View Vacancy - Political Officer, British High Commission Castries

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 identity, 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.
FCDO Services
Chancery

Main purpose of job:

Working closely with the Resident British Commissioner (RBC) in Castries and the High Commissioner and colleagues in the British High Commission (BHC) in Bridgetown (our regional headquarters), the Political Officer is responsible for understanding and reporting on the political and economic situation in St Lucia as well as planning incoming visits and public diplomacy of the BHC Castries.  The Political Officer conducts research, maintains a network of key contacts, completes reports as required, and is responsible for the UK Chevening scholars’ programme in St Lucia.  The BHC Castries has an important role in liaising with the OECS Commission in St Lucia and ensuring wider colleagues understand the OECS.  When the BHC has a project budget, the Political Officer leads on project identification and delivery in line with the BHC’s objectives and project management rules. As part of a small team, the Political Officer also shares responsibility for the efficient and effective day-to-day operations of the BHC.

Roles and responsibilities:

Political Work.  The core of this role is being the political lead on St Lucia and liaison with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean State (OECS) in St Lucia.  Political work includes political analysis and reporting, engagement with the Ministry for External Affairs and other ministries and agencies at both senior and desk level.  The scope of political work spans domestic political, economic and social issues, regional, international and multilateral. Some of the activity is lobbying on issues of importance to the UK, e.g. climate change, trade, security, values, human rights, LGBT+ rights, and reporting back on issues of importance to St Lucia.  Building and maintaining a network of key contacts within the BHC database is key, as are close working relations with them to ensure the UK remains well informed about political, economic and social issues in St Lucia.

Visits and Events.  Working closely with the RBC, the political officer will plan programmes for high level, VIP and Royal Visits, as well as for government officials and will prepare written briefing for them in advance or give briefing on arrival as required.  Visits also require close attention to logistical and administrative arrangements, working closely with colleagues in the BHC who can give support on these areas.  Similarly, the political officer will work wih the BHC Events Manager to organise events that contribute to the BHC’s objectives and promote the UK and priority issues for the UK and the Commonwealth.

Public Diplomacy and Communications. The officer will develop and maintain contacts with St Lucia media organisations.  S/he will draft and circulate press releases and articles as well as prepare background and speaking notes that may be required for media engagements.  The officer will liaise with BHC Bridgetown Regional Communications Officer to implement the regional communications strategy and will lead on producing BHC Castries materials for social media.

Projects and Programmes.  The Political Officer will manage any BHC project budget including identifying impactful projects and partners to deliver them in line with the BHC priority areas, available budget and internal rules.  The Officer will also liaise closely with the team in Barbados that manages the portfolio (currently £42million) of UK development programmes in St Lucia to ensure they are up to date on local issues and context relevant to delivery, and represent them at local meetings as necessary.

Chevening Officer.  There is an annual cycle for this Masters scholarship scheme that includes  promotion, an application period, selection, pre-departure and welcome back activities. The political officer also leads on contact with the current scholars and the alumni network of St Lucian scholars.

Embassy operations.  All members of the team have a role in the efficient operations of the BHC.  This could be IT troubleshooting and maintenance, or correspondence management.

Resources managed:

Potentially Project Budgets of between approx £5,000-£40,000

Language requirements:

Language: English

Level of language required: Fluent

Kwéyòl would be an asset but is not essential.

Essential on arrival:

  • Excellent communication skills including written drafting skills
  • Optimum organisational skills with the ability to demonstrate initiative and self-motivation
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks and projects at pace
  • Advanced IT skills including MS Office
  • Flexible, ‘can do’ attitude
  • Relevant Degree

Must have the legal status to live and work in St. Lucia.

Desirable skills:

  • Knowledge of working with government institutions and experience of working in British or international environment
  • Strategic thinking and analysis
  • Public communication skills and experience, in traditional and digital/social media
  • Ability to draft press releases and speaking notes
  • Project Cycle Management experience
  • In-depth knowledge of the Caribbean region
  • Full, clean driving licence
Seeing the Big Picture, Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace, Communicating and Influencing, Working Together
27 June 2022
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time, Permanent
38
Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
Saint Lucia
Castries
British High Commission
1
XC$6,866
16 August 2022

Learning and development opportunities:

Our mission prides itself in ensuring all staff have rewarding and stretching L&D opportunities.  A full induction programme will be arranged for the successful applicant.  This may include travel to another British diplomatic mission in the Eastern Caribbean.

The International Academy (IA) of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has a suite on online courses for new entrants, as well as thematic resources about the UK and foreign policy.  The successful candidate will be encouraged to enrol in the IA’s Foundational Level programme after completing their probation period.

Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary, eg some non-local national staff and some spouses or partners of UK diplomatic staff, will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.

Working patterns:

The standard working hours are 0745-1600hrs Monday to Thursday and 0800-1300hrs Friday (totalling 38hrs including paid breaks).

Whilst whenever possible our staff work their standard hours, the nature of this role and diplomatic work means the successful candidate must be able to work flexibly when requested.  This will likely mean some evening work each month and occasional weekend work (wherever possible advance notice will be given).  When this occurs, the officer is able to have time off in lieu.

Any other information (or specific local Post requirements):

This is an exciting opportunity to be in the heart of the small team and have a real impact on UK-St Lucia and UK-OECS relations. We are a busy and energetic team that is part of the network of British High Commissions in Barbados, Antigua & Barbuda, Grenada and St Vincent & The Grenadines.  We need staff with a “can do” and flexible attitude to ensure our success.  The successful applicant will be a strategic thinker with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.  They will have strong organisational skills, show initiative and possess the ability to juggle multiple tasks and problem solve.

The British Embassy Network offers a strong benefits package. This package includes generous vacation and leave time, flexible working patterns, and an enriching learning and development opportunities.

The FCDO and our overseas network is recognised as a good employer, with a robust, fair and transparent performance management and appraisal system to which staff bonuses are linked.   We have a good learning and development and organisational culture.  We treat people with respect and equality and have a policy of zero tolerance for any form of discrimination, bullying, or harassment. 

All applicants must be legally able to work in St Lucia with the correct visa/status or work permit. Staff members recruited locally by the British High Commission are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law.

Employees who are not eligible to pay local income tax: e.g. certain third-country nationals and spouses/partners of UK diplomats will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount. We will conduct checks of references and security clearances. No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position.

Please note that: any questions you may have about this position will only be answered during interview, incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted (consider your application unsuccessful if you have not heard from us three weeks after the closing date).

The British High Commission is an equal opportunities employers and do not discriminate on grounds of ethnic origin, race, religious beliefs, age, disability, gender or sexual orientation.

Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

This opportunity is closed to applications.