View Vacancy - SRR - Senior Political and Press Officer (HEO)

The British Embassy Riyadh has a vacancy for a Senior Political and Press Officer on a fixed term contract for two (2) years.

The main purpose of the job is to lead and deliver political analysis and reporting and facilitate Embassy engagement with the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the highest levels, in order to support the work of the UK’s diplomatic network in Saudi Arabia. 

Duties and responsibilities:

• Lead on analysis and reporting of developments and trends in Saudi Arabia’s internal politics and their implications for UK policy. This will require objective and evidence-based reporting and an analytical approach. The types of reports will range from high-level reports summarising political trends for a senior readership, to in-depth and detailed reports on specific issues, e.g. constitutional and judicial changes for subject matter experts.
• Take the same approach to provide analysis and reporting of developments in Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy and regional affairs and their implications on UK foreign policy.
• Develop and facilitate BE Riyadh’s network with a broad range of political contacts in the Royal Court, Ministries, Shura Council, Provinces, civil society and media. Prioritise, plan, co-ordinate, and deliver the Embassy’s engagements with those contacts, including sensitive protocol handling for senior meetings, visits, and engagements
• Plan and deliver the Embassy’s engagement with provinces outside Riyadh to fulfil the full range of UK objectives: political engagement, trade, and investment and build understanding of Vision 2030 changes.
• Support the delivery of VIP visits by UK political figures to Saudi Arabia and vice versa.
• Support the Mission’s response to any crises through delivery of authoritative political advice and contributions to wider team working.
• Support our Head of Communications in the delivery of the UK’s political messaging in print and social media and through speeches.

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 Embassy’s emergency planning and any other response to a crisis affecting UK citizens.

Key behaviours required:

• Seeing the Big Picture - Understand how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives. Recognise the wider priorities and ensure work is in the national interest.
• Making Effective Decisions - Use evidence and knowledge to support accurate, expert decisions and advice. Carefully consider alternative options, implications and risks of decisions.
• Communicating and Influencing - Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses and opinions of others.
• Delivering at Pace - Taking responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.

Eligibility:

The position is available to Saudi Nationals and to current holders of valid Saudi residence permits or transferable iqamas. The successful candidate will be required to transfer their sponsorship to the British Embassy.

• Fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic (to be tested at interview). Able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely.
• Confidence to express ideas clearly and concisely. Credibility and personal impact to engage with senior UK/ Saudi political figures.
• A detailed and in depth knowledge and understanding of Saudi Arabian politics, history and culture.
• Personal initiative, drive, and ability to work both independently and as a part of a team.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and team working skills.
• Strong planning, organisational and time management skills. Ability to prioritise own workload and meet deadlines, without compromising the quality of the work.
• Creativity, flexibility and ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Holds at least a bachelor’s degree.
• Strong IT skills and literacy in Microsoft Office applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).