View Vacancy - Political and Communications Officer

The British Embassy Algiers currently has a vacancy for Political and Communications Officer, job grade C4 (L) to start as soon as possible.

Main purpose of the job:

Algeria is at a political crossroad. The next few months may see the emergence of a new generation of political and economic leaders, once the political dust settles, and the launch of a new ambitious reform agenda. The successful candidate will be a crucial member of our busy Political Team, and central to the whole Embassy effort as we seek to understand and engage with Algeria. We are looking for a highly motivated self-starter, able to demonstrate an active interest in and understanding of national, regional and global current affairs. The successful candidate will need to get out of the office and have the confidence to build an extensive network of contacts, often at more senior levels.

The successful candidate will report, analyse and provide policy advice on internal political affairs to the UK government network, to inform the UK approach. Build and maintain relationships with a broad range of senior contacts in the Algerian government, parliament, political parties and civil society

To co-ordinate and manage the UK in Algeria Communications Strategy, with a focus on the full range of HMG objectives and working as part of a 1HMG team (with Programme, MOD, DIT, CTEN and others). Leading cross-Mission communications to promote the UK, pushing priority campaigns to support strategic UK objectives; and pioneering a new approach to communications, soft power, and our public facing work.

Roles and responsibilities:

• You will need to draw on these contacts and the insights gained to analyse the complex of information, and to use that analysis to highlight emerging issues and trends and provide advice to the Embassy’s senior management team and high-level contacts in the UK.
• You will need to produce first class reporting on the next chapter of Algerian politics, analyse the significance of political developments, and advise where the UK can make a difference, particularly with programme.
• You will lead on day-to-day external communications, under the direction of the Head of Political Internal and Press and Public Affairs, enabling a greater knowledge about and impact for HMG activity in country.
• You will act as the first point of contact for the Algerian media, and publicising the work of the Embassy and communicating British values is an essential part of the job. Using the full range of campaign techniques and communications tools, including digital and social media.
• You will work with the heads of teams across the Embassy to advise and communicate UK positions.
• You will provide direction and advice for the HMA and DHM on their communications activities to enhance impact.   
• You will also lead the expanded Chevening programme for the Algeria network, using your knowledge and expertise to make recommendations to the HMA and DHM on how to use the opportunity to develop a stronger and more active network of Chevening and British alumni that have closer and more constructive relationships with HMG and work in support of HMG objectives to develop a wider and stronger bilateral relationship with the UK. 
• You will have daily contact with the Ambassador and DHM and will work closely with other heads of teams within the Embassy.
• You will need to develop dynamic working relationships with desk officers and more senior colleagues in the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in London, and the Middle East and North Africa Communications Network, often unfamiliar with Algeria. Understanding and communicating the context will therefore be key. There will be the opportunity to travel both within the region and to the UK.
• Line manage one Political Office Manager

This job would suit someone with experience of working in this field, drawing on a genuine interest in national and global politics. We are looking for someone with a Bachelors degree in a relevant subject or field for example in politics, journalism, international relations, development or an equivalent professional qualification, and a period of work experience of at least 5 years.

Key competencies required:

• Engaging Internationally - This is about helping our people to build resilience in international roles, supporting their ability to adapt to working in difficult and varied international environments and to bounce back from crises and setbacks in these contexts.
• Seeing the Big Picture - Is about having an in-depth understanding and knowledge of how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives and the wider public needs. For all staff, it is about focusing your contribution on the activities, which will meet Civil Service goals and deliver the greatest value.
• Collaborating and Partnering - People skilled in this area create and maintain positive, professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people within and outside the Civil Service to help get business done.
• Delivering at Pace - Effectiveness in this area means focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes. It’s about working to agreed goals and activities and dealing with challenges in a responsive and constructive way. 

• Fluent in English, Arabic and French, written and oral.
• A good understanding of the changing political landscape in Algeria and familiarity with the Algerian media landscape
• Evidence of the ability to build and maintain a network of contacts and to use those contacts to promote UK interests
• Confidence to express, orally and in writing, ideas clearly and concisely to a diverse range of audiences in country and in the UK
• Strong analytical skills, based on knowledge of the big picture
• Social media skills across a range of platforms and devices
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills to enable partnering with teams across the Embassy and the wider network