View Vacancy - Foreign Policy Officer

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 lead on a range of priority foreign policy issues, including reporting as well as developing engagement plans and strategic projects to further UK interests in Brazil. To advise and support the team leader and senior leadership. To manage and build capacity within the team.



Roles and responsibilities:


 


This is an exciting and varied role with the opportunity to learn new skills and work across a wide range of policy areas.


 


The jobholder is expected to lead on a range of foreign policy areas. These areas could include, but are not limited to, issues relevant to global peace and security, multilateral engagement and human rights. In order to be effective in this role, the job holder will need to be able to:


-        Understand UK and Brazilian priorities across a range of issues;


-        Build and maintain a good network of contacts;


-        Communicate complex messages clearly and with sensitivity, in person and in writing;


-        Recognise and use opportunities for engagement and project interventions, mitigating potential risks.


 


On a day-to-day basis, the jobholder will be responsible for updating teams across the network and in London with the latest developments, highlighting risks and opportunities; writing briefings and giving advice to decision makers, discussing and designing engagement strategies, supporting senior engagement, and meeting with contacts to identify areas of mutual interest.


 


In addition to this, the jobholder will be expected to utilise project funds strategically in order to increase UK-Brazilian cooperation in priority areas. This requires excellent project planning and management and the ability to closely follow FCO guidelines, and the ability to design interventions that will help deliver policy impacts in line with UK priorities in Brazil. It also involves working with a wide range of project implementers and potential future implementers, usually from civil society, in order to understand their objectives and build their capacity. Project funds are rarely guaranteed year-on-year, so the jobholder will need to be able to work creatively to make maximum use of the opportunities available to them.


 

Finally, this role is part of a dynamic and high performing team. The jobholder needs to be a strong team player, committed to their own and others learning and development. As a line manager, the jobholder is expected to give good direction, support and advice in order to motivate the best possible performance from others. It will be necessary, at times, for the jobholder to change their priorities and adapt to the demands on the team of the network. The jobholder will be encouraged to contribute to the broader corporate life of the Brazil network by engaging in the varied opportunities that arise regularly. Flexibility and resilience are valued.


Essential on arrival:

Experience of working on foreign policy issues, developing policy advice and experience in project implementation.



Language requirements:


Language: English and Portuguese


Level of language required: Advanced in both (speaking, reading and writing)



Desirable:

Experience of managing other and managing budgets.

25 October 2019
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time
36
Latin America and Spanish speaking Caribbean
Brazil
Brasilia
British Embassy
1
BRL 7860
16 December 2019

Learning and development opportunities will be discussed when the job holder is appointed. These will be specific to the role but could include familiarisation visits, leadership courses, project management courses and specific policy expertise building opportunities.


Flexible working hours can be agreed with the job holder on a case-by-case basis. Remote working and working from home can also be agreed provided that the majority of time is spent in the office. This role can only be done from Brasilia.


 


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.