View Vacancy - Political and Administration Officer
The British Embassy in Nouakchott has the vacancy for the position of Political and Administration Officer, Grade B3 (L).
Role:
The British Embassy in Nouakchott is seeking a motivated and capable individual to join the new Embassy as it seeks to establish its presence in Nouakchott. The jobholder will report directly to the Ambassador and will lead on administration matters and assist with providing high quality analysis and reporting on the domestic political situation in Mauritania. The jobholder is expected to be involved in a wide variety of activities, from attending senior meetings and providing political reporting to translation/interpretation and arranging appointments.
To do this, the job holder will need to be self sufficient in conducting research and analysis, engaging with senior Mauritanian’s, government authorities and other stakeholders to build their knowledge and understanding, responding to tasking and inputting to briefing. The jobholder will need to have an existing strong network of contacts across Mauritania, including the Government, ministries and the private sector. The jobholder will need to be organised and adaptable to changes at short notice.
The jobholder will need to engage confidently and effectively with the Ambassador, London based colleagues and external stakeholders, be an innovative self-starter, who thrives on challenge, and has the understanding and sensitivity to manage host government requirements. The successful candidate will have experience in analysis, with the ability to draft reports to a high standard. They will have excellent translation and interpretation skills, in both Arabic and French to and from English. Excellent judgement, a keen eye for detail and the ability to deliver results quickly, including under pressure, are essential. The jobholder will need to build and maintain a broad network of contacts who will help the jobholder stay informed and who can be called upon to participate in Embassy events/visits as necessary as well as facilitating the Embassy’s day-today diplomatic activity. Given the very small size of the Embassy and its recent establishment, the jobholder will be required to work flexibly across a number of areas, often with a high degree of autonomy. Similarly, the jobholder should expect to work unsociable hours at times in order to best facilitate the work of the Embassy and Ambassador. To account for this, time off in lieu will be offered when appropriate.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
- Responsibility for providing administration support in line with the Embassy’s diplomatic requirements and facilitating the Ambassador’s activities. This will include diary management, engagement with local service providers, liaison with the local government officials, arranging meetings, interpretation and translation.
- Engaging with internal and external stakeholders and producing political analysis and regular reporting to the Ambassador and London. Priority areas will include, but not be limited to: domestic political developments, security and counter-terrorism, trade and commercial, and alumni relations.
- Inputting to visit programmes and contributing to the delivery of successful Embassy events.
- A relevant degree or a minimum of 3 years working experience in the relevant field.
- Demonstrated advanced ability to communicate fluently, effectively and persuasively in English, French and Arabic (both orally and in writing) - including translation and interpretation.
- High-level organisational and coordination skills, including the ability to prioritise, meet deadlines, proactively identify and resolve potential problems.
- Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to work both autonomously and in a team, and to build effective networks with internal and external partners that deliver value.
- Demonstrated ability to gather, analyse and report on information related to political and foreign policy issues.
- Strong IT computer skills using MS Office.
- Understanding of Mauritanian politics, economics, and foreign policy.
- Understanding of security structures in Mauritania.
- Experience working with the diplomatic community and Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nouakchott.
The Embassy aims to offer an attractive working environment and remuneration package for this role. The total salary for the role is MRU 39,145 per month at Grade B3 (L). In addition, employer CNSS and CNAM contributions will be made. A 13th month payment will be paid at the end of Ramadan every year (pro-rata in the first year). There are no other allowances payable as part of this package. The successful jobholder will receive 25 days of annual leave per annum plus public holidays as designated by the Embassy (usually 10-14 days per year). This is a fulltime, permanent contract, subject to three months’ probation.
No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position.
Conditioned working hours are 37.5 hours per week. Standard working hours are from 0930 to 1730 (which includes a 30 minute lunch break) from Monday to Friday. However, given the nature of the role the successful candidate will be required to work outside normal working hours and at weekends as required. Time of in lieu will therefore be offered when appropriate.
Occasional travel will be required within the country, and possibly outside. The successful candidate should be willing and able to undertake such travel.
Competencies:
- Delivering at Pace - Effectiveness in this area means focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes.
- Making Effective Decisions - Effectiveness in this area is about being objective; using sound judgement, evidence and knowledge to provide accurate, expert and professional advice.
- 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 organisation to help get business done.
- 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.
- 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.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates must attach the following documents when applying online:
1. A covering letter.
2. An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. 250-350 words, in English, on ONE of the following topics:
i. Likely outcomes of the parliamentary elections in September 2018.
ii. The structure of the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines.
iii. The role of religion in Mauritania.
** (Your application must include, in the cover letter, examples of when you have demonstrated the competencies outlined above. Applications that do not include this information will be rejected).
The closing date for applications is on the 24 August 2018 before 23:55 Mauritanian Time.
Applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered.
Due to the large amount of applications we receive only those shortlisted for assessment will be contacted.
The successful candidate will be required to undergo security vetting procedures. Any offer of employment will be subject to the candidate achieving suitable clearances, medical clearance and reference checks.
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.
Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to terms and conditions of service according to local labour law.
The British Embassy Nouakchott is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
