experience of working within Bahrain political and policy landscape.
  • Experience of Bahrain’s judicial and legal processes.
  • Ability to engage and influence at all levels and with external contacts.
  • Experience working in an embassy/ foreign diplomatic mission, international organisation, or large company in a similar capacity.
  • Previous experience of working for Her Majesty’s Government (HMG) or understanding of UK government structures and processes.
20 October 2021
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time, Permanent
35
Middle East & North Africa
Bahrain
Manama/Bahrain
British Embassy
1
BHD
1099.50
15 November 2021

Working hours and remuneration:

A monthly salary package of BHD 1099.50 as well as private medical insurance, a leave entitlement and training package. Specific training and mentoring for the role will be provided for the successful candidate. 

This is a Full Time, Permanent position.

Working hours are 35 hours per week. Standard working hours are from 07:30 AM until 02:30 PM from Sunday to Thursday. The Embassy operates a flexible working policy which entitles staff to work more flexibly as long as the core hours of 09:00 AM to 01:00 PM are worked, subject to Line Manager approval.

No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position.

The successful candidate will be subject to a 3-month probationary period and will need to commence security clearance procedures through the Embassy as soon as possible. Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment checks.

To apply:

Interested candidates must attach the following documents when applying online.

  1. An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV), including three references.
  2. A covering letter stating why you feel you have the necessary skills to perform well in the above role.
  3. Please provide examples of performance in each competency on the Competency Based Questions section of the online application form.

***Applications that do not include these information will not be considered.

 

All applications must be received before 23:55 (Bahrain local time) on 20 October 2021.

 

Applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered.

The recruitment process, including security clearance, is expected to take around two months. Due to the large amount of applications we receive only those shortlisted for interview/ assessment will be contacted.

The start date mentioned in the advert is an assumed 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 and reference checks.

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

 

The British Embassy Bahrain 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.