View Vacancy - Political Officer (03/17 PL)

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Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
Political

Main purpose of job:

To analyse internal politics, pro-actively writing reports for Ministerial and senior official consumption; analysis of internal politics and media reports. To cover political analysis and relations with the regional organisations, the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) both of which have their HQ in Mauritius.

To act as Press spokesperson for the High Commission, devise press strategy in traditional press (TV, radio and written) and social media, pro-actively updating the HC’s Facebook page.

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:

Politics: 85%

  • Lead on identifying and analysing through diptels and reports, including regular bi-monthly analysis (leading for whole High Commission, gathering relevant data from colleagues), key changes in local politics – with a particular focus on good governance.   Lead in relations with the regional organisations, the IOC and IORA. 
  • Lobby Mauritian Government on some lobbying requests from lead policy departments (FCO and PAGs), alongside HC and DHC.

Press, Chevenings & Projects: 13%

  • Act as British High Commission spokesperson for on and off the record briefings.  Devise press strategy  (including social media) and pro-actively produce press releases and other press releases.  Organise events in coordination with Residence Manager and Deputy High Commissioner.  Design and implement creative communications campaigns and social media strategies, linked to our objectives across the board, including working closely with Prosperity and DIT colleagues.
  • Devise strategy to maximise Chevening applications; coordinate with the UK; put in place special conditions for innovative “reserved” Chevening for  Rodrigues.  Interviewer for Chevening Panel (chaired by DHC), making judgement calls on suitability of candidates and who will be leaders in Mauritius in the future.  Take responsibility for being the lead for relations with ex-Chevenings, organising alumni events and continuing to influence ex-Chevenings to ensure the maximum is gained for UK policy objectives. 
  • To take the overall lead on projects, keeping budget profiles, ensuring purchasing guidelines is followed and helping develop and assess project ideas under new Global Britain Fund. Work closely with relevant PAGs, particularly British Council.
  • Take lead responsibility for visits, arranging programmes and travel arrangements for incoming visitors.

IT/Corporate backup: 2%

  • Act as Deputy ITSO for Official and Official Sensitive tier.   Act as back up for sound system at the Residence for official functions.
  • Media awareness
  • Communications skills
  • Foreign Policy skills
  • Political/media analysis
24 August 2017
Executive Officer (EO)
Permanent
Africa
Mauritius
Port Louis
British High Commission
Rs 46,957 (paid 13 times annually)
1 October 2017
  • Please complete the application form in full as the information provided is used during screening.
  • Please check your application carefully before you submit, as no changes can be made once submitted.
  • The British High Commission will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position.
  • Employees recruited locally by the British High Commission in Port Louis are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Mauritious.
  • All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit. 
  • The responsibility lies on the successful candidate to: Obtain the relevant permit; Pay the fees for the permit; Make arrangements to relocate; Meet the costs to relocation
  • Employees who are not eligible to pay local income tax: e.g. certain third-country nationals and spouses/partners of UK diplomats will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.
  • Information about the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Competency Framework can be found on this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-competency-framework Please note:  Job grade AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5
  • Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted on successful candidates.
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This opportunity is closed to applications.