View Vacancy - Domestic Policy Adviser (CHEB21.284)

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

The British Embassy in Berne is part of a worldwide network representing UK political, economic and consular interests.  

We are currently recruiting for a Domestic Policy Adviser in our Communications & Politics Team.  It comes at a promising time for UK-Swiss and UK-Liechtenstein relations on the back of enhanced co-operation leading up to and since the UK’s departure from the EU.

We are offering you the opportunity to be part of a friendly working environment, where you can take responsibility for your own projects while learning about the world of diplomacy.  

We are looking for a dynamic, creative and proactive individual.   In order to do this job effectively, you will need to be able to develop a wide-ranging network of contacts, provide different types of written reporting ranging from extended analysis to quick-fire updates, and understand and interpret the political landscape. 

Main duties and responsibilities:

The successful candidate will work to positively influence thinking and perceptions of the UK in Switzerland and Liechtenstein to help strengthen the bilateral relationship.  They will also help officers in the Embassy and in the UK Government better understand Switzerland and Liechtenstein, in particular on UK priority issues.  This will include:

  • Domestic Policy Reporting:  Monitoring and reporting on domestic policy developments in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.  Providing briefings for senior officers in the Embassy.  Responding to commissions for information or analysis from colleagues in the UK;
  • Political and Parliamentary Engagement:  Engaging with relevant stakeholders in the political parties, as well as identifying opportunities to foster relationships with key politicians at a federal and cantonal level.  Developing links with parliamentary committees;
  • Networking:  Developing a network of contacts in civil society (in particular with think tanks) and UK alumni;
  • Visits and Events Co-ordination: Assisting with programmes for senior visitors from the UK.  Supporting the delivery of Embassy events in related fields.  
  • Proficiency in English and German (both written and spoken, minimum of C1 CEFR framework* level);
  • University degree, preferably in a related field;
  • Excellent communication skills (oral and written);
  • Strong understanding of domestic politics;
  • Experience of working on public policy and/or international relations;
  • Ability to work to tight deadlines and multi-task effectively.

  • Experience in or with the Swiss or Liechtenstein governments and/or civil society organisations in relevant fields;
  • Experience of undertaking research and/or producing written reports;
  • Experience in events organisation;
  • Familiarity with UK culture;
  • Proficiency in French.
28 July 2021
Administrative Officer (AO)
Full-time, Permanent
40
Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia
Switzerland
Berne
British Embassy
1
CHF
7175.00
1 September 2021

This is a full-time permanent contract, of 40 hours per week.

Gross monthly salary is CHF 7175.00. In addition, staff are entitled to a 13th month salary pro rata. The annual leave entitlement is 25 days per year pro rata and the Embassy also enjoys a maximum of 14 Swiss/ UK public holidays per year.

The Embassy operates flexible working patterns within an extended working day and a ‘compressed hours’ working week (closing at 13:00 Friday). Staff can expect to work a maximum of one day per week from home post-Covid. Typical hours are 09:00 – 18:00 with a compulsory paid lunch break of 45 minutes (Mon-Thurs), but staff can start earlier/later and finish earlier/later. Time off in Lieu is available in exceptional circumstances where staff are required to work beyond their contracted hours and where agreed in advance with the line manager.

FCDO is committed to continual learning and development. The Embassy will provide funding in line with L&D requirements and a variety of learning and development is provided throughout the year both directly at post and virtually through the FCDO International Academy. There will be opportunities to attend training, lectures etc. on the job.

The successful candidate will be subject to professional background and security clearance. The successful candidate must have pre-existing work authorisation for Switzerland in order to apply. All applicants should have the right to live and work in Switzerland.

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to terms and conditions service according to Swiss employment law.

Visa/work permit requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Switzerland and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements to live and work in this country.

Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”.

We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application, since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered.

Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.

Please be advised that the FCDO will not be able to meet the travel costs incurred when travelling to the interview, nor the costs connected with relocation if offered a job.


*Please note for more information on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment  levels  please click on the following link CEFR. Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your language skill is going to be assessed.

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.