View Vacancy - Policy and Programme Officer

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.
Governor's Office
Political

Main purpose of job:


This role offers the jobholder access to a wide range of policy and project work. The successful candidate will work closely with the Governor and the wider FCO and BVI Government teams on a range of issues, including environmental matters and in the delivery of projects.


The job will also involve cover for the C4L Programme Manager, the B3L Accountant and ad hoc administrative tasks as directed by senior management.  



Roles and Responsibilities:


Policy and Programmes (85%):


  • Provide project and administrative support to the various project Technical advisers and implementers.
  • Delivery of the FCO’s Programme Funds, from project management assistance and identifying and developing bids, to providing advice and support to stakeholders.
  • Representing the Governor’s Office externally in meetings and events with a wide range of senior stakeholders.
  • Lead on small projects including site visits to ensure projects are on track.
  • Support to the Head of Governor’s Office for UK Hydrographics Office and Maritime Search and Rescue projects.
  • Liaison with key stakeholders on maritime security matters.
  • Policy responsibility for the environmental portfolio, developing relationships and identifying resources to support BVI in its recovery and its commitment to global environmental obligations.
  • Lead on Chevening Scholarship recruitment and management of the alumni network.
  • Lead on all Royal matters including Centennial birthday cards, national day messages and Honours.

Visits Management (10%):


  • Planning, staffing and delivering political visits to the Territory by UK Government representatives, officials and other VIPs.

Deputising/Back Up/Administrative (5%):


  • Deputise for the C4L Programme Manager including administrative work on Mutual Legal Assistance and Sanctions.
  • Back up for the B3L Accountant including the day to day operation of the official account.
  • First point of contact for general enquiries (email, telephone, face-to-face) for the Governor’s Office mailbox.

 

Essential on arrival:


  • Proven skills in delivering results under pressure, excellent organisational ability and a proactive results-driven approach to problem solving.
  • Good oral and written communication skills with excellent standards of written and spoken English.
  • Reliable, capable under pressure and able to complete multiple tasks and high volume of work on deadline.
  • Strong ability to work both as part of a team and with considerable autonomy.
  • Experience of dealing with stakeholders of all levels.
  • Ability to analyse problems rapidly and work on his/her own initiative.
  • Excellent attention to detail.
  • Good interpersonal and time management skills.
  • Strong administrative skills with good working knowledge of Windows and MS Office applications, especially MS Outlook, Word and Excel.
  • Be a team player who is supportive to colleagues at all times.
  • Flexibility, patience, and ability to deal with difficult situations, including working unsocial hours in an emergency or crisis.

Desirable     


  • Previous experience of a similar position, particularly prior experience in a political or public diplomacy role;
  • Experience in project management.
  • Previous knowledge of the British Government and Overseas Territories structure.

30 April 2018
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time
40
Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
British Virgin Islands
Tortola
British Government Office
1
USD 4,177.42
11 June 2018
2-year fixed contract with possibility of extension

We require a copy of the applicant’s CV and a cover letter.  

 

This position is work permit exempt and does not require a pre-existing legal status to live and work in the British Virgin Islands. However, non British passport holders may require entry clearance and preference will be given to suitably qualified BVI Residents.


The Governor’s Office offers a competitive remuneration package including salary, generous leave entitlement, medical package for staff and opportunities for learning and development. Staff recruited locally by the Governor’s Office are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local British Virgin Islands employment law and Foreign & Commonwealth Office guidance for Local Staff.


The posts we offer are not an entry point into the UK’s Diplomatic Service.


The Governor’s Office will not be able to meet the travel costs incurred when travelling to the interview, nor the costs connected with relocation if offered a position.


There are very limited employment opportunities locally for spouses/partners. With virtually no unemployment in the Territory, work is hard to find in the private and public sector and protective legislation ensures expatriates are only employed when no local person is available to fill the job and prevents expats seeking work while on island. Annual work permits are required which take time to process.   Children must have permission for placement from the Department of Education for both private and public schools and tuition is expensive.


The British Virgin Islands suffered extensive damage in 2017 due to the passing of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. There was widespread damage to infrastructure with a large proportion of homes and buildings still very badly damaged which currently limits available rental properties. Power supplies have largely been restored. The hurricane season usually runs from June to November.


The British Virgin Islands are an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom. Every 3-4 years a Governor representing Her Majesty the Queen is appointed. The Constitution gives the Governor certain responsibilities which include oversight for external affairs, defence and internal security, administration of the courts and terms and conditions of public officers. The Governor is supported by a team consisting of BVI Government staff and the FCO who support the Governor in the execution of his/her responsibilities and enables him/her to carry out their programme of public functions.


 


 


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.