View Vacancy - Senior Political Officer HEO (21/24 NR)

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.
Other British Government Departments (Partners across Government, including UK Visas)
Political

Main purpose of job:

Use in depth knowledge of Kenya’s political environment and system to inform UK policy and activity in Kenya.  Grow the UK’s network of political contacts and relationships (with e.g.  political actors, civil society, media and religious leaders). Provide thoughtful, balanced and timely advice on the impact of political developments to UK interests in Kenya. Use knowledge to spot opportunities and manage risks.  Lead on specific areas of UK policy – in particular support our work to strengthen Kenya’s institutions including Kenya’s constitutionally mandated bodies.  Use knowledge and networks to support delivery of objectives under the UK Kenya Strategic Partnership.

Roles and responsibilities:

  •  Use knowledge of Kenyan political system and environment to provide high quality analysis and advice to inform delivery of UK objectives under the UK Kenya Strategic Partnership. 
  • Lead on specific areas of UK policy (TBD depending on experience).  As appropriate, use, develop and implement programmes, influencing and communication strategies to deliver policy objectives.
  • Strengthen of understanding of the Kenya political system and Government of Kenya’s ways of working within the British High Commission through sharing analysis, updates, delivering seminars and other tools as required.
  • Monitor medium – long term political trends, spotting opportunities for and risks to UK objectives in Kenya.
  • Maintain and develop a wide network of contacts across the political spectrum. Support colleagues, including the High Commissioner, develop contacts and network to progress UK priorities.
  • Take on ad hoc duties as needed, for example arranging Ministerial and other senior inward and outward visits, arranging events such as roundtables.
  • Degree level qualification in politics, international relations or a related field.
  • Excellent networking skills with established and extensive relationships with wide range of political actors in Kenya. 
  • In depth knowledge of Kenyan political issues – with demonstrable enthusiasm for engaging in political ideas and, ideally, expertise in Kenyan constitutional and legal structures.
  • At least 5 years’ experience working in the field of politics and/or governance.
  • Proven ability to write accurate and insightful reports quickly.
  • Highly organised, proactive, able to take initiative and to work independently and accurately to meet deadlines.
  • Excellent IT Skills (a working knowledge or Microsoft Excel and Word is essential)
  • A willingness to travel in Kenya and to do some occasional out of (core) hours work will be necessary.
  • Knowledge of UK political and governance structures.
Communicating and Influencing, Seeing the Big Picture, Working Together
5 April 2023
Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Permanent
36.5 hours
Africa
Kenya
Nairobi
British High Commission
1
KES 407,065.27 (monthly)
1 May 2024

Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):

  • Completion of All Mandatory Courses on the FCDO e-learning International Academy
  • Together with the Line Manager/ Countersigning Manager, explore areas of development

Working patterns:

Normal working hours for BHC Nairobi are 36.5hrs per week:  Monday – Thursday 7:15am – 4:00pm, Friday 7:45am – 1:00pm. Full-time hours required. However, flexible working arrangements are welcome and you should take the opportunity to discuss this with the recruiting manager during the recruitment process. 

  • Please complete the application form in full as the information provided is used during screening.
  • Please check your application carefully before you submit, as no changes can be made once submitted.
  • The British High Commission will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position.
  • Employees recruited locally by the British High Commission in Nairobi are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Kenya.
  • It is essential that the applicants already have the right to live and work in Kenya without the need to apply for a work permit.
  • Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount.   
  • Information about the Civil Service Success Profiles can be found on this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/success-profiles. Please note:  AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5 
  • Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted on successful candidates.
  • Please log into your profile on the application system on a regular basis to review the status of your application.
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.