View Vacancy - SRJ - Senior Political and Economic Officer B3(L)

The British Consulate General Jeddah has a vacancy for a Senior Political and Economic Officer for a fixed-term contract for two (2) years.

The jobholder will lead on Political and Economic reporting and analysis in Western Saudi Arabia. They will provide support in other key areas of activity, including official visits to Jeddah, local media engagement, and the work of the UK Special Envoy to the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC).

Duties and responsibilities:

• Strengthen our understanding of change in western Saudi Arabia, and the impact of Vision 2030, through engagement with civil society, youth, and media figures. Provide a regular rhythm of reporting on key local government developments, social issues, and local media topics, as well as providing analysis on economic priorities, including the Red Sea projects. (55%)
• Lead on Consulate outreach and engagement in the provinces of Mekkah, Medina, Aseer, Al-Baha, and Jazan in support of the Consul-General, developing a network with key interlocutors and officials, drafting visit reports, and accompanying on official visits. (25%)
• Lead on delivery of the Consulate’s media strategy, working closely with the British Embassy Riyadh Communications Team, establishing a network of key contacts in print, TV, and social media, notably during the annual Hajj season, and providing media/ press support work for the Consul-General and wider Consulate activity including commercial and consular outreach. (10%)
• Act as senior MFA liaison officer for the regular high-level official and ministerial visits, in particular during the summer months when the Royal Court moves to Jeddah, including providing protocol advice and guidance to Her Majesty’s Consul-General (HMCG) and Her Majesty’s Ambassador (HMA). (5%)
• Support the work of the Consul-General in his role as UK Special Envoy in engagement with the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC), establishing good working ties at departmental level, identifying areas of priority for UK policy making across the OIC’s broad thematic and geographical portfolio, providing timely updates on OIC discussions and decisions, and drafting reporting to Riyadh and London as necessary. (5%)

The above list is not exhaustive and the jobholder will be required to be flexible and take on other ad hoc tasks as required, including participating in the Consulate’s emergency planning and any response to a crisis.

Key competencies required:

• Delivering at Pace - Focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes. Working to agreed goals and activities and dealing with challenges in a responsive and constructive way, and providing the focus and energy to drive activities forward through others and encourage staff to perform effectively during challenging and changing times.
• Making Effective Decisions - Being objective; using sound judgement, evidence, and knowledge to provide accurate, expert and professional advice and evaluating options before arriving at well-reasoned, justifiable decisions. Creating evidence based strategies, evaluating options, impacts, risks and solutions; aiming to maximise return while minimising risk and balancing social, political, financial, economic and environmental considerations to provide sustainable outcomes.
• Changing and Improving - Being responsive and innovative, and seeking out opportunities to create effective change. Being open to change, suggesting ideas for improvements to the way things are done, and working in 'smarter', more focused ways. Continuously seeking out ways to improve policy implementation and build a leaner, more flexible and responsive organisation, and making use of alternative delivery models including digital and shared service approaches wherever possible.
• Collaborating and Partnering - Creating and maintaining positive, professional, and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people within and outside the organisation to help get business done. Working collaboratively, sharing information and building supportive, responsive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, whilst having the confidence to challenge assumptions.

• Previous knowledge or experience of analytical or commercial or policy work as well as report writing.
• Demonstrate excellent ability to communicate fluently, effectively, and persuasively in English and Arabic (both orally and in writing).
• Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to work both autonomously and in a team, and to work effectively with clients, including at senior levels.
• Demonstrates ability to gather, analyse, and report on information related to political, foreign policy, and economic issues. Ability to think strategically to spot opportunities.
• Flexible approach, strong initiative, and adaptability to changing priorities.
• High-level organisational and coordination skills, including the ability to prioritise, meet deadlines, proactively identify and resolve potential problems.
• Ability to work independently and to take the initiative as well as being able to work well with others.
• Bachelor’s degree in economics, business, politics, international relations, or similar discipline.