View Vacancy - Political Officer, Castries

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

Main purpose of job:


 


Working alongside the Resident British Commissioner and colleagues from the British High Commission (BHC) in Bridgetown, the Political Officer is responsible for political reporting, incoming visits and Public Diplomacy in the British High Commission, Castries. The Political Officer conducts research, completes reports as required, and is responsible for the UK Chevening scholars’ programme. As part of a four-person office, the Political Officer also shares responsibility for the efficient and effective day-to-day operations of the BHC.


Roles and responsibilities :


 


 


40% St Lucia Political lead: Political work on St Lucia, including political and analytical reporting and contacts with Ministry of External Affairs at senior official and desk level, other government ministries and others as and when required. Lobbying on issues of importance to the UK. Creation and maintenance of the office contact list, and the development of close working relationships with individuals in St Lucia to ensure the UK remains well informed about political, economic and social issues in St Lucia.


 


25% Visits and Events: Work closely with the office Events Manager to organise events that promote the BHC and enhance priority issues for the UK like the Commonwealth, human rights, etc. Lead on incoming visits including logistical and administrative arrangements for high level, VIP & royal visits, as well as having input into visit programmes & accompanying on calls. Office lead on engagement with Ministry of Defence including any Royal Navy Ships visits.


 


20% Public diplomacy and Communications: Develop and maintain contacts with St Lucia media organisations. Drafting and dissemination of press releases and articles. Preparation of relevant background & speaking notes for media handling & Public Diplomacy work. Lead on social media including producing content for Facebook and Twitter. Work closely with the Regional Communications Officer based in Bridgetown to implement the regional communications strategy in St Lucia.


 


10% Chevening officer: including regular contact with scholars and maintaining alumni relations. Organise events to promote the programme, and maintain and build the alumni network in St Lucia.


 


5% Post Information Technology Security Officer and other duties as required, including covering for other staff and preparation and participation in any BHC crisis response.

 


Essential on arrival:


  • Excellent communication skills including written drafting skills
  • Optimum organisational skills with ability to demonstrate initiative and self-motivation
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks and projects at pace
  • Advanced IT skills including MS Office
  • Flexible ‘can-do’ attitude.


Desirable:  


  • Knowledge of working with government institutions
  • Strategic thinking and analysis
  • Public Communications skills and experience, in traditional and digital/social media.
  • Ability to draft press releases,
  • In-depth knowledge of Caribbean region.

5 April 2019
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time, Permanent
38
Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
Saint Lucia
Castries
British High Commission
1
EC$6,866.00
17 June 2019
Must already possess the ability to reside and work in St Lucia.

 

  • The period of probation for this role in 6 months.   The British High Commission reserves the right to extend this in order to fairly assess performance

 


  • A full induction programme will be arranged for the successful applicant

 


  • The starting salary for this position is EC$6866.00 per month

 


  • Subject to plan provider approval, group medical coverage is offered after one month of service.

 


  • A discretionary contribution of between 2-5% is available towards a private pension on successful completion of the probationary period.

 


  • Core office hours are 7.45am-4pm, Monday -Thursday and 8am-1pm on Fridays

 


  • Annual leave entitlement is 16 days in the first year, rising to 20 days after one year of service. A combination of up to 14 UK and local public holiday days are also observed

 

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.