View Vacancy - Political Officer (AUT22.344)

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Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
Political

The British Embassy in Vienna is part of a network, representing British interests overseas. We are looking for a Political Officer.

 

The jobholder will be expected to deliver best in class insight and analysis on domestic political developments in Austria, offer nuanced advice on how to develop the UK-Austria bilateral relationship, and to lead on high-level engagement.  The jobholder will contribute flexibly to support the wider work of the political section’s evolving thematic work in line with immediate UK priorities.  Priorities could include Russia-Ukraine, Covid-19, while other longer-term initiatives could focus on boosting economic, security and cultural relations, and promoting our values agenda.  During the initial period of employment the focus will be climate and energy, given the UK’s Presidency of COP26 and growing energy challenges. Staff are also expected to take on a corporate responsibility to support the working environment.  Action will include: contact-building among relevant stakeholders, supporting lobbying efforts, visits, events, reporting and communications of the Embassy’s political work. The jobholder will also need an eye for detail, managing projects.  The successful post holder will be resilient, flexible and committed to an inclusive workplace culture where individuals and teams thrive.

 

In this role you will be responsible for:

  • Domestic & International Politics: Tracking and analysis of high-level political developments in Austria at the national and regional level, briefing and ideas for VIP visits, including meetings and regional visits for the ambassador, which further UK objectives.  Monitoring and reports on topical debates in Austria.  Organisation of and support for the meetings, events and projects of the Political Section;
  • Climate & Energy: Reporting on Austria’s climate and energy policies, identifying opportunities to work with Austria on the green transition and action on lobbying requests from London, especially during the COP26 Presidency in agreement with the Head of Political;
  • Project management: Identification of internal funding opportunities, handling of paperwork for bids, progress reports and evaluations, finances well managed;
  • Cross-Section Support: for the political section and in the delivery of internal corporate responsibilities.

 

Applicants should be aware that given the changing nature of Austrian and UK priorities, it is possible that thematic areas of responsibility will change as time passes. However the core of this role will remain the analysis and reporting on Austria’s politics and its implications for UK objectives.

  • Fluency in written and spoken English (C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) and German (C2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages);
  • Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field, e.g. Public Policy, Public Administration, International Relations etc.;
  • A minimum of 2+ years experience working for an organisation, preferably in a relevant field;
  • Strong understanding of the Austrian political and parliamentary system, the policies and personalities of the main players in political decision-making, preferably with relevant work experience;
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
  • Experience of managing diverse and senior level relationships.
  • Knowledge of at least one other key policy area, eg climate and energy policy;
  • Knowledge or experience of project management and relevant skills such as budgeting and finance.
Seeing the Big Picture, Making Effective Decisions, Communicating and Influencing, Working Together
9 August 2022
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time, Permanent
35
Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia
Austria
Vienna
British Embassy
1
EUR
3,987 (gross)
3 October 2022

This is a country based staff position in the British Embassy in Vienna; it is not a diplomatic designated position. The position is subject to the terms and conditions of British Embassy employees.

 

This is a full-time (35 hours per week) permanent contract. Working hours are 5 days a week working from 09:00 to 17:00 and staff are entitled to time-off-in-lieu for extra hours worked. On occasion there may be support needed for events in the evening. The annual leave entitlement is 25 days per year pro rata and the Embassy also enjoys 14 Austrian / UK public holidays per year and we are committed to ensuring a work / life balance.

 

The successful candidate will be subject to confirmation of a background check and security clearance. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure they are legally able to work in Austria. The Embassy is not able to assist with any visa or sponsorship arrangements.

 

The monthly salary will be € 3,987 gross, payable 14 times a year. Please note that UK nationals will receive their salary net, minus the deduction of an equivalent level of Austrian (UK) tax retained at source. Further information on this will be given to candidates during the recruitment process. All other nationals will receive paid their salary minus social insurance deductions and are expected to comply with Austrian tax obligations through completion of a tax return to the Austrian authorities.

 

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to terms and conditions service according to Austrian employment law.

 

Visa / Passport requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Austria and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract. Additional requirements may become necessary pending EU Exit. If requirements change additional eligibility, information will be shared during the recruitment process.

Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”.

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.

Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.

Please be advised that the British Embassy 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.

*Please note Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment  indicates Level C2 as Mastery or proficiency Level which comprehends that a person can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read; can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation; can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations. For more information please click on the following link CEFR. Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your languages skills are going to be assessed.
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This opportunity is closed to applications.