View Vacancy - Political and European Affairs Officers (NOR19.580)
The British Embassy in Oslo is part of the worldwide UK diplomatic network representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. We are seeking to recruit two new members of staff: a Political Officer and a European Affairs Officer. Your application will be considered for both roles, however, you are very welcome to state a preference.
Both roles are part of the Embassy’s Political Section, duties will include researching and reporting on a variety of domestic, foreign and European policy issues that go beyond what can be read in the news. The successful candidates will be expected to build a network of contacts across think tanks, academic communities and the Norwegian government in order to gather information and assist in lobbying on behalf of the UK.
Flexibility and ability to work under pressure are key to dealing with tasking (including on new and unfamiliar issues) that may arise unexpectedly, at short notice and against tight deadlines. The successful candidates will work closely with colleagues across the Embassy and the British government’s Nordic Baltic Network. Travel overseas may be required.
The Political and European Affairs Officers will be required to provide cover for the Embassy Communications Officer and the Ambassador’s Personal Assistant. This involves responsibility for the daily press summary, managing press relations, and digital/social media tasks.
Roles and responsibilities
Political Officer:
- Track and provide high quality analysis of domestic political issues and their implications for UK interests;
- Track and provide high quality analysis of foreign policy issues, including overseas development, multilateral fora (e.g. UN, OSCE, CoE), Nordic cooperation, and Norway’s relations with countries outside the EU/EEA;
- Track and provide high quality analysis of security policy issues, including cyber, counter terrorism, and countering violent extremism.
European Affairs Officer:
- Track and provide high quality analysis of European affairs issues, including on Norway’s relationship with the EU and the EEA agreement;
- Track and provide high quality analysis of Norwegian government policies relevant to Brexit e.g. on agriculture, fisheries, science and innovation amongst other areas;
- Track and provide high quality analysis of Norwegian domestic legislation with impacts on Brexit and the future UK-Norway relationship;
- Track and provide high quality analysis of Justice and Home Affairs issues.
The successful candidates will also both be expected to:
- Arrange and helping others to arrange visits for UK ministers, senior officials and parliamentarians Support wider Embassy and Foreign and Commonwealth Office corporate objectives, e.g. crisis management preparedness;
- Cover for absent team members;
- Be involved in Embassy outreach and public diplomacy activities.
The job description is subject to change and may evolve over time and in response to changing circumstances.
- Fluency in Norwegian and English (both oral and written);
- Interest and understanding of Norwegian domestic, European and international political affairs;
- A flexible attitude and ability to switch easily between policy dossiers;
- Proven ability to prioritise, handle multiple tasks and respond quickly to changing circumstances;
- Ability to work under pressure;
- Confidence to proactively build and engage a useful network of contacts.
- Experience of working in an international context and/or relevant experience in a political role;
- An understanding of UK culture and a desire and interest in learning more about UK politics including security policy, justice and home affairs and European affairs.
This is a full-time fixed-term position until 31 March 2021. The working hours are 35 net per week.
The successful candidate will be subject to professional background check and security clearance.
Employees recruited locally by the British Embassy Oslo are subject to terms and conditions of service in accordance with Norwegian employment law.
All applicants must have the right to live and work in Norway. The Embassy does not sponsor work permits.
The Embassy offers a wide-range of learning and development opportunities, both in the Post, in London and more widely across Europe. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office also has extensive e-learning opportunities. All staff are encouraged to focus on their personal development, and 5 days a year are dedicated to learning and development for each staff member.
Visa / passport requirements: must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Norway and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract.
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.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
