View Vacancy - Political, Press & Projects Adviser - C4

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

Note : All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online application form including the employment and educational details, motivational segment and the competency based questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the application forms only for all the required details. Forms that are incomplete in any respect will not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.

Please note that due to Covid-19 outbreak, the start date of employment mentioned in the advert is tentative, subject to normal business of British High Commission. All recruitment campaigns will remain open for applications, we will progress the recruitment process as swiftly as possible and continue to review all applications, monitor progress and developments. We will be in touch with you for the interviews/ should there be further updates on the application, however given the circumstances, kindly expect some delay in response and please reach out to if you have any further questions.

Main purpose of job: 

We are looking for a dynamic, high calibre colleague with the right skills to lead this Post’s political, press and project work.  The Political, Press and Project Adviser will provide reporting on political developments across the region and their implications for the states of Haryana, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and UT Chandigarh; take the lead on engaging with the media, securing coverage for the BDHC, including maintaining an online presence; identify, propose and run projects in support of UK objectives; and including through the above, support the wider work of the BDHC. 

 You will be a key representative of the British Government for the Post in the states above, maintaining key relationships. To meet the requirements of this demanding position you will be supported with opportunities to get the right learning and development and opportunities to travel. You will join a high performing, diverse team of supportive colleagues. This is a challenging role with significant rewards for the right candidate.

Roles and responsibilities:

Political - 30%

Follow political developments in the region; advise the Deputy High Commissioner and colleagues in the British High Commission network on major developments and their implications; provide timely, high quality written analysis and briefings; keep up to date on emerging issues, suggest key decision makers for the Deputy High Commissioner to meet; facilitate relationships between senior UK visitors (VIPs, ministers, officials and diplomats) and leading State and regional figures.  

Press & Public Diplomacy – 20%

Raise the profile and enhance the reputation of the UK through: developing and maintaining strong relations with key media across the region and using them to get out key UK messages and publicise the work of the BDHC; advising the Deputy High Commissioner on media opportunities and public engagements; managing  online presence for the BDHC; managing press coverage, drafting and issuing press releases; and speaking at conferences and other public events. 

Projects – 10%

Identify projects and implementing partners in support of UK objectives; work up project proposals and secure funding; oversee projects, ensure delivery of objectives and follow up as required. 

Chevening Programme – 10%

Contribute to the living bridge agenda by leading on the Chevening programme and University outreach activities in the region. Effectively promote the Chevening programme in the region; strengthen the existing alumni network to enhance UK soft power; promote the UK education offer; and foster collaboration between educational institutions in UK and India to further strengthen people to people links.  

Networking – 20%

In support of the above: network extensively and credibly; build and exploit an effective network of contacts within the governmental/political, academic, media and civil society communities; influence key players to deliver UK objectives. 

Staff Management & Other duties – 10%

Cover for the Deputy Head of Mission/Senior Prosperity Adviser in their absence; represent the Deputy High Commissioner at meetings, events & functions; support arrangements for high level visits and major events.

Language requirements:

Language: English. Fluent Hindi and Punjabi 

Level of language required: Fluent in written & spoken English

Essential on arrival:  

Knowledge of politics and press in the four states and UT Chandigarh that British Deputy High Commission Chandigarh covers.

Qualifications: Graduate/Post Graduate. Candidates without the required educational qualifications but with exceptional practical experience will be considered. 

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience.

  • An in-depth understanding of politics and a strong network in the region are essential.
  • Strong analytical and writing skills.
  • Tried and tested project management skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal, team working and people management skills.
  • Ability to influence, lobby and articulate key messages and to work in a team will be essential.
  • Experience of dealing with senior level decision makers of Indian national and state governments. You will need to show a solid track record of dealing with senior level decision makers.
  • Experience of managing project budgets effectively. 

Desirable:  

  • Previous experience of working in politics and/or with the press.
  • Experience of leading a team and delivering through others.
  • Presentational and public speaking skills.
  • Working on strategic communications in a professional environment. 
27 April 2020
Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Permanent
40
South Asia & Afghanistan
India
Chandigarh
British Deputy High Commission
1
INR
INR 102,429 per month together with a 12% provident fund and 6% Superannuation Fund
1 June 2020

SALARY PACKAGE: 

For BHC candidates, the Local BHC Terms & Conditions will apply.

For other than BHC candidates, Basic Salary will be INR 102,429 per month together with a 12% provident fund and 6% Superannuation Fund. 

Additionally the BHC offers a great benefits package that includes annual domiciliary medical cover, plus a Group Hospitalisation Scheme with INR 500,000 floater cover for your immediate family.

No relocation or any other related costs or assistance will be provided. Notional tax will be deducted if you are not liable to pay local tax. 

The BHC is recognised as a good employer, with a robust, fair and transparent performance management & appraisal system linked to increments and staff bonuses. We have a 5-day working week, plus annual leave, public holidays, maternity leave provision, special leave, paid sick leave provision; ample development opportunities, travel opportunities, a good organisational culture, and excellent work/life balance. 

Around half of our work forces are women.  We treat people with respect and equality and have a policy of zero tolerance for any form of discrimination, bullying, or harassment. 

This is a good opportunity to be part of a strong, diverse team, working in the biggest network that FCO has anywhere across the globe.  We are aiming to make it the best.

To Apply: 

Please note applications without (a) and (b) will not be considered.

A.    Complete the Online Application Form

B.    Complete the Motivation and Competency Segment in the Online Application Form

Internal candidates applying for this position need to upload their appraisal forms for the previous 2 years (if applicable) and also inform their current line managers, else the applications will not be considered.

We will accept only online applications by 27th April 2020 midnight. 

Please note that all the applicants will be required to strictly adhere to the security guidelines for British High Commission

Applicants who do not have the required qualification & experience should kindly abstain from applying, as their applications will not be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and no telephone enquires will be dealt with.

The appointment will be subject to Police Verification and other checks including references, medical, educational and professional.

We welcome all applications irrespective of age, race, colour, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief or creed. We are also open to applications from people who want to work flexibly.

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.