View Vacancy - Political and Economic Officer (MKD19.587)

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 in North Macedonia is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas, and is now looking to appoint a Political and Economic Officer.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated person to join our team. This is a key role requiring the holder to bring knowledge and expertise in relation to politics and economics to help advance UK policy in North Macedonia.   The holder will work closely with the Ambassador, Embassy colleagues and stakeholders in government, civil society and international institutions to provide high quality advice on political and economic developments.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Lead on monitoring and reporting key political and economic developments in North Macedonia, as well as contributing to regional analysis alongside other British Embassies in the Western Balkans, Greece and Bulgaria;
  • Provide advice and support to the Ambassador, Deputy Ambassador and Embassy colleagues to deliver UK objectives. A typical day could include suggesting and attending meetings for the Ambassador, lobbying Ministries on behalf of British companies, planning or attending a representational function, and drafting briefing notes for a senior official or Minister;
  • Understand the political and economic context for trade and investment between the UK and North Macedonia, as well as its implications for UK companies;
  • Develop and maintain a wide range of external contacts, including within the Macedonian government, civil society and international organisations;
  • Playing a key role in leading on specific areas or objectives that arise based on the needs of the Embassy or the successful applicant’s skills. Recent examples from this and other Embassies include arranging events with the Macedonian parliament to celebrate 25 years of relations, promoting Climate Change (the UK will host COP26 in 2020), outreach and provincial visits, or proposing ways for the Embassy to engage with parts of society traditional diplomacy doesn’t reach;
  • This is a fascinating and rewarding job which can cover a diverse range of issues, and would suit someone who has strong analytical skills and can work confidently with a range of senior stakeholders. Strong organisational skills are also important, ideally with a creative flair and eye for detail. The senior management team will help to prioritise embassy workload, but we will expect successful applicants to be proactive and able to work autonomously.

  • Experience of working with government, business and international organisations;
  • Proficiency in English and Macedonian (written and spoken, minimum of C2 level for CEFR framework*);
  • Strong analytical skills combined with the ability to communicate fluently in English in both oral and written work;
  • Strong interpersonal skills, and an ability to work effectively in and across diverse teams;
  • Ability to develop and maintain contacts in both the public and private sectors.

  • Experience of working in an international organisation.
17 November 2019
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time, Fixed term, with possibility of renewal
39
Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia
Republic of North Macedonia
Skopje
British Embassy
1
MKD
99,418.00 (gross)
16 December 2019

This is a full-time fixed-term contract of 12 months with possibility of renewal.

The British Embassy has an active learning and development culture and there will be opportunities for informal training and shadowing.

The expected start date is 16 December 2019 however the job holder should be available to start as soon as possible.

The successful candidate will be subject to professional background check, security clearance.

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in Skopje are subject to terms and conditions of service according to local (Republic of North Macedonia) employment law.

All applicants should have the right to live and work in the Republic of North Macedonia. The British Embassy does not sponsor work permits.

Visa / Passport requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Republic of North Macedonia and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract. Additional requirements may become necessary pending EU Exit. If requirements change additional eligibility information will be shared during the recruitment process.

* Please note Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment indicates Level C2 as Mastery or proficiency Level which comprehends that a person can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read; can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation; can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations. Indicates Level B1 as Independent User which comprehends that a person can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics, which are familiar, or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. For more information please click on the following link CEFR. Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your languages skills are going to be assessed.

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.

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.