View Vacancy - FJS - Political Officer, B3(L)
The British High Commission Suva is part of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s (FCO) world-wide network of over 270 Posts, representing British political, military, economic and consular interests overseas. The successful applicant will join this vast and diverse network and be responsible for communication and political work in our newly restructured and expanded Political and Public Affairs Team. This team is at the front line of modern diplomacy, helping inform UK policy makers as well as driving the High Commission’s communications work, identifying media opportunities and maximising our public diplomacy output across traditional and social media.
This role will lead on:
- Providing expert analysis and advice on domestic political developments and the wider political landscape;
- Researching trends in Fijian politics; and
- Identifying opportunities for the UK to deepen our relationship.
Political reporting and analysis (60%)
- Coordinate the High Commission’s political engagement in Fiji, providing written and oral advice and analysis on key policy issues relevant to UK-Fijian cooperation, including directly to the High Commissioner
- Working closely with the Head of Political Section, deliver research and reports on areas of interest
- Actively engage in planning of activity by the Political Team by providing expert advice and analysis of relevant policy issues
Stakeholder engagement and Education (30%)
- Creating and maintaining a strong network of contacts by building relationships with government, academia, political parties, minority religious groups and civil society. Maintaining the team’s contacts database and ensure it is kept up to date
- Liaise with your network of contacts to set up calls and meetings in support of UK Government objectives. Arrange lobbying calls on specific topics and themes and record these
Budget and information management (10%)
- Information Management: support best practice of information management within the High Commission and wider South Pacific Network
- Managing the teams travel and public diplomacy budget
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- A strong understanding of domestic political issues in Fiji with recent work experience in this area
- Excellent research and briefing skills
- Strong organisational skills
- Ability to be a team player, flexible, and work to tight deadlines
- Ability to build a good network of contacts
- Computer literate especially in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
- Experience of working in an international/multi-cultural organisation would be an advantage
- A degree in a relevant discipline, such as political sciences
Normal work hours are 38 per week but the jobholder is expected to work during afterhours.
British High Commission Suva supports flexible working, subject to agreement with line manager.
Open to Fiji citizens, permanent residents, and partners/dependents of UK-based diplomatic staff currently posted in Fiji. Interstate applicants will be required to meet their own travel and relocation expenses. No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position.
Staff recruited locally by the High Commission is subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Fiji employment law.
All applications must be received before 11:55PM (Fiji Time) on 22 December 2019.
Incomplete application forms will not be taken into consideration, so please ensure you provide the information requested. We regret to advise that we will only be contacting short-listed candidates. Applicants called for an interview will be assessed on the core competencies listed above.
To those applicants not short-listed, we extend our appreciation for considering the British Government as a potential employer.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
