View Vacancy - Political Officer - Northern Ghana EO (42/22 ACC)
Main purpose of job: BHC Accra is a large post, delivering high impact and complex policy, programmes and campaigns on the full breadth of the Africa Strategy. Ghana is a priority country for the UK and we are working across a wide array of development, diplomatic, environmental, security and other areas and linkages. All staff embody the new Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s approach to cross-departmental ways of working and the High Commission aims to be a highly-inclusive place to work, celebrating a workforce with both diversity of thought and background. To help achieve this the British High Commission takes a values-based approach to leadership and people management, and has a zero-tolerance for bullying and harassment. Our local values are Respect; Openness; and Honesty & Integrity. The FCDO is increasing its focus on Northern Ghana (the five northernmost regions of Ghana) across the spectrum of diplomacy, development, and security. This work needs to be informed by a robust and detailed understanding of the political actors and political dynamics of the five Northern regions, and ongoing assessment of how the issues of Northern Ghana interact with national politics. This role will lead on political and contextual analysis, stakeholder engagement and political reporting on Northern Ghana. You will also support with the development of data driven products to ensure FCDO’s approaches in Northern Ghana are fully evidence based. The postholder will be housed in the Political and Governance Team (reporting to a Senior Political Officer) and will primarily work to the FCDO’s Northern Ghana Attaché, who is the FCDO’s senior diplomat working on Northern Ghana. This is an exciting and growing portfolio which touches on the breadth of the UK government’s priorities and activities in Northern Ghana. If you are looking for an opportunity to work in a high performing team, to develop your analytical skills and relationship building skills this is the job for you. | |
Roles and responsibilities: In this role you will be responsible for:
Whilst this job is with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development office, the postholder will also have opportunities to learn about and lean in to the work of other UK Government Departments, such as the Department for International Trade, the Home Office (Ministry of Interior) and the Ministry of Defence.
As part of the programme management opportunities which this role may provide there will be opportunity to manage funding streams, ensuring value for money and delivery of results for FCDO’s investments. |
· A degree in political science, law, history or similar. · A knowledge of Northern Ghana · Strong people skills and ability to build relationships with external and internal stakeholders · A minimum of one year office experience in a fast-paced working environment |
· Analytical and stakeholder mapping skills, and ability to use analytical insights to advise on building effective relationships and impactful engagements · Strong communication skills and ability to turn complex issues into insightful reporting and clear messages. · Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple work-strands to achieve deadlines. · Ability to plan ahead and anticipate problems, as well as being able to respond to urgent demands. · Experience of working with a Diplomatic Mission in Ghana is highly desirable. |
Learning and development opportunities: The British High Commission in Ghana takes learning and development seriously. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop many core and transferable skills through both formal and informal learning and development opportunities, including the full suite of HMG training courses and opportunities and the opportunity to work closely and shadow the High Comissioner and other senior members of staff. Members of staff are encouraged to make use of the learning and development opportunities that the office has to offer. |
Working patterns: This is a full time role, and is suitable for flexible working patterns, which should be discussed with your line manager. When conducting field trips to Northern Ghana it may be necessary to work outside of core hours e.g. to attend an evening function. |
- All applicants must be legally able to work in Ghana with the correct visa/status or work permit.
- The successful applicant will demonstrate that they meet the requirements under Ghanaian law to work in Ghana.
- The British High Commission in Accra is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.
- Staff recruited locally by the British High Commission in Accra are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Ghanaian employment law.
- Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount.
- Information about the Civil Service Success Profiles can be found on this link:
- Please note: AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5.
- Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted.
This opportunity is closed to applications.