View Vacancy - Political Adviser – Security Sector and Southern Iraq

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Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
Political

The British Embassy in Baghdad is seeking an individual for the position of Political Adviser – Security Sector and Southern Iraq, Grade – C4 (L). 

Objective: 

The British Embassy in Baghdad is looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to become our new political adviser. This is a key role within the Embassy and will put you at the heart of decision making.  The post holder will need strong written and oral communication skills, the ability to pro-actively lead on key areas of work and to respond flexibly as new priorities arise.

The political section is the part of the British Embassy that provides the core analysis to inform the UK’s work in the country.  The UK’s objective in Baghdad is to help strengthen Iraq’s security, stability and economic sustainability. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities: 

The jobholder will work in two main areas of political team’s work. The main focus (c.65% of time) will be on the security sector. The jobholder will also be an important member of team working on the politics of Southern Iraq (c.35% of time).

Security Sector:

Networking:  Engage, form and manage relationships with security ministries and actors (including the Defence and Interior Ministries, the National Security Advisers Office, to complement existing embassy relationships enabling the UK to better understand security sector activities.  Develop and execute a strategy to engage the parliamentary security and defence committee, and any other parliamentary committees doing work relevant to security and defence, and continue to manage those relationships.

Security Sector Monitoring Reporting and Analysis:  Closely follow security-related developments, working independently to provide fast, insightful and concise analysis, exercise skills of judgement and interpretation on developments.  This will combine the use of networks of contacts with monitoring the media, legislation (including executive orders) and other Council of Representatives proceedings relevant to security.  Regular oral and written reports to update the UK Embassy and Ambassador, as well as teams in London, on key issues in relation to the security sector.  Contribute to the development of UK policy and action on the security sector, making recommendations.

Politics of Sothern Iraq:

Networking: Alongside other members of the team, you will form and manage relationships with the political parties of Southern Iraq, and the marjaiya, to help the UK to better understand their activities and viewpoints.

Monitoring, reporting and Analysis:  Closely follow political, cultural and religious issues important to the communities of Southern Iraq. Often working independently to provide fast, insightful and concise analysis, exercise skills of judgement and interpretation on developments.  Regular oral and written reports to update the UK Embassy and Ambassador on key issues on Southern Iraq.

Key Competencies: 

  • Leading and Communicating - Effectiveness in this area is about leading from the front and communicating with clarity, conviction and enthusiasm. It’s about supporting principles of fairness of opportunity for all and a dedication to a diverse range of citizens.
  • Seeing the Big Picture - Seeing the big picture is about having an in-depth understanding and knowledge of how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives and the wider public needs.
  • Collaborating and Partnering - People skilled in this area create and maintain positive, professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people within and outside the Civil Service to help get business done. At all levels, it requires working collaboratively, sharing information and building supportive, responsive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, whilst having the confidence to challenge assumptions.
  • Making Effective Decisions - Effectiveness in this area is about using sound judgement, evidence and knowledge to provide accurate, expert and professional advice.  It means showing clarity of thought, setting priorities, analysing and using evidence to evaluate options before arriving at well-reasoned justifiable decisions.

Essential:

  • Fluent communication skills in English and Arabic language (both spoken and written).
  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject (Example: Political Science, International Relations, Political Economy, Domestic Law, International Law, Human Rights, Government, Public Policy, Public Administration or History.)
  • Minimum three years’ work experience in a similar role and/or academic institutions such as further education, think tanks, international and/or non-governmental organizations, corporate entities, law, or government.
  • Strong understanding of Iraq’s political situation, particularly issues on internal, regional and security issues.
  • Strong team-working skills.
  • Ability to work in fast-paced, high profile environments, and deliver to deadlines.

Desirable:

  • Experience working with, or for, Iraqi security institutions or forces.
3 May 2021
Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Full-time, Permanent
38
Middle East & North Africa
Iraq
Baghdad
British Embassy
1
USD
3130
1 June 2021

Working Hours and Remuneration

The Embassy aims to offer an attractive working environment and remuneration package for this role, including up to 20 days of annual leave.

The role grade is C4 (L) grade, with a base salary of US$ 3,130 per month. This base salary is paid 12 times a year.

In addition there is a security allowance of US$300 per month payable as part of this package. The allowance is subject to review and may be altered or withdrawn at any time. No accommodation and relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position.

This position is offered on a Full Time, Permanent basis.

Conditioned working hours are 38 hours per week. Normal working hours are Sunday - Wednesday 0800–1600 and Thursday 0800-1400. There is flexibility for starting and leaving times as long as conditioned hours are completed.

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

Eligibility:

If you are selected for this position, we will be able to employ you as long as:

  • We can obtain the appropriate level of local and UK security clearance for you.
  • You have (or be willing to obtain) the right to live and work in Iraq. Candidate's residence permit and work permit, and the expense to obtain them, will be their own responsibility – the Embassy does not provide residence or work permits.

To Apply:

Interested candidates must attach the following documents along with the completed online application form:

  • An updated Curriculum Vita (CV) of no more than three pages.
  • A covering letter of no more than two pages

** (Your application must include the above attachments and must include examples of when you have demonstrated the competencies outlined above in the cover letter. Applications that do not include this information will be rejected).

All applications must be received before 23:55 (Baghdad Time) on 03 May 2021.

Applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered.

Due to the large amount of applications we receive only those shortlisted for interview (competency-based)/assessment 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 and reference checks.

 

The British Embassy Baghdad is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference. Staff recruited locally are subject to Terms and Conditions of service according to local 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.