View Vacancy - Political Officer

The Political Team in British Embassy Cairo is seeking a Political Officer, grade B3 (L).

Main purpose of the job:

Provide the embassy with expert insights and advice on Egyptian politics and civil society, and support a strong UK-Egypt relationship by supporting regular visits by senior officials and ministers from the UK. The candidate will work as part of a high performing political and press team and will regularly provide advice to senior staff in the Embassy.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

This is a busy and interesting job that requires a flexible worker who can contribute to a fast-paced environment. We are looking for a highly motivated individual, able to demonstrate an active interest in and understanding of Egyptian politics and civil society. It provides an excellent opportunity for someone with a keen interest in politics, who would like to develop their political analysis and communication skills.

• Monitor and analyse political developments and trends in Egypt, including (but not limited to) civil society, human rights, and religious freedoms.

• Develop and maintain a diverse and strong network of external contacts to inform that understanding and identify emerging issues of importance.

• Provide in-depth, high quality written and oral reporting in English.

• Support a regular stream of inward visits by UK ministers and officials, including by developing visit programmes, drafting briefing, and providing logistical support.

• Provide support to political section in other areas as required.

Key Competencies:

• Delivering at Pace - Effectiveness in this area means focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes.

• Seeing the Big Picture - Is about having an in-depth understanding and knowledge of how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives and the wider public needs.

• Collaborating and Partnering - People skilled in this area are team players who create and maintain positive, professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people within and outside the Civil Service to help get business done.

• Engaging Internationally – Effectiveness in this area is about leading internationally, engaging our staff, contacts and international partners to help deliver UK Government objectives.

• Excellent English and Arabic written and verbal communication skills;

• A degree from a reputable university in a relevant discipline, such as political science;

• A strong understanding of political and civil society issues in Egypt;

• A strong and proven ability to build a good and effective network of contacts;

• Excellent research and briefing skills;

• Strong organisational skills;

• Ability to be a team player, flexible, and work to tight deadlines;

• Computer literate especially in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)