View Vacancy - SRR - Political Support Officer and Translator (EO)
The British Embassy Riyadh has a vacancy for Political Support Officer and Translator on a fixed term contract for two (2) years, with possibility of renewal.
The main purpose of this role is to be an effective support to the Chancery Section. The Embassy in Riyadh is one of the busiest Missions in the region, especially for visits. The jobholder will provide translation services, in particular regular translation of documents to support the Embassy’s core functions, and as such will need to be able to fully operate orally and in writing in fluent Arabic.
The jobholder will also provide ad-hoc research and analysis, and will need to demonstrate a close understanding of the political and social environment in Saudi Arabia and quickly develop an understanding of UK interests and priorities. They will be required to analyse print and social media and produce short analysis of current international and local issues.
Duties and responsibilities:
- Translate various diplomatic notes, newspaper articles, memorandums of understanding, and letters of the Chancery Section. Support the wider work of the Embassy’s Translation Section. (30%)
- Strengthen the Embassy’s understanding of Saudi Arabia’s foreign and internal policy priorities by independently researching and analysing information (press, social media, academic papers, reports, etc.) and identifying areas of relevance to UK priorities. Produce short reports and summaries of this information with recommendations for how we could take work forward, adapting style and content to suit different audiences. (30%)
- Develop or modify existing processes to tackle new issues relevant to aspects of His Majesty’s Government’s (HMG) Gulf Strategy and keep track of political developments, visits to Riyadh, and policy implications. (15%)
- Lead on expanding the network of contacts for the Embassy’s Foreign Policy and Humanitarian Team (FPT). Proactively think of useful people to engage around particular policy topics and help build links between them and the FPT. (15%)
- 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 exercises. (10%)
The above list is not exhaustive and the jobholder will be required to be flexible and take on other ad hoc tasks as required.
Key behaviours required:
- Communicating and Influencing - Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses and opinions of others.
- Working Together - Form effective partnerships and relationships with people both internally and externally, from a range of diverse backgrounds, sharing information, resources and support.
- Managing a Quality Service - Deliver service objectives with professional excellence, expertise and efficiency, taking account of diverse customer needs.
- Delivering at Pace - Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.
Eligibility:
- The successful candidate must be able to secure a local residence and work permit in Saudi (iqama) OR already have the right to work and reside in Saudi.
- The British Embassy provides visa sponsorship. The successful candidate will be required to transfer their visa under the Embassy's sponsorship.
- Native/ Near native level of communication skills in English and Arabic, both verbal and spoken. Able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely, both orally and in written communication.
- Excellent Arabic<>English translation skills. Accurate typing and proofreading skills.
- Knowledge of the social and political environment in Saudi Arabia and/ or an interest in international relations.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a strong customer focus. Collaborative approach to colleague and stakeholder partnerships.
- Ability to drive delivery of outcomes and overcome obstacles, especially when working with and through others.
- Excellent organisational ability. Proven ability to manage, plan, and prioritise tasks and workload. Proactive approach to problem solving.
- Strong team-working skills. A team player who is capable of working on their initiative and who is adaptable to changing priorities.
- Holds at least a bachelor’s degree in Economics, Business, Politics, International Relations, or similar discipline.
- Strong IT skills and literacy in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).
- Experience working in an embassy/ foreign diplomatic mission, international organisation, or large company in a similar capacity.
- Previous experience of working for the UK government or understanding of UK government structures and processes.
- Experience of working with Saudi government officials or with media contacts.
The Embassy aims to offer an attractive working environment and remuneration package for this role.
Monthly salary details:
- Base Salary - SAR 9,256
- Housing Allowance - SAR 2,314 (subject to eligibility)*
- Travel Allowance - SAR 500 (subject to eligibility)*
- Total - SAR 12,070
*Allowances are not payable to staff who receive official provision for such expenditure in some other form. Spouses/ Dependents of UKBS officers working at the Embassy are not eligible to Housing or Travel Allowance.
No accommodation nor relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position.
This position is full-time, based on 35 hours per week. Normal working hours for the Embassy are from 08:00 to 15:00 from Sunday to Thursday, with core working hours from 10:00-15:00. Core working hours is the period of the day that employees are required to be at work. The working day outside of the core hours is a flexible period, which allows employees to choose when they work, subject to operational needs.
The jobholder will be required to be flexible in their approach to hours worked as these will be dictated by operational needs and may involve working out of hours (evening/ weekend) during visits and events. Flexible working arrangements may be considered based on operational requirements and agreement with the line manager, and in line with FCDO and Embassy policies.
The successful candidate will be subject to a 90-day probationary period.
The successful candidate will be required to transfer their iqama under the Embassy's sponsorship.
How to apply:
Interested candidates must include with their online application form
1) an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV);
2) a covering letter/ motivation essay stating how you meet the requirements of the role; and
3) specific examples, in the relevant sections of the online application form, of how you meet the key behaviours required.
Applications that do not include these information will not be considered.
The closing date for applications is at 23:55 KSA local time on 14 December 2023.
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 in the recruitment process will be contacted.
Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful at interview may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of six (6) months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.
The start date mentioned in the advert is a tentative 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 recruitment process, including security clearance, is expected to take around 2-3 months. The security clearance process includes checks available in country and in the UK, dependant on the security level required for the role and the candidates profile and UK footprint. You may experience some delay in the progress of this recruitment campaign, and we are working hard to minimise any disruption.
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.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
