View Vacancy - NZW - Political and Visits Officer, A2(L) (Internal Vacancy)
The Political Officer works as part of the Political Team to deliver high quality analysis and reporting on all aspects of New Zealand’s domestic policy. The role also supports delivery of the High Commission’s Country Business Plan.
The jobholder reports to the Senior Political Officer and is responsible for analysing New Zealand domestic policy issues, providing clear reporting for a senior readership at Post and in London. This includes recommending action that ensures UK interests are protected and enhanced on issues affecting UK policy and/or UK-New Zealand relations. The Political Officer will work with the Senior Political Officer on specific policy portfolios which may include education, justice, health and social policies. This also includes UK-NZ collaboration on the Digital 5, the Open Government Partnership, and Social Enterprise.
The jobholder will act as Visits Officer for visits to and from the UK, including the organisation of programmes and logistics. The jobholder will also be expected to produce briefing material in policy areas where they lead for visiting ministers and officials.
The jobholder will be expected to develop and manage a network of contacts in New Zealand including: Ministerial offices, parliamentarians, core government agencies, policymakers, and political opinion-makers. This network will help to establish connections between UK and NZ counterparts that enables the sharing of best policy practice.
The jobholder will be expected to take the lead for the development and delivery of the High Commission’s future leaders network.
Political analysis
- Identifying opportunities to establish connections between UK and New Zealand senior officials with a view to enable sharing of best policy practice.
- Ad hoc reports for an internal audience on significant political developments including elections, Cabinet appointments and relevant policy changes.
- Develop and maintain a network of political opinion makers including MPs, commentators and academics
Visits
- Organising visits including preparing briefings, arranging programmes and overseeing logistics for inward visits to New Zealand.
- Assist with arrangements for outward visits to the UK by NZ ministers, MPs and Senior Officials
Managing the High Commission’s young leaders network (Successor Generation Initiative)
- Ensuring SGI activities deliver on FCO and BHC objectives.
- Working with the SGI Advisory Board to deliver engagement and expanding the network across New Zealand, including different demographics and sectors.
- Monitoring costs, evaluating impact, seeking feedback and adapting activities.
- Share experience with other UK missions, who have set up young leaders networks like the SGI.
- A minimum of three years relevant work experience
- An aptitude for political, economic and policy analysis
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- A sound understanding of the New Zealand system of government
- Strong relationship management skills
- Prior visits management experience
- Project and budget management
Salary is up to $59,737 per annum (paid monthly) dependent on qualifications and experience, plus up to 5% superannuation subsidy on a $ for $ basis. The role offers great learning and development opportunities, through formal training, on-the-job learning and taking on new challenges.
Appointment is subject to achieving a clean New Zealand Police records search and UK security clearance.
Appointment is subject to a 90 day trial period pursuant to section 67A of the Employment Relations Act 2000.
The British Government supports flexible working practices.
Open to New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, and partners/dependents of UK-based diplomatic staff currently posted in New Zealand. Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment checks. No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position. Candidates must have or be able to obtain work authorisation for New Zealand in order to apply.
Staff recruited locally by the High Commission are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local New Zealand employment law. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted regarding the next phase of the selection process. To those applicants not short-listed, we extend our appreciation for considering the British Government as a potential employer.
For more information on the work of the British High Commission, visit our website - http://www.gov.uk/government/world/new-zealand.
All applications must be received before 23:55 (NZDT), 22 August 2018.
Applications must address experience against the role responsibilities in the cover letter and also include a current CV.
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.
This opportunity is closed to applications.