View Vacancy - Bilateral Programme and Political Assistant - Brasilia

Main purpose of job

This is a challenging and rewarding position in the British Embassy’s Political Team, with a particular focus on supporting the delivery of a diverse portfolio of targeted projects to deliver key priorities for the UK’s diplomatic network in Brazil.  It involves ensuring effective management, risk management, monitoring, evaluation and communication with external and internal colleagues.  The jobholder will also have a role in providing political analysis and support in discreet areas of bilateral and foreign policy (the current jobholder works on cyber and South Atlantic issues, although the specific issues may vary), and ensuring effective budget management for the whole political team.

What will the jobholder be expected to achieve?

This job includes programme management, political and financial administrative work, and is an excellent opportunity to gain wide experience in a dynamic international environment.

Programme and project work: This will include supporting the delivery of a portfolio of targeted projects, from bidding to implementation to evaluation. You will be working closely with the Political Counsellor, FCO Head Office in London, and colleagues across the UK’s diplomatic network in Brazil to ensure their effective implementation.

Political analysis, research: Providing analysis, advice and support to the political team (currently on cyber-security and South Atlantic issues, although this may vary over time).  This involves a variety of work from producing briefings, mapping and meeting external stakeholders, and wider research pieces, as well as assisting to organise meetings, events and visits for senior embassy staff and other visitors.

Responsibility for day-to-day monitoring of the political team budget: Manage the Political team's budget, working closely with the Political Counsellor to ensure the team's compliance and value for money.  The jobholder will be part of the Brazil Network Finance Committee.

Line Management: This jobholder is expected to directly manage a high performing and motivated intern, overseeing his/her workload, delivery, and professional development.

Corporate: In line with wider Embassy responsibilities, the jobholder is expected to participate in key British Embassy / Brazil network activities to make the workplace a welcoming and supportive environment for all.  There are a variety of opportunities available depending on the jobholder’s interests, skills and abilities.

Political team members all need to be flexible and ready to step into new areas at short notice to support colleagues at particularly busy times or as priorities change.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

Management of the International Fund programme, which has a variable budget annually.  The present incumbent is managing 8 targeted projects related to COVID-19.  In a typical recent year, projects are varied relating to a whole range of issues from human rights, to climate change, to science and innovation.

The jobholder will also be expected to manage an intern, providing support to their professional development in the role.

Essential on arrival:

• Hold a university degree or two years of relevant work experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent organisational skills and good political judgment.
• Strong numerical and IT skills (MS Word and Excel).
• Proactive and creative self-starter.
• Fluent in both English and Portuguese (written and spoken).