View Vacancy - Political Affairs 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:

This is a challenging and varied role in a small, high-performing team, which would suit somebody passionate about politics. Working to the Deputy Head of Mission and closely with the British Ambassador:

  • To support and advise senior colleagues in political reporting and contact making.
  • To design and implement the Embassy’s Programme of Projects in support of shared Haitian and UK objectives such as sustainable economic development, security, democracy and human rights.
  • To represent the British Embassy at meetings with the Government of Haiti, civil society and  international organisations.
  • To maximise the impact of the UK Government Chevening Scholarship programme in Haiti.

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder are expected to achieve?:

Political (70%): Developing and managing a network of influential political, economic and civil society contacts and identifying contacts for other sections of the Embassy (commercial, consular).  Monitoring local political developments and providing briefing, reports and advice to the Ambassador and other officials.. Represent the Embassy at bilateral and multilateral meetings with both Haitian and international partners. Supporting regular visits by HMA, DHM and other key UK visitors to Haiti.

Programme and Project management (20%): Identifying opportunities for projects in support of mutual Haitian and of UK priorities – including migration, human rights and democratic, economic and social development. Developing project ideas with external implementers in the public and private sectors and civil society. Using project management techniques to maximise impact of projects by coordinating, monitoring, evaluating. Working with policy teams both in the UK and the region, prepare bids for UK government funds.

Scholarships (10%): Leading on UK government’s Chevening scholarship programme in Haiti.  Alongside Embassy staff, conduct outreach activities to Universities, Ministries and organisations to promote the scheme and identify outstanding applicants.  Maintain and develop close relationships with the small but active UK alumni association in Haiti. 

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

Resources – Programme and project funds.

  • A strong interest/background in politics and public relations and  deep understanding of the Haitian political structures.

  • Strong interpersonal, communication and networking skills – with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels.

  • Ability to respond flexibly and creatively to changing priorities while setting and driving your own work programme.

  • Proficiency in MS Office.

  • Language requirements: English, French and Creole (fluent spoken and written).

  • Must have the legal status to live and work in Haiti.

  • Personal knowledge of and interest in the UK.

  • Programme or project management experience.

  • Professional experience of social media platforms (Hootsuite, Twitter, Facebook) including analysis.
17 November 2021
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time, Permanent
39
Latin America and Spanish speaking Caribbean
Haiti
Port au Prince
British Embassy
1
3 January 2022

Learning and development opportunities:

  • Embassy Induction and ongoing support
  • Access to the FCDO’s and UK Civil Service comprehensive on-line Learning and Development resources
  • UK Government courses in Programme and Project Management, Communications
  • Opportunities to travel for conferences in the UK and in the region  

Working patterns:

The job is suitable for some flexible working and remote working from home. The nature of the role requires attendance at meetings and regular days in the office, but there is scope for flexible working modes, including remote working, depending on the specific needs of the role at a particular time.

Regular remote working will be required during the current COVID-19 pandemic and special arrangements can be made to protect any staff members who fall into a COVID-vulnerable group.

Flexible working patterns would have to be agreed with the Line Manager in advance.

The British Embassy is a friendly, inclusive workplace. Core office hours are 0800-1630 (Monday-Thursday) and 0800-1300 (Friday).

The role is open to anyone with the independent right to reside and work in Haiti.

The period of probation for this role is 3 months.

Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary, eg some non-local national staff and some spouses or partners of UK diplomatic staff, will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.

The British Embassy Network offers a strong benefits package. This package includes generous vacation and leave time, flexible working patterns, and an enriching learning and development opportunities.  

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.