View Vacancy - Prosperity / Sustainable Development Officer B3 (03/19 BJL) - AU
Main purpose of job:
The Prosperity / Sustainable Development Officer sits at the heart of the British High Commission’s work within the political team and reports to the Deputy Head of Mission. He / she will play a pivotal role in helping to deliver on the UK’s ambitious new vision for the UK’s commitment to African nations – placing mutual prosperity and job creation firmly at the heart of a long-term, meaningful and mutually beneficial partnership to deliver a more prosperous future at home and across Africa. The successful candidate will be a flexible, self-motivated individual with strong analytical and communication skills, and a good grasp of global and domestic issues and priorities.
Roles and responsibilities:
Working in close partnership with the High Commissioner, Deputy Head of Mission and as part of the small political team, the jobholder will lead and drive forward activity in the following areas by:
Prosperity
Developing an understanding of the economic development and job creation challenges facing The Gambia, provide analysis, and identify and deliver on areas of potential cooperation and mutually beneficial partnerships with the UK through our respective policy, development and trade agendas;
Climate Change
Championing the UK and Commonwealth commitments on climate change by developing a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities, engaging the full range of international and domestic partners in The Gambia, providing reports and analysis, facilitating access to technical and other forms of bilateral and multilateral assistance and lobbying on behalf of international commitments;
Commonwealth
Acting as the point person within the High Commission on all aspects of Commonwealth engagement with The Gambia. Map and monitor the multiple relationships between The Gambia and the Commonwealth Secretariat and Institutions, with a particular emphasis on those initiatives directly supported and championed by the UK. Provide regular updates and identify areas for potential collaboration and engagement, ensuring that there is strong coordination with other areas of international cooperation.
To deliver on the above the job holder will be expected to:
- Develop and maintain networks of relevent contacts from across Government, Civil Society, business, international and UK partners;
- Use those networks and other sources of available information (eg online) to research and understand the subject matter;
- Produce regular and timely reports, analysis and recommendations and respond to requests for background and information;
- Deliver activities and projects in line with Foreign & Commonwealth Office best practice;
- Work closely with other members of the political team to produce clear communications around your lead areas.
- Dynamic, creative and energetic. We are looking for someone with fresh ideas and innovative approaches to policy creation and delivery
- Strong awareness of global issues and the international landscape
- Flexible, resilient under pressure and decisive with a proven track record of delivering results to a high standard within tight deadlines
- Strong numeracy, organisational, analytical and time management skills, with very good attention to detail
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and networking skills, including excellent written and spoken English
- A strong academic record to degree level or above
- A knowledge of The Gambia political and economic system
- Programme and project management skills
Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):
There may be a requirement for occasional travel within the region or to the UK for training purposes. The successful candidate will have access to the wide range of topics covered through Civil Service training. At the beginning of the officer’s contract, the line manager will discuss with the staff member their learning and development needs.
In-house learning and development is focused on IT literacy and English language classes and the British High Commission is a supporter of coaching, mentoring, and other forms of informal knowledge transfer.
Working patterns:
We would be willing to consider options for flexible working provided that the demands of the role could be fully met
This opportunity is closed to applications.