View Vacancy - Political Officer - British High Commission, Castries (Temporary Position)

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)
Chancery

Main purpose of job:
This job is at the centre of the work of the British High Commission (BHC) in Saint Lucia.  The officer works closely with the Resident British Commissioner (RBC) in Castries and the High Commissioner and colleagues in the British High Commission (BHC) in Bridgetown (our regional headquarters). 

The Political Officer is responsible for following the political and economic situation in St Lucia as well as planning incoming visits and the public diplomacy of the BHC Castries.  The officer leads on the UK Chevening scholarship programme in St Lucia (the application window opens in August).  There will be some work linked to the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean states (headquarters in Castries) and possibly some project management work.  As part of a small team, the Political Officer also contributes to the day-to-day operations of the BHC as well as crisis preparedness and response.  The PO will cover periods when the RBC is away.

Roles and responsibilities:

The Officer and the RBC will agree specific goals for the period of employment.  They will be based on the areas of responsibility below, and the BHC priorities for the coming months.

  • Political Work.  Political work includes political analysis and reporting and engagement with the offices of the Government of Saint Lucia at both senior and desk level.  The scope of political work spans domestic political, economic and social issues, regional, international and multilateral. Some of the activity is lobbying on issues of importance to the UK, e.g. climate change, trade, security, values, human rights, LGBT+ rights, and reporting back on issues of importance to St Lucia.  The temporary officer will have access to contacts of the BHC and may stand in for the RBC at meetings.  
  • Visits and Events.  Working closely with the RBC, the officer plans programmes for official visitors, contributes to written briefing or briefing on arrival and accompanies to meetings.  Visits require close attention to logistical and administrative arrangements, working closely with colleagues in the BHC who can give support on these areas.  Similarly, the political officer works wih the BHC Events Manager to identify opportunities and organise events that contribute to the BHC’s objectives and promote the UK and priority issues for the UK and the Commonwealth.
  • Public Diplomacy and Communications. The officer is the BHC’s point of contact for Saint Lucia media organisations.  S/he drafts and circulates press releases and articles.  The officer leads on producing BHC Castries content for social media and increasing followers
  • Projects and Programmes.  The Political Officer manages any BHC project work including identifying impactful projects and partners to deliver them in line with the BHC priority areas, available budget and internal rules.  The Officer will learn about UK development programmes in Saint Lucia, managed by colleagues in Bridgetown.
  • Chevening Officer.  There is an annual cycle for this prestigous Masters scholarship scheme that includes promotion, particularly during the application period (August to November), departure and welcome back engagements and liaison with the the alumni network of Saint Lucian scholars.  
  • Embassy operations.  All members of the team have a role in the efficient operations of the BHC.  This could be IT troubleshooting and maintenance, or correspondence management.  All members of the team have a role in crisis preparedness and response too.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure): 
Potentially Project Budgets of between approx £5,000-£40,000

•    Excellent communication skills including written drafting skills
•    Optimum organisational skills with the ability to demonstrate initiative and self-motivation
•    Ability to handle multiple tasks and projects at pace
•    Advanced IT skills including MS Office
•    Experience, in digital and social media
•    Flexible, ‘can do’ attitude

Language requirements: 

Language: English

Level of language required: Fluent

(Kweyol would be an asset but is not essential) 

•    Knowledge of working with government institutions and experience of working in British or international environment
•    Interest in local and regional politics
•    Strategic thinking and analysis
•    Ability to draft press releases and speaking notes
•    Project Cycle Management experience
•    In-depth knowledge of the Caribbean region
•    Relevant Degree
•    Full, clean driving licence
Seeing the Big Picture, Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace, Communicating and Influencing, Working Together
24 June 2023
Executive Officer (EO)
Temporary
38
Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
Saint Lucia
Castries
British High Commission
1
EC$7,313 per month
19 July 2023
9 January 2024

Our mission prides itself in ensuring all staff have rewarding and stretching L&D opportunities.  A full induction programme will be arranged for the successful applicant.  This may include travel to another British diplomatic mission in the Eastern Caribbean.

The International Academy (IA) of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has a suite on online courses for new entrants, as well as thematic resources about the UK and foreign policy.  

The standard working hours are 0745-1600hrs Monday to Thursday and 0800-1300hrs Friday (totalling 38hrs including paid breaks). 

Whilst whenever possible our staff work their standard hours, the nature of this role and diplomatic work means the successful candidate must be able to work flexibly when requested.  This will likely mean some evening work each month and occasional weekend work (wherever possible advance notice will be given).  When this occurs, the officer is able to have time off in lieu.

This is an exciting opportunity to be in the heart of the small team and have a real impact on UK-St Lucia and UK-OECS relations.   We are a busy and energetic team that is part of the network of British High Comissions in Barbados, Antigua & Barbuda, Grenada and St Vincent & The Grenadines.  We need staff with a “can do” and flexible attitude to ensure our success.  The successful applicant will be a strategic thinker with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.  They will have strong organisational skills, show initiative and possess the ability to juggle multiple tasks and problem solve. 

The FCDO and our overseas network is recognised as a good employer, with a robust, fair and transparent performance management and appraisal system to which staff bonuses are linked.   We have a good learning and development and organisational culture.  We treat people with respect and equality and have a policy of zero tolerance for any form of discrimination, bullying, or harassment. 

All applicants must be legally able to work in St Lucia with the correct visa/status or work permit. Staff members recruited locally by the British High Commission are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law.

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. We will conduct checks of references and security clearances. No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position.
 
Please note that: any questions you may have about this position will only be answered during interview, incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted (consider your application unsuccessful if you have not heard from us three weeks after the closing date).

The British High Commission is an equal opportunities employers and do not discriminate on grounds of ethnic origin, race, religious beliefs, age, disability, gender or sexual orientation.

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.