View Vacancy - NZW - Political Officer, A2 (Part-time)

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

The bilateral relationship with New Zealand is a priority for the UK. Our work covers the full range of UK government interests – political, trade, defence, science, economics, visas and consular policy. We operate in a fascinating, fast-paced environment, working closely with New Zealand on a wide range of issues that reinforce our shared values.

Based at the High Commission in Wellington, the Political Officer will support the delivery of high quality analysis and reporting on all aspects of New Zealand’s domestic policy for a senior readership at Post and in London, as directed by the Senior Political Analyst. You will have specific responsibility for reporting on New Zealand’s immigration, youth affairs, and aspects of environment policy, and will be required to report on other on other areas of New Zealand domestic policy in line with business needs.

You will also provide support on Ministerial and senior visits to and from the UK, including the organisation of programmes,logistics and briefing.

You will also provide support to the wider Political and Communications Team through managing the team’s budget under the direction of senior members of the team.

To succeed in this role you will be able to develop and manage a network of contacts in New Zealand including: MPs and their staff, core government agencies, policymakers, and political opinion-makers. This network will help to establish connections between UK and NZ counterparts that enables the sharing of best policy practice.

Political analysis (80%)

  • Provide timely, insightful political analysis to UK in NZ and London FCO network.
  • Support the UKinNZ network’s soft power work by identifying opportunities to collaborate with central and local government, businesse and opinion makers.
  • Ad hoc reports for an internal audience on significant political developments. including elections, Cabinet appointments and relevant policy changes.
  • Build and maintain a network of civic, political and academic opinion makers in Wellington to inform reporting.

Visit support (10%)  

  • Organising visits, including preparing briefings, arranging programmes and overseeing logistics for inward visits to New Zealand and supporting the High Commissioner’s and Deputy High Commissioner’s regional visits within New Zealand and;
  • Assist with arrangements for outward visits to the UK by NZ ministers, MPs and Senior Officials

Administrative support (10%)

  • Providing limited administrative support to the High Commission’s political team as required
  • Developing and delivering ad hoc projects and events that support the High Commission’s priorities and;
  • Supporting the wider political team with budget management.
  • A minimum of one to two years, relevant work experience in central or local government.
  • An aptitude for and interest in political, economic and policy analysis
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills 
  • A sound understanding of the New Zealand system of government; and
  • Strong relationship management skills.
  • Project and budget experience
  • An undergraduate degree in politics, economics and other social science would be an advantage
12 July 2020
Administrative Officer (AO)
Permanent, Part-Time
21.75
Asia Pacific
New Zealand
Wellington
British High Commission
1
CNY
NZ$5,208.75 per month adjusted to reflect actual hours worked
10 August 2020

The British High Commission is committed to learning and development for all staff, placing strong emphasis on both personal and team development.

A wide range of L&D opportunities are available, with access to specialist courses and training, and our annual L&D camp.

This role offers scope for flexible working hours including some home working. You will work closely with the Political and Visits Officer (also part-time) though with distinct, complementary portfolios. There will be a requirement for occassional and limited out-of-hours work to support major events and visits.

Appointment is subject to a 90 day trial period pursuant to section 67A of the Employment Relations Act 2000 and gaining and maintaining Posts security clearance requirements.

Open to New Zealand citizens, permanent residents and candidates with current local work permit . Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment checks. No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position.

Staff recruited locally by the High Commission are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local New Zealand employment law. 

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted regarding the next phase of the selection process.  To those applicants not short-listed, we extend our appreciation for considering the British Government as a potential employer.

For more information on the work of the British High Commission, visit our website - http://www.gov.uk/government/world/new-zealand.

All applications must be received before 23:55 (NZDT), 12 July 2020.

Applications must address experience against the role responsibilities and required competencies in the cover letter and also include a current CV.

Incomplete application forms will not be taken into consideration, so please ensure you provide the information requested. We regret to advise that we will only be contacting short-listed candidates. Applicants called for an interview will be assessed on the core competencies listed above.

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.