View Vacancy - Political Officer – Parliamentary and Political Affairs

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 British Embassy in Baghdad is seeking an individual for the position of Political Officer – Parliamentary and Political Affairs, Grade – C4 (L).

Objective:

The jobholder will work in two main areas of political team’s work. 50% of the role will be focused on providing expert knowledge, updates, and analysis on the work of key state institutions - principally the Council of Representatives (CoR), as well as other institutions such as the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC), and the Judiciary. The jobholder will spend the remaining 50% of the time providing analysis and reporting on political developments in Iraq.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Key State Institutions:

Networking:

  • Build and maintain relationships with contacts in the Council of Representatives, as well as other state institutions, to complement existing embassy relationships and bring new insight into these institutions to improve the UK’s understanding of their functions.
  • Develop a secondary network of contacts with the media, academia, and think-tanks to build wider understanding and knowledge of key state institutions.

Reporting and Analysis:

  • Bring and develop expert knowledge on: Council of Representatives’ (CoR) functions and processes (as well as its committees), and other key state bodies, ministries and institutions.
  • Closely follow developments in CoR and other key state institutions, working independently to provide fast, insightful, and concise updates and analysis, to interpret developments.
  • Work flexibly and use judgment to provide regular oral and written reports to update the Ambassador and other Embassy colleagues, as well as teams in London, on key issues relating to state institutions.
  • Contribute to the development of UK policy on key state institutions, making clear and precise recommendations.

 

Political Affairs:

Networking:

  • Alongside other members of the team, you will form and help manage relationships with leading political blocs, to help the UK to better understand their activities and viewpoints.
  • You will provide expert advice for the Ambassador and others in the Embassy on political engagement, recommending key new contacts, and handling of existing contacts.
  • You will facilitate and attend meetings with the Ambassador and others in the embassy, providing logistical and translation support as required, taking notes, and providing readouts.
  • Develop a secondary network of contacts with the media, academia, and think-tanks to build wider understanding and knowledge of political issues.

Monitoring, reporting and Analysis:

  • Closely follow political, cultural and religious issues, working independently to provide fast, insightful and concise analysis, to interpret developments.
  • Work flexibly and use sound judgement to provide regular oral and written reports to update the UK Embassy and Ambassador on important new political trends.

 

Resources Managed:

  • NA

Key Competencies:

  • Leading and Communicating - Effectiveness in this area is about leading from the front and communicating with clarity, conviction and enthusiasm. It’s about supporting principles of fairness of opportunity for all and a dedication to a diverse range of citizens.
  • Seeing the Big Picture - Seeing the big picture is about having an in-depth understanding and knowledge of how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives and the wider public needs.
  • Collaborating and Partnering - People skilled in this area create and maintain positive, professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people within and outside the Civil Service to help get business done.
  • Making Effective Decisions - Effectiveness in this area is about being objective; using sound judgment, evidence and knowledge to provide accurate, expert and professional advice.

Knowledge and Skills:

Essential:

  • Fluent communication skills in English and Arabic language (both spoken and written).
  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject (Example: Political Science, International Relations, Political Economy, Domestic Law, International Law, Human Rights, Government, Public Policy, Public Administration or History.)
  • Minimum three years’ work experience in a similar role and/or academic institutions such as further education, think tanks, international and/or non-governmental organizations, corporate entities, law, or government.
  • Strong understanding of Iraq’s political situation, particularly issues on internal, parliamentary, and judicial issues.
  • Ability to provide interpretation between English and Arabic in meetings.
  • Strong team-working skills.
  • Ability to work in fast-paced, high profile environments, and deliver to deadlines.
  • IT skills (Excel in particular, but also Outlook, Word, PowerPoint).

Desirable:

  • Experience working with, or for, one of Iraq’s key state institutions, such as Council of Representatives (CoR), the Prime Minister’s Office, the Judiciary, or Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC).
11 December 2021
Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Full-time, Permanent
38
Middle East & North Africa
Iraq
Baghdad
British Embassy
1
USD
3,144
1 February 2022

Working Hours and Remuneration:

The Embassy aims to offer an attractive working environment and remuneration package for this role, including up to 20 days of annual leave.

The role grade is C4 (L) grade, with a base salary of US$ 3,144 per month. This base salary is paid 13 times a year. In addition there is a security allowance of US$300 per month payable as part of this package. The allowance is subject to review and may be altered or withdrawn at any time. No accommodation and relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position.

This position is offered on a Full Time, Permanent contract basis.

Conditioned working hours are 38 hours per week. Normal working hours are Sunday - Wednesday 0800–1600 and Thursday 0800-1400. There is flexibility for starting and leaving times as long as conditioned hours are completed.

The successful candidate will be subject to a 90 days probationary period.

 

Eligibility:

If you are selected for this position, we will be able to employ you as long as:

  • We can obtain the appropriate level of local and UK security clearance for you.
  • You have (or be willing to obtain) the right to live and work in Iraq. Candidate's residence permit and work permit, and the expense to obtain them, will be their own responsibility – the Embassy does not provide residence or work permits.

To Apply:

Interested candidates must attach the following documents along with the completed online application form:

  • An updated Curriculum Vita (CV) of no more than three pages.
  • A covering letter of no more than two pages

** (Your application must include the above attachments and must include examples of when you have demonstrated the competencies outlined above in the cover letter. Applications that do not include this information will be rejected).

 

All applications must be received before 23:55 (Baghdad Time) on 11 December 2021.

 

Applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered.

Due to the large amount of applications we receive only those shortlisted for interview (competency-based)/assessment will be contacted.

The start date mentioned in the advert is an assumed start date and the successful candidate will be required to undergo security-vetting procedures.  Any offer of employment will be subject to the candidate achieving suitable clearances and reference checks.

 

The British Embassy Baghdad is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference. Staff recruited locally are subject to Terms and Conditions of service according to local employment law.

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.