View Vacancy - Political and Projects Officer - C4 - Mumbai

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

Length of the contract: 2 Years (Renewable)




Main purpose of job:

 

To (a) provide analysis and reporting on political developments and events in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Goa (b) identify, manage and ensure maximum output from FCO funded projects, and lead our engagement with Western India’s next generation of talent and leadership.

Roles and Responsibilities 

Political Analysis and Reporting

 

  • Develop contacts, strong relationships and relevance with political and Government stakeholders from all parties , Think Tanks, civil society organisations including NGOs and influential groups in Maharashtra, MP and Goa.
  • Occasional travel to Goa and Madhya Pradesh to develop key links to support political and wider objectives.
  • To analyse political developments in all three states and in consultation with the Communications Team at Post provide written reporting to the British High Commission leadership, and teams in London. 

 

Project Management

 

  • Identify and work with credible project deliverers, notably in the non-profit and academia sectors addressing issues relating to violence against women, the rights and development of children (boys and girls), LGBTIQ rights, Modern Slavery and the rights of minorities.
  • Develop projects for funding under existing UK Government funding lines.
  • Oversight of and timely delivery of agreed projects through regular co-ordination with the external Partner;  working closely with the Communications Team to maximise media coverage for the Deputy High Commission & the delivering organisation, the benefits of the work and for UK Government’s engagement.
  • Ensure relevant UK government project management principles and audit requirements are followed.

 

Engaging India’s Next Generation

 

  • Be the BDHC’s lead on developing our engagement with Indian’s next generation of talent and leadership. Implement initiatives for engagement, and work with the Assistant Visit and Events Officer in developing and maintaining a Next-Gen database.
  • Act as the lead on the promotion of Chevening Scholarships and Fellowships in Western India.
  • Liaise with and organise events for the Chevening Alumni , and in partnership with the British Council, and other alumni groups.

 

Visit Management and Delivery

 

  • Act as the Delivery Officer for visits assigned to the Political Officer – ensuring high quality programmes, briefings and outcome reporting.
  • To support the delivery of other visits, in particular political components such as meetings with the Chief Minister, state ministers and key players from academic/policy institutes.

 

Security Sector

 

To follow developments in the Mumbai and Maharashtra Police Force, and with the Western Naval Command and ensure good connect and information flow to the UK’s Defence and National Crime Agency Teams in Delhi, and with the UK Revenue and Customs Department  Representative in Mumbai.

 

Leadership

 

As an expereinced staff member, engage in corporate tasking ranging from combating Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination in the work place to assisting in the organisation of an annual Away Day.

 

 

 

 

The Political and Projects Office sits at the centre of the British Deputy Head of Mission and will need to be on top of his or her game at all times. The Head of Post, and senior visitors routinely seek advice on political issues. The additional duties associated with this position – notably our engagement India’s next generation of leaders and talent, and through project work with community based groups we are developing a “Living Bridge” between the United Kingdom and India. The successful candidate should have solid political experience, and astute political antennae, and have strong report-writing skills. Political reporting from Mumbai is read carefully from the High Commissioner downwards.  It is important that candidates understand that the UK Government does not take a position on the virtues of any political party. Political reporting provided by the officer must be balanced, based on credible analysis and be devoid of personal political views. The Political Officer is a crucial member of the delivery of some senior visitors, particularly those with a political and socio-economic component. He or she can end up in accompanying and briefing very senior British Ministers and officials or, as in the case of the last job holder, briefing Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, ahead of a public speaking engagement.

 

The UK Government is investing more funds annually in developing projects across a wide range of target areas in India. The successful candidate will work with quality large and small community organisations and NGOs to deliver interventions to promote action to counter violence against women, promote the rights of children, the promoting of LGBTQ equality and the rights of minorities in Western India. The British Deputy High Commission in Mumbai wants to secure more funding for work in Maharashtra, MP and Goa, and the successful candidate will lead on ensuring we do so. Significant responsibility is devolved to the job holder to decide and promote a local approach on these issues, working closely with colleagues in the Post Communications Team, across the British High Commission in Delhi and British Council staff.

 

This is a great job, giving the holder both significant independence of working methods but also considerable levels of responsibilities. The British Deputy High Commission in Mumbai is held in high regard locally, opening doors for the right person.

 

  • Graduate/Post graduate ideally with degree in political science, international relations or related subjects.
  • Minimum 5 years work experience.
  • Experience in the political foray, exposure to Academic/policy institutions, research, analysis and relationship development
  • Strong drafting skills – this will be tested in the recruitment process
  • Ability to be politically independent, and be comfortable with the key delivery areas for project work.
  • Have strong interpersonal skills, real presence and confidence in dealing with very senior individuals.
  • Project management experience. Note, we will invest in learning and development opportunities for the right candidate.
  • Fluency in one or more Indian regional languages is desirable
20 August 2017
Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Fixed Term
24 months
South Asia & Afghanistan
India
Mumbai
British Deputy High Commission
1
INR
80,924
1 October 2017

For British High Commission (BHC) candidates, the Local Staff BHC Terms & Conditions will apply.

 

For other than BHC candidates, salary will be INR 80,924 per month together with a 12% provident fund and 6% Superannuation Fund/ Special Allowance.

 

Additionally the BHC offers a great benefits package that includes annual domiciliary medical cover, plus a Group Hospitalisation Scheme with Rs 500,000 floater cover for your immediate family. 

 

The BHC is recognised as a good employer, with a robust, fair and transparent performance management & appraisal system linked to increments and staff bonuses. We have a 5-day working week, plus annual leave, public holidays, maternity leave provision, special leave, paid sick leave provision; ample development opportunities, travel opportunities, a good organisational culture, and excellent work/life balance. 

 

Around half of our work force is women.  We treat people with respect and equality and have a policy of zero tolerance for any form of discrimination, bullying, or harassment. 

 

This is a good opportunity to be part of a strong, diverse team, working in the biggest network that FCO has anywhere across the globe.  We are aiming to make it the best.

TO APPLY:

Please note that applications without (a), (b) and (c) will NOT be considered:

 

(a)     Complete the Online Application Form

(b)     Attach a detailed CV

(c)     Complete the motivation segment in the Online Application Form

 

Internal candidates applying for this position need to upload their appraisal forms for the previous 2 years (if applicable) else the application will not be considered.

Please note:

  • Applicants who do not have the required qualification & experience should kindly abstain from applying, as their applications will not be considered.
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and no telephone enquires will be dealt with.
  • The appointment will be subject to Police Verification and other checks including references, educational and professional.

 

We welcome all applications irrespective of age, race, colour, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief or creed. We are also open to applications from people who want to work flexibly.

Any other information (or specific local Post requirements):

 

The British Deputy High Commission (BDHC) in Mumbai is the equivalent of a Consulate General. The Head of Post is the British Deputy High Commissioner, who is the equivalent of a Consul General.  The BDHC is located in the BKC area of the city. It has 100 staff members focussing on areas as diverse as the promotion of the United kingdom as a trade and inward investment partner of choice for India, consular services to British nationals, political relations, media and communications, corporate services, visas for Indian national wishing to go to the UK, science and innovation and relationships with the Indian customs services. It also has subordinate posts in Pune (British Trade Office) and Goa (British Nationals Assistance Office) or which the job holder will also oversee security aspect.

 

The BDHC is a busy mission in keeping with the strength of the UK/India relationship, and the prioritisation given to India by the British Government, resulting in a high volume of very senior visitors, trade delegations and the delivery of big events to maximise and increase the value of the bilateral relationship. We have a very high profile in Mumbai. The BDHC takes the welfare and development of its staff very seriously. It is our Indian and British staff who work tirelessly, together, to deliver our work. We think you will find working for the BDHC to be a unique and fun experience.

 

The UK-India relationship is powerfully strong – and will continue to be so and get stronger and both Governments prioritise it. Links between India and the United Kingdom are modern and cover a wide range of areas where we are engaged including:

 

  • Trade and investment – we want UK companies engaged in India, and Indian companies investing in the UK’s potential. In Mumbai we also have teams specifically promoting Wales and Scotland’s potential.
  • People to people links – we want Indians to (i) study in the UK (ii) visit and enjoy the UK (iii) research in the UK (iv) set up companies in the UK.
  • Cultural links - The UK/India 2017 Year of Culture reveals our strong links in areas as diverse as literature, film, dance, sports and music. We also want to expand English language learning.
  • Science and innovation links and sharing
  • Engaging the political and media communities, and working with community and other groups promoting development.
  • Working with the Government on its smart cities, urban development, ease of doing business and Make in India policies.
  • Providing a quality consular service to British nationals in India.
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This opportunity is closed to applications.