View Vacancy - LAO - Projects and Political Support Officer, AO
Main Purpose of Job:
This is an exciting opportunity for someone interested in a career in policy or programme management and wishes to get a range of experience in a high performing Embassy. The job holder will be part of a small but close team with great opportunities for progression, and exposure to diplomatic work. As a Dialogue Partner of ASEAN, the UK will be involved in the Lao Chairmanship 2024; The jobholder will have the opportunity to support Ministerial visits, attend networking events, and build relationships with counterparts in other Embassies.
This role is split into two main areas:
In the political role, the individual will provide support to the Head of Political, covering politics, human rights, ASEAN and the UK’s bilateral relationship with Laos. The individual will have the opportunity to be the Embassy’s point of contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on certain areas and also work closely with the Ambassador and the Deputy Head of Mission.
As a projects support officer, the individual will support the management of the Embassy’s Official Development Assistance and non-Official Development Assistance programmes such as UXO clearance and smaller grants. The individual will have the opportunity to travel and see firsthand the developmental outcomes of these projects as well as liaising directly with the implementers.
The job holder will be given lots of opportunities to develop new skills through a generous Learning and Development offer.
What the Jobholder will be Expected to Achieve:
Projects Support (50%)
- To support on the project selection process. This will include to facilitate the call for bid for small bilateral projects (not above £100,000 annually), reviewing the project proposals and supporting the due diligence process.
- To work with project implementers to ensure that their project spend is in line with FCDO guidelines and to ensure that invoices are received, processed, and paid on time.
- To lead on monitoring project, spend and payments against the agreed activity budget plan. Produce a monthly spending reports and to report on the quality requirements.
- To ensure that project completion and progress reports are delivered on time. This may require revising schedules as the project develops and working closely with the Projects Officer to manage changes.
- To support the Chevening Scholarship programme (e.g. Alumni engagement activities and relevant events).
Political Support (40%)
- To support the Head of Political in conducting analysis and producing reports based on desktop research, outreach and stakeholder engagement. The topics are varied and there is scope to suit the jobholder's interests.
- To lead on the engagement and development of new relationships in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, civil society and other external institutions.
- To work with teams across other UK Government Departments and British Embassies in the region, to build a network of contacts on a range of policy areas (e.g. ASEAN, human rights, regional affairs, parliamentary politics).
- To provide administrative and logistical support during the ASEAN Summit, including ad-hoc translation and interpretation (training will be provided).
Other Support (10%)
- To support the Embassy’s future initiatives around young people, sport, LGBTQ+ or people with disabilities.
- To supporting visits from senior officials and contribute to reporting/briefing.
Percentages of work may vary during the year depending on priorities and key moments.
Resources Managed (staff and expenditure): None
- Minimum of 2 years' work experience, preferably in a policy role
- High level of discretion with a resilient, flexible and “can do” attitude
- Able to work with a range of stakeholders
- Good computer skills (familiar with MS Word and Excel)
Language requirements:
- English and Lao
- Level of language required: Fluent
- Previous experience working at an embassy or international organisation
- Knowledge of project management
- Experience of financial work
This role is advertised as a 1-year fixed term contract, with possibility of extension.
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, 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.
Working Patterns: The British Embassy enables working from home 1-2 days a week and allows for flexible start and finish times.
This could be a busy role which may on occasion require some out of hours support in the event of a crisis or incident. Attempts are made to limit this, and a system of TOIL is in place.
Embassy Vision and Values:
VISION: What do we want to build?
A better, safer, more prosperous world for Britons and Lao alike.
MISSION: How will we achieve this?
By championing UK values and delivering tangible benefits to individuals, businesses and society: through quality service, effective partnerships and local expertise.
VALUES: that underpin our work
Learning and Development Opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):
Our Learning and Development package is very attractive, which are available both online and in person training. This is also a small Embassy, which will allow the job holder to be involved in a variety of activities and exposure based on their interest.
The job holder can expect training on key areas of the job.
Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”.
Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.
We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered.
Note: All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the online application form completely including the employment and educational details, experience, professional skills and behaviour-based questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the applications and incomplete form in any respect may not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.
Only shortlisted candidates for interview will be contacted. Interviewees will be assessed on the core behaviours/qualifications listed above. Unsuccessful candidates will be notified via the system in due time. Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 6 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.
To ensure a successful application it is important that you explain how you demonstrate these behaviours, including through your experience. You are strongly advised to read the Success Profiles Civil Service Behaviours Framework, which provides detailed guidance on how the behaviours are defined.
Applicants are encouraged to use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) format to prepare specific examples of when they have demonstrated these behaviours in their application. Using the STAR format to provide evidence of your skills and experience in your application and at interview helps to give a structure. You briefly describe the situation in which you showed the behaviour, and then explain your task in addressing the situation, what action you took and the result of this.
For inclusivity and diversity, please remove the following personal information when uploading your CV: name, address, email address, age, date of birth, gender and nationality.
The start date mentioned in the job advert is a tentative 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.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
