View Vacancy - Political and Prosperity Officer B3 (01/21 ANT)

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

Main purpose of job:

To deliver the UK’s resilient economy agenda in line with the Embassy’s Country Plan.  Strengthen the trade and investment relationship between the UK and Madagascar.  Monitor and report on politics, stability and human rights in both Madagascar and Comoros. Day-to-day administration of Embassy ODA projects.


Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?

This is an exciting opportunity as part of a small but growing Embassy team and regional FCDO network to help build and influence the UK-Madagascar and UK-Comoros relationships by developing networks, providing analysis on political and economic context and administrating Embassy projects.

 

Main roles and objectives include:

Political and Human Rights: To provide HMA, DHM and Development Counsellor with political advice and context in real time, and to support FCDO colleagues in London and the region with the background necessary for successful design and implementation of projects and programmes in Madagascar. 

Build up a network of key contacts across government and civil society to be able to provide regular, quality reports and analysis to the embassy on politics, democratic stability, and human rights as they affect UK interests and development priorities. Help to set up, attend and report on political meetings and visits.

Trade and Economic:  To support the Embassy’s economic and commercial work by strengthening our network of contacts within the government system, the private sector and civil society. Ensure the Embassy benefits from regional/UK trade, investment and economic programmes and expertise.

Ensure timely and accurate research and reporting on local economic developments and the business environment, as they affect UK objectives on building resilient and sustainable economies. Monitor/support delivery of the UK-ESA Economic Partnership Agreement and the UK Trade Partnership (currently in the textiles sector in Madagascar and vanilla sector in Comoros). Remain abreast of the portfolio of the CDC (Commonwealth Development Corporation) and provide local context/advice on new sectors of interest.

Liaise with the UK Department for International Trade (DIT) regional team to increase UK companies’ access to business opportunities and provide support and advice to UK companies wishing to enter markets in Madagascar.  Assist UK companies and investors, including by facilitating contacts with the government, economic development board, and private sector organisations.

Projects: To ensure robust processes and financial management through ODA project administration tasks (data input, financial administration and completion of all necessary project documentation) and act as first point of contact at the Embassy for project implementer queries.

The jobholder will need to have good policy skills and judgement as well as research, communication and organisation skills and the ability to develop effective working relationships. The jobholder should be a good team player in this small Embassy team, contributing to wider Embassy working and corporate objectives: prioritisation is key, as well as being versatile, adaptable and open to new learning and development opportunities.

  • Knowledge of the Malagasy political and economic system and key political issues
  • An existing network of contacts within government and the private sector
  • Strong IT skills (knowledge of Windows and Office essential)
  • A strong academic record to degree level or above (in economics, politics, management/finance)
  • Strong organisational and analytical skills and initiative
  • Fluency in written and spoken English, French and Malagasy
  • Relevant experience in a political, government or international organisation environment
  • Proven track record in programme / project administration
22 April 2021
Executive Officer (EO)
Permanent
36
Africa
Madagascar
Antananarivo
British Embassy
1
MGA 2,514,158.73 plus Transport Allowance MGA 63,000.00
3 May 2021

Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):

The successful candidate will have access to the wide range of topics covered through UK Civil Service training.  At the beginning of the officer’s contract, the line manager will discuss their learning and development needs. 

The Embassy has access to a regional training centre and supports coaching, mentoring and other forms of informal knowledge transfer. There will be opportunities for domestic travel and, when conditions allow, regional visits.


Working patterns:

Monday – Thursday 07.45 – 15.45, Friday 07.45 – 13.45

We would be willing to consider options for flexible working if the demands of the role could be fully met.

  • Please complete the application form in full as the information provided is used during screening.
  • Please check your application carefully before you submit, as no changes can be made once submitted.
  • The British Embassy will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position.
  • Employees recruited locally by the Embassy in Antananarivo are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Madagascar. 
  • All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit.
  • The responsibility lies on the successful candidate to;

               Obtain the relevant permit

               Pay fees for the permit

               Make arrangements to relocate

              Meet the costs to relocation

  • The British Embassy do not sponsor visas/work permits except where it may be local practice to do so.
  • Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount.
  • Information about the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Competency Framework can be found on this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-competency-framework Please note: AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5
  • Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted on successful candidates.
  • Please log into your profile on the application system on a regular basis to review the status of your application.
  • Any other post specifics – like information on the application form that is not include on the system
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.