View Vacancy - NZW - Senior Political Analyst, B3(L)

The bilateral relationship with New Zealand is a priority for the UK. At the British High Commission in Wellington, we operate in a fascinating, fast-paced environment, working closely with New Zealand on a wide range of issues that reinforce our shared values. We are looking for a motivated Senior Political Officer to manage the Domestic Political Team, lead our parliamentary engagement and  deliver a high quality analysis on all aspects of of New Zealand’s domestic politics. The post-Brexit context promises plenty of dynamic and ground-breaking work, and you will play a key role in ensuring the right understanding of NZ politics underpins our approach.

Working to the Head of the Political Section, the Senior Political Officer line manages the Political and Visits Officer (based in Wellington) and the Public Affairs and Policy Officer (based in the British Consulate General in Auckland). The Domestic Political Team sits within the wider Political and Communications Team.

The Senior Political Officer will lead the BHC’s domestic political analysis, reporting and commenting on party politics and NZ legislative developments for a senior readership across the UK network. This includes explaining areas of particular UK interest, exploring any potential for collaboration or identifying opportunities for deeper engagement, and setting these within the broader NZ and regional context. To do this, you will establish and manage a relationships with stakeholders in the UK and New Zealand including: Ministerial offices, government agencies, policymakers, and political and economic opinion-makers.

You will lead our engagement with Parliament, developing a network of contacts to build a well-informed understanding of views across the political spectrum. Specific areas of focus will vary, but are likely to include climate change, trade, justice, education, modern slavery and health.
You will play a key role in delivering senior official and Ministerial visits between the UK and NZ. Supported by the Visits Officer, you will assist the BHC Leadership in developing programmes, drafting briefings and ensuring the smooth running of international visits.

You will be part of a wider Political and Public Diplomacy team, leading projects and responding to commissions from across UK government to support UK in NZ priorities and contribute to corporate objectives such as the mission’s learning and development committee.

1. Political analysis

• Provide timely, insightful political analysis on a range of issues, identifying the key UK interest to a range of senior readers. Examples could include elections, Cabinet appointments, and new legislation.
• Manage the UK engagement across Parliament, ensuring broad and balanced consultation.
• Build a close working relationship with counterparts in London.
• Maintain a network of political, social and economic opinion makers including commentators and academics.

2. Visits

• Work with the Visits Officer to plan, organise, and deliver inward and outward visits, advising on priority engagements, preparing briefings and reportig outcomes.

3. Manage the Domestic Political Team

• Line manage the Political and Visits Officer (based in Wellington) and Public Affairs and Policy Officer (based in Auckland Consulate General), supporting their development and providing direction for their work.
• Manage the team’s budget, ensuring well-considered financial projections and accurate monitoring.

Line management of Political and Visits Officer in Wellington and Public Affairs & Policy Officer in Auckland. Management of Domestic Political Team budget.

• A minimum of five years relevant work experience
• An aptitude for political, economic and policy analysis
• Strong written and verbal communication skills 
• A sound understanding of the New Zealand system of government 
• Strong relationship management skills
• Prior line management experience