View Vacancy - Regional Political Officer B3 (16/19 KPL) AU

Main purpose of job:

This is a busy and varied role and you will be a vital part of a highly motivated team. You will work closely with the C4 Regional political officer and the Head of the Political team and your advice will help inform the work of the High Commission. You will provide analysis and advice on regional politics, particularly Rwanda, DRC, South Sudan, Burundi and Somalia and much of your time will be spent growing your network, meeting people (sometimes very senior figures) and gathering information. You will be an enthusiastic self-starter, capable of managing your own workload and willing to get involved in a broad range of High Commission activity.

The ideal candidate will have an excellent knowledge of national and regional history, current affairs and politics and come with a broad range of contacts, with the ability to provide balanced and nuanced analysis on a range of issues across the full spectrum of regional politics.

Roles and responsibilities:

To advise the political team on the external political situation and regional developments affecting Uganda. 

• To undertake research as required for the Political Team and to give advice using appropriate written and oral reporting. To keep the High Commission closely informed about key political issues across the region.
• To arrange and attend political meetings, alone and with senior staff, gather information and communicate elements of UK policy. Build and maintain a strong network of key contacts.
• To take minutes as/when required, and to produce meeting reports to inform the Political Team in a timely and appropriate manner.
• To take action on matters arising from internal and external meetings, ensuring that key actions are progressed and that information is disseminated to all team members. This work could include strategy, analysis and consulting on policy.
• To ensure that team members and visitors are briefed for meetings, including, where necessary, meetings with external contacts and bodies.
• Support the B3 Political Officer who focuses on domestics politics to flexibly respond to a wide range of UK government priorities. This may require the job holder to quickly get up to speed on a new policy area.
• Other support to the Political Team which may include administrative work, assisting with the preparation of visit programs, meeting agendas, and related tasks.
• Play a wider corporate role in the High Commission.

• High level of people skills – leadership, networking, management, organisation
• Strong problem solving skills, including close attention to detail and the ability to prioritise in a fast paced environment
• Excellent communication skills- written, oral, one to one, group, formal presentation- ability to vary style, pace and presentation to suit the audience.
• Ability and willingness to undergo security vetting process