View Vacancy - SRR - CTEN Local Affairs Officer B3(L)

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

The British Embassy Riyadh has a vacancy for a Local Affairs Officer under the Counter Terrorism and Counter Extremism Network (CTEN), for a fixed-term contract of two (2) years with a possibility of renewal.

The jobholder will support the CTEN Team to deliver the UK’s CT/CE strategy in Saudi Arabia. The jobholder will work across three key areas: policy, programme delivery, and team administrative support. They will have opportunities to gain experience on some of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO) most high profile priorities.

Ministerial, Parliamentary and public interest in the region is high and requires consistently high-quality policy and business support. The jobholder will work directly to the CTEN Team in the Embassy, and also alongside the wider Chancery Team to monitor and report on articles related to terrorism, extremism, and religious affairs in the media/ social media. They will also be involved in organising visits and events, administrative programme management, and liaising with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.


Duties and responsibilities:

- Policy

  • Media monitoring and reporting on developments related to terrorism, extremism, and cyber security, including compiling the daily news summary for the Gulf Region. Keep a watching brief on Saudi and Pan-Arab news channels and monitor and analyse discussions on social media.
  • Develop contacts across a range of experts working in the field of CT/ CE and religious affairs. Attend meetings with key stakeholders and draft meeting records.
  • Undertake key pieces of research related to CT/ CE and religious affairs.
  • Arrange visit programmes for the Embassy’s CT team and visiting senior officials, coordinating logistics across the Embassy; liaising with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Presidency of State Security in order to secure visas and meetings. Draft and follow up on note verbales.

- Programme delivery

  • Financial monitoring and administration of programme funds (raising requisitions and purchase orders, receiving goods). Monitor compliance of procurement within the projects in line with FCDO procedures.
  • Monitor progress of programme delivery and liaise with project implementers and stakeholders as necessary.
  • Contribute to quarterly progress reports.
  • Complete administration for all CTEN projects.
  • Assist the Aviation Security Liaison Officer with logistical arrangements for aviation security courses taking place in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.
  • Assist the CT Police Liaison Officer with logistical arrangements for training and senor visits.

- Team support

  • Arrange travel and accommodation for the CT Team.
  • Provide interpretation support in meetings and translation of documents.
  • Write background briefing for high-level HM Ambassador meetings on CT, CE, and Cyber Security.

The above list is not exhaustive and the jobholder will be required to be flexible and take on other ad hoc tasks as required, including participating in the Embassy’s visits and emergency planning, and any response to a crisis.


Key competencies required:

  • Leading and Communicating - Showing our pride and passion for public service, leading from the front and communicating with clarity, conviction, integrity and enthusiasm. Engaging with people in a straightforward, truthful and candid way, and upholding the reputation of the organisation.
  • Collaborating and Partnering - Being a team player who creates and maintains positive, professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people within and outside the organisation to help get business done. Working collaboratively, sharing information appropriately and building supportive, responsive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, whilst having the confidence to challenge assumptions. Building effective partnerships including relationships with Ministers and welcoming challenge however uncomfortable.
  • Delivering at Pace - Focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes. Working to agreed goals and activities and dealing with challenges in a responsive and constructive way.
  • Engaging Internationally - Leading internationally, engaging our staff, contacts and international partners to help deliver UK government objectives, while living the Civil Service values and serving the UK public. Understanding UK government aims in the wider UK and international context and developing productive relationships with those external contacts and partners to help deliver UK objectives. Being aware of cultural sensitivities in their area of responsibility; being visible, approachable, and welcoming challenge, however uncomfortable.
  • Excellent Arabic and English language skills, both written and spoken. Able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely.
  • Experience of English<>Arabic translation work and proven ability in 2-way interpreting.
  • An interest and knowledge of Saudi and regional politics and foreign affairs. Experience of conducting research and providing analysis.
  • Knowledge of the structure and role of Saudi government.
  • An understanding of security issues, Islamic theology and doctrine.
  • Have a proven record of organisational ability. Ability to prioritise own workload and meet deadlines, without compromising the quality of the work.
  • Collaborative approach to colleague and stakeholder partnerships. Ability to maintain a range of contacts to build effective working relationships.
  • Team player who is also capable of working on their own initiative
  • Strong IT skills and literacy in Microsoft Office applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
  • Holds at least a bachelor’s degree.
  • Experience of working with Saudi government officials.
  • Understanding of financial/project management.
  • Translation certification (diploma, BA, etc.).
30 September 2021
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time, Fixed term, with possibility of renewal
35
Middle East & North Africa
Saudi Arabia
Riyadh
British Embassy
1
SAR
11,097.26
21 November 2021

Eligibility:

The successful applicant will be required to obtain the necessary security clearance. Higher clearances can be granted only to certain nationalities. For this reason, applicants must be of British, American, Australian, Canadian, or New Zealand nationality in order to gain the level of clearance required. Applicants must also have a traceable history over the last five years, ideally having spent at least two (2) years out of the last five (5) years in the UK/ US/ Australia/ Canada/ New Zealand.

The position is available to current holders of valid Saudi residence permits or transferable iqama. The successful candidate will be asked to transfer their sponsorship to the British Embassy.


Working hours and remuneration:

The Embassy aims to offer an attractive working environment and remuneration package for this role.

Salary details:

  • Base Salary including Eid bonus - SAR 8,557.81
  • Housing Allowance - SAR 2,139.45 (subject to eligibility)*
  • Travel Allowance - SAR 400 (subject to eligibility)*

*Allowances are not payable to staff who receive official provision for such expenditure in some other form.

No accommodation and relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position.


Normal working hours for the Embassy are from 08.00 to 15.00 from Sunday to Thursday. This position is full-time, based on 35 hours per week.

The jobholder should also be flexible in their approach to hours worked as these will also be dictated by operational needs and may involve working out of hours (evening and weekend), especially during events and visits. 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.

How to apply:

Interested candidates must attach 1) an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and 2) a covering letter stating how you meet the requirements of the role.

Your application must also include examples of when you have demonstrated the required competencies in the Competence-Based Questions section of the online application form.

Applications that do not include these information will not be considered.

The closing date for applications is at 23:55 KSA local time on 30 September 2021.

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.

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, medical clearance and reference checks. 

 

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.

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.