View Vacancy - SRR - Political Officer B3(L)

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

The British Embassy Riyadh has a vacancy for a Political Officer for a fixed-term contract for two (2) years.

The Political and Communications Team is at the heart of the Embassy – working to engage senior officials and the people of Saudi Arabia as well as a broad range of contacts from different sectors to facilitate the exchange of information and ideas between Britain and Saudi Arabia.

The successful candidate will need to have a close understanding of the political and social environment in Saudi Arabia, and quickly develop an understanding of UK interests and priorities in order to identify possible areas of interest and opportunity. He/ She will be required to produce draft responses and present persuasive cases; adapting style and content to suit various audiences. He/ She must be resilient, flexible, and work well under pressure, producing swift independent analysis and delivering against tight deadlines. He/ She must be able to operate orally and in writing in fluent Arabic and English.


Duties and responsibilities:

  • Strengthen the Embassy’s understanding of Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy priorities by independently researching and analysing information (academic papers, reports, media, etc.) and identifying areas of relevance to UK priorities. Produce reports and summaries of this information with recommendations for how we could take work forward, adapting style and content to suit different audiences. 
  • Lead on expanding the network of contacts for the Embassy’s Foreign Policy Team (FPT). Proactively think of useful people to engage around particular policy topics and help build links between them and the FPT.
  • Develop or modify existing processes to tackle new issues relevant to aspects of Her Majesty’s Government’s (HMG) Gulf Strategy and Africa Strategy and draft policy submissions and replies to Parliamentary questions.
  • Research specific subjects and explore potential new areas on request.
  • Use initiative to help improve working practices across teams. Support the wider team during busy periods and leave. Participate in Embassy corporate activity, including crisis planning and exercising.

The above list is not exhaustive and the jobholder will be required to be flexible and take on other ad hoc tasks as required, including participating in the Embassy’s emergency planning and any response to a crisis.


Key competencies required:

  • Delivering at Pace - Focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes. Working to agreed goals and activities and dealing with challenges in a responsive and constructive way. Providing the focus and energy to drive activities forward through others and encourage staff to perform effectively during challenging and changing times.
  • Making Effective Decisions - Showing clarity of thought, setting priorities, analysing and using evidence to evaluate options before arriving at well-reasoned, justifiable decisions. Creating evidence-based strategies, evaluating options, impacts, risks, and solutions; maximising while minimising risk and balancing social, political, financial, economic and environmental considerations to provide sustainable outcomes.
  • Changing and Improving - Being responsive and innovative, and seeking out opportunities to create effective change. Being open to change, suggesting ideas for improvements to the way things are done, and working in ‘smarter, more focused ways. Making use of alternative delivery models including digital and shared service approaches wherever possible.
  • Collaborating and Partnering - Creating and maintaining positive, professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people within and outside the organisation to help get business done. Working collaboratively, sharing information, and building supportive, responsive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders whilst having the confidence to challenge assumptions. Encouraging collaboration and building effective partnerships including relationships with Ministers.
  • Knowledge of the social and political environment in Saudi Arabia.
  • At least a bachelor’s degree in Economics, Business, Politics, International Relations, or similar discipline.
  • Ability to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely, both orally and in written communication, in English and Arabic. Ability to write to a high standard for a wide range of audiences.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and understanding of diversity, with confidence to work on their own initiative. Proven ability to engage and influence at all levels and with external contacts, and collaborate effectively across teams.
  • Have a proven record of organisational ability. Ability to prioritise own workload and meet deadlines, without compromising the quality of the work.
  • Strong IT skills and literacy in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams).
  • Experience of working with Saudi government officials or with media contacts.
  • Experience working in an embassy/ foreign diplomatic mission, international organisation, or large company in a similar capacity.
  • Previous experience of working for Her Majesty’s Government (HMG) or understanding of UK government structures and processes.
22 October 2020
Executive Officer (EO)
Fixed Term, Full-time
35
24 months
Middle East & North Africa
Saudi Arabia
Riyadh
British Embassy
1
SAR
8,365.41
3 January 2021
2 January 2023

Eligibility:

The position is available to Saudi nationals and to holders of Saudi residence permits or transferable iqamas. Successful candidates will be required to transfer their sponsorship to the British Embassy. 

 

Working hours and remuneration:

The Embassy aims to offer an attractive working environment and remuneration package for this role.

Salary details:

  • Base Salary including Eid bonus - SAR 8,365.41
  • Housing Allowance - SAR 2,091.35 (subject to eligibility)*
  • Travel Allowance - SAR 400 (subject to eligibility)*

 *Allowances are not payable to staff who receive official provision for such expenditure in some other form.

No accommodation and relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position.

 

Normal working hours for the Embassy are 08.00 to 15.00 Sunday to Thursday. This position is full-time, based on 35 hours per week.

The jobholder should also be flexible in their approach to hours worked as these will also be dictated by operational needs and may involve working out of hours (evening and weekend), especially during events and visits.

 

The successful candidate will be subject to a 90-day probationary period.

How to apply:

Interested candidates must attach 1) an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and 2) a covering letter to their online application form. Your application must also include examples of when you have demonstrated the competencies outlined above.

Applications that do not include these information will not be considered.

Closing date for applications is at 23:55 (KSA local time) on 22 October 2020.

Applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered. 

 

Due to the large number of applications we receive, only those shortlisted for the next step of the recruitment process will be contacted.

The start date mentioned in the advert is an assumed start date and the successful candidate will be required to undergo security vetting procedures. Any offer of employment will be subject to the candidate achieving suitable clearances, medical clearance and reference checks.

  

The British Embassy Riyadh is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference. Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy is subject to Terms and Conditions of service according to local Saudi Arabia employment law.

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.