View Vacancy - Political Adviser

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

The British Embassy, Israel has a vacancy for the position of Political Adviser, Grade – B3 (L). We are looking for someone to begin working as soon as possible.

Overview of the role:

The successful candidate will give the Embassy oversight of - and access to - the Knesset.  The core functions of the job are: building and maintaining a strong, broad network in the Knesset with ministers and their advisors, and with relevant external commentators, NGOs and pollsters- use and build this network to lead on maintaining and executing an Embassy-wide political engagement strategy from Her Majesty’s Ambassador’s (HMA) down; reporting with analytical insight and strategic advice to HMA, the Embassy’s political team and London on developments in coalition and opposition dynamics and high-profile political and domestic developments; analytical advice and reporting on developments in Israeli legislation and committee discussions; organising, attending and providing advice for meetings for the Ambassador, Deputy Ambassador, and other members of the political section with political figures across all parties; assisting with inward official and high-profile ministerial visits from the UK.

Another core function of the role is building and executing the strategy to support HMA and the Embassy-wide engagement across Israel’s diverse society, developing contacts across a variety of communities.  The job holder will also act as Embassy point of contact for UK Jewish NGOs and other UK Israeli-oriented groups, and act as liaison for Israeli political figures visiting the UK.  The role also includes providing advice in responding to letters from members of the British public and UK Parliament on Israeli domestic politics and internal affairs.

Main Responsibilities:

  • Maximise UK influence at the Knesset.  Build and maintain a strong network among ministers and their advisors. Use and build this network to lead on maintaining and executing an Embassy-wide political engagement strategy from HMA down. Fix meetings with ministers for Embassy political team on a weekly basis, providing strategic advice and insights.  Build and maintain network of relevant commentators, pollsters and NGOs. Use all these networks to gain analytical insights and deepen understanding of Israeli politics for Embassy’s political team and London.
  • Produce regular reporting, analysis and strategic advice to HMA and London on Israeli politics and Knesset developments. This includes coalition and opposition party dynamics, legislation, committees and elections, as well as high-profile domestic developments.  Reporting both verbally and through concise written analytical updates. Conduct and deliver Embassy press review on regular basis.
  • Support incoming UK official visits and assist with organisation of Embassy events with political/society flavour and advise and support Embassy engagement with Israeli society.
  • Act as Embassy point of contact for UK Jewish NGOs and other UK Israeli-oriented groups, and act as liaison for Israeli political figures visiting the UK.   Advise on correspondence related to Israeli domestic politics/internal affairs.

Key Competencies:

  • Managing a Quality Service - Effectiveness in this area is about being organised to deliver service objectives and striving to improve the quality of service, taking account of diverse customer needs and requirements.
  • Delivering at Pace - Effectiveness in this area means focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes.
  • Collaborating and Partnering - People skilled in this area create and maintain positive, professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people within and outside the Civil Service to help get business done.
  • Making Effective Decisions - Effectiveness in this area is about being objective; using sound judgment, evidence and knowledge to provide accurate, expert and professional advice.

Essential:

  • Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English and Hebrew.
  • Strong understanding of, and connections with, Israeli politics and the Knesset.
  • At least two years of experience working on political affairs or other related field.
  • Capable of Hebrew/English interpretation and vice-versa.
  • High competency in Microsoft Office and computer literacy.
  • Excellent IT skills.
  • Self-motivated individual able to take initiative with strong interpersonal skills.
  • Strong customer focus – ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Proven ability to deliver results.

Desirable:

  • Bachelor’s Degree preferably in Politics or a relevant field.
2 March 2020
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time, Fixed Term
37.5
12 months
Middle East & North Africa
Israel
Tel Aviv
British Embassy
1
NIS
13,000
1 April 2020

Working Hours and Remuneration:

The Embassy aims to offer an attractive working environment and remuneration package for this role, including the non-negotiable salary of NIS 13,000 per month plus social benefits.  The initial contract will be for one year with a possibility of renewal and the successful candidate will be on a four-month probationary period.  Parking facilities are not provided or paid for by the embassy.

No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position.

Working hours are Sunday 8:00-13:30 and Monday to Thursday 8:00-16:00 – total of 37.5 weekly hours. Office is based in Tel Aviv; however, the jobholder should anticipate that a proportion of the working week would be spent in Jerusalem at the Knesset.

Possibility of 1 day a week working from home, in due course, is possible.  All flexible working patterns to be agreed with line manager.

Eligibility: 

If you are selected for this position, we will be able to employ you as long as you:

  • Receive the appropriate level of security clearance;
  • Candidates must be able to work legally in Israel.

To Apply: 

Interested candidates must attach the following documents when applying online.

  • An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • A covering letter (no more than 1 page of A4) stating why you feel you have the necessary skills to perform well in the above role.

** (Applications that do not include the above stated information will be rejected).

 

All applications must be submitted before 23:55 (Local Time) on 02 March 2020.

 

Applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered.

Due to the large amount of applications we receive only those shortlisted for assessment/interview will be contacted.

The selection process will include a written exercise, an interview, with a possibility of additional screening process.

The start date mentioned in the advert is an assumed start date and the successful candidate will be required to undergo security vetting procedures.  Any offer of employment will be subject to the candidate achieving suitable clearances and reference checks.

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to terms and conditions of service according to local labour law.

 

The British Embassy Tel Aviv is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.

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.