View Vacancy - Political and Programme Support Officer, British Embassy, San Jose

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
Political

Main purpose of job:

The British Embassy in San Jose covers Costa Rica and Nicaragua and is part of the UK’s global network representing our political, economic, trade and consular interests overseas. We are looking for a Political and Programme Support Officer to support the Embassy’s political and programme functions, working closely with the Head of Team and the Ambassador to ensure the timely provision of context-based analysis and information on political and economic developments in Costa Rica and Nicaragua to support the latter’s reporting requirements. The successful candidate will also be responsible for administering the Embassy’s flagship Chevening Scholarship programme, leading on the promotion of the programme through appropriate media, handling the interview logistics, taking part in the selection process and liaising with the London-based Chevening Secretariat, including on the promotion of the Alumni network.

The successful candidate will have strong organisation and communication skills, will be able to prioritise flexibly and use their initiative to deliver to deadlines. The Embassy is a friendly place to work, with a hard-working and motivated team.

Roles and responsibilities:

POLITICAL – 40%

·       Analysis and research (desk-based and through external contacts) on issues of interest to the UK, by oral or written briefing to the Ambassador.

·       Corroborate factual data and analyse political trends and developments as tasked.

·       Keep up to date with political events by monitoring the press and social media and through meetings with external contacts, including think tanks, academics and other stakeholders.

 CHEVENING SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME – 40%

·       Work closely with the Embassy’s Communications Section in the design and implementation of marketing and outreach strategies to target the right candidate profiles in Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

·       Monitor progress of applications throughout the recruitment process and adapt promotion tactics accordingly.

·       Manage the recruitment process by liaising with the Chevening Secretariat in London and Embassy colleagues to sift candidates, organising interview panels and taking an active role in the interview process in both Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

·       Organise and run departure and welcome events for scholars from both countries.

·       Manage contacts and communications with Chevening Alumni groups in Costa Rica and Nicaragua, facilitate events and projects to develop the Alumni network, and identify ways in which Alumni can add value to the Embassy’s work.

·       Contribute to strengthening the regional and global Chevening networks, learning from other countries and identifying areas for collaboration.

·       Identify potential sponsors in Costa Rica and Nicaragua to deliver co-funded scholarships, negotiate and deliver partnership contracts.

 OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES – 20%

·       Provide support to the Head of Communications in ensuring the Embassy’s social media channels are kept up to date and relevant.

·       Provide support in monitoring and evaluating other Embassy projects.

·       Attend and report on seminars, conferences and events for the Embassy on an ad-hoc basis.

·       Take part in the Embassy’s crisis response in an assigned role, for which you will undertake to prepare.



·       Fluent in English and Spanish, both oral and written.

·       Strong research and analytical skills and ability to come to conclusions based on sound judgement and evidence-based knowledge.

·       Strong problem solving skills, ability to take initiatives and propose new approaches to tackling issues.

·       Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively as a member of a team.

·       Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks flexibly.

·       Reliable, flexible and resilient under pressure, with a proven track record of delivering results to deadlines and specific requirements.

·       Ability to travel occasionally within the region or internationally as needed.

·       Willingness to work additional hours as necessary to complete a project or task.

·       Background in programme management, research, politics or economics.

·       A college/university level qualification in Political Science, Economics or equivalent

·       Good IT skills and experience using MS office.

11 August 2021
Administrative Officer (AO)
Part-Time, Permanent
27
Latin America and Spanish speaking Caribbean
Costa Rica
San Jose
British Embassy
1
$1,145
20 September 2021

This is a permanent part time position, requiring to work 27 hours per week, subject to a probation period of three months. The British Embassy offers a competitive remuneration package paid in US dollars, a 70% contribution to private medical insurance, 16 days annual leave (pro-rata) in additional to 14 public holidays and flexible working opportunities - the pattern of hours will be decided in agreement with the line manager and consideration can be given to early starts/finishes or similar patterns, always subject to the Embassy’s operational requirements taking precedence.

 

Starting monthly salary: $1,145 gross (for a part-time 70% position) to be paid for 13 months, in accordance with local law.

 

The appointment will be subject to confirmation of a background and security clearance. Applicants must have the right to reside and work in Costa Rica. The British Embassy does not sponsor work permits. Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to Costa Rican employment law.

Must have the legal status to live and work in Costa Rica.

The British Embassy in San Jose is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and to creating a diverse working environment, free from discrimination, where everyone is included and treated fairly, based on merit alone. We are an equal opportunity employer, making all employment decisions without regard to race, gender, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or any other criterion protected by law.

 

How to Apply: Interested candidates must attach a covering letter, updated CV and completed online application form. Your application must include examples of when you have demonstrated the competencies outlined above in the cover letter or motivation section of the application form. Applications that do not include this will be rejected.

 

All Applications must be received before 23.55 (Local Time) on Wednesday, 11th of August.

Applications received after that date will not be considered. Due to the large amount of applications we receive, only those shortlisted for assessment/interview will be contacted.

Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary, eg some non-local national staff and some spouses or partners of UK diplomatic staff, will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.

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.