View Vacancy - SH - Political Officer, B3 (L)

This role is a key position within the FCO’s China Political Network, which operates at the heart of the UK-China relationship.  It is a fantastic opportunity to contribute towards a better UK-China understanding, and to develop the relationships which help strengthen the political and social connections between these two countries.

Roles and responsibilities:

The job holder will need to have a sound understanding of China’s political system. You will study and report on the impact of social change on Chinese politics, with particular reference to Shanghai and the East China provinces.

You will assemble a network of contacts which help to build our knowledge of China. It will be important for the job-holder to link up and coordinate with different teams within the Consulate and wider UK China Network, including economic, outreach and consular teams.

In turn, you will join a high-performing, friendly and geographically-diverse network, get the opportunity to develop strong communication and organisational skills, influence thought leaders within China, work on high profile political events, and become a trusted source of advice for colleagues within the British Consulate and wider network.

Political Research and Reporting

• Conduct in-depth, high-quality research and analysis on social and political issues in China. Monitor and report on key local government work priorities and structural changes.
• Seek innovative ways to share our knowledge with a wider audience and coordinate among the China network in setting up reporting themes and schedules.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Maintain links with priority organisations and individuals with a particular focus on universities/think-tanks, media and social media contacts.
• Develop and implement a strategy to broaden and deepen the Consulate’s contact base in these areas including by creating and setting-up opportunities for senior Consulate staff and visitors to engage with contacts
• Identify and deliver projects with partners to leverage UK expertise to support China’s reforms.

Outreach and Events Organising

• Identify and attend relevant external talks/seminars on Chinese domestic development.
• Lead on arranging events, workshops and Town Hall meetings for incoming expert speakers
• Contribute to teach-in sessions with colleagues and external stakeholders.            

Interpretation and Logistical Support

• Conduct ad hoc interpretation and translation tasks on behalf of political section and senior visitors;
• Provide logistical support for high level visits and assist in meeting briefings as needed.            

Corporate

• Perform a wider corporate role within the British Consulate, contributing to the social and professional environment.

• Knowledge of China’s political system or relevant social issues
• Highly proficient in English and Chinese and ability to conduct ad-hoc translation and interpretation to a good standard.
• Bachelor Degree or above (preferably in an analytical, journalist or political related subject)