Main Purpose of Job: The British Embassy in Quito represents the interests of the UK in Ecuador. This job brings together the political and communications work within the Embassy. The role will provide high quality political analysis and oversee effective communications to support delivery of the Country Business Plan, reporting into the Ambassador The jobholder will lead on the Embassy’s political engagement work in both bilateral and multilateral fora, including Ecuador’s membership of the UN Security Council (2023-24). They will also build and maintain a strong network of contacts, and manage the Embassy’s Chevening scholarship programme. In addition to managing and motivating the political and communications team, this is a key leadership role within the Embassy, setting the tone for others and promoting effective cross-team working. The jobholder will be required to act with a significant degree of autonomy, producing high-quality written work ready for publication or submission to London. They will also be required to demonstrate active problem solving skills – evaluating options, producing creative solutions, and applying discretion to know if/when to escalate decisions to the Ambassador/Deputy Head of Mission. | Roles and Responsibilities: POLITICAL – Bilateral (50%)
- Produce timely political reporting in English, identifying risks and opportunities for UK interests
- Lead on high-level inward visits of officials and ministers
- Coordinate briefing material ready for submission to London
- Develop a wide range of political, media, diplomatic, academic and civil society contacts to broaden the Embassy’s networks
- Lobby Ecuadorean Government authorities regarding UK priorities
- Represent the Embassy at public events and other meetings when required, including occasional public speaking
POLITICAL - Multilateral (30%) - To provide effective support to Ecuador during its term on the UN Security Council (2023-24)
- Lead on lobbying work regarding positions in multilateral fora, in particular the UN Security Council
COOPERATION/PROJECTS (10%) - Oversee the Chevening scholarship process, managing the selection of scholars (including through sift and interview process). Develop innovative strategies to promote the scheme widely to ensure high quality applicants. Lead on alumni engagement to ensure the Embassy maintains ties with former scholars.
- Manage any relevant project funds which the Embassy may be awarded to support the Country Business Plan objectives.
- Manage training projects and other support or capacity building provided by the UK to Ecuadorean authorities.
- Ensure that procurement and spending are in line with guidance, and that relevant processes are fully adhered to.
LINE MANAGEMENT AND TEAM LEADERSHIP (10%) - Leadership of the Political and Communications team, providing strategic direction for the team and ensuring coherence and cohesion across the team’s portfolio.
- Line management of the Communications Manager, UNSC Coordinator, and Projects and Events Officer.
- Role model inclusive behaviours and promote the Embassy values (Respect, Resilience, Collaboration and Creativity); promote cross-team working; play an active role in wider Embassy (through Heads of Section and other committees including Post Management Committee).
- Management of a budget of around $1500 for events with key contacts, ensuring good value for money.
All staff have a role in supporting the Embassy’s crisis-preparedness work. In the event of a crisis, the jobholder is designated as lead Political Manager within Embassy crisis structures. Any other ad-hoc duties as required by the Embassy. | Resources Managed: Team travel budget (approx $1500 USD) Line management of: - Comms manager
- UNSC Coordinator
- Projects and Events officer
The team also has an intern who is managed by the comms manager. The successful applicant may also manage small bilateral projects, as well as overseeing the Embassy’s Chevening programme. |
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