Political Officer - Human Rights job at British Government

Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

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. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require.

Job Category

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

Job Subcategory

Political

Main purpose of job:

• The successful candidate will, working closely with the Second Secretary Political - Internal, lead the High Commission’s work on Human Rights and provide support across the Mission on political economy analysis.
• You will work closely with government and civil society to understand issues related to human rights, and support the development of partnerships with government and civil society on areas of shared priority.
• You will be expected to produce thematic reporting and briefing for the wider High Commission and FCDO Headquarters.
• The ideal candidate is likely to have worked in a political field – perhaps in public administration or civil society, with strong contacts in these areas, with significant experience of working in the human rights or governance areas, and will have at least a three-year track-record of delivering at pace.

Responsibilities or duties:

• The jobholder will be expected to be the High Commission’s lead on human rights issues, providing timely analysis and advice to inform wider UK policy.
• The jobholder will cultivate a wide range of contacts and tap into their existing networks to understand developments and key topical issues on human rights.
• The jobholder will be responsible for organising and attending meetings/events to: gain a deeper understanding of key human rights issues; produce timely and accurate reporting for the team; and further build their network of contacts.
• The jobholder will provide support to political economy analysis for teams across the Mission, ensuring that e.g. UK humanitarian or economic development programmes are designed to take account of the broader political context.
• The jobholder will be part of an energetic and engaged team and will need to be flexible and responsive to changing demands.

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills):

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

• High level of people skills – leadership, networking, management, organising.
• Strong problem-solving skills, including close attention to detail and ability to prioritise in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills – written, oral, one-to-one, group, formal presentations – ability to vary style, pace and presentation to suit the audience.
• Strong judgement and an ability to spot and manage risks.
• Ability to work at pace, autonomously, to deliver high quality written products.
• Ability and willingness to undergo security vetting process.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

• A university degree in political studies, international relations, social sciences or a related field, OR a minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area.
• Knowledge of international human rights law and public international law and ability to identify related problems in their political, ethnic, racial, gender equality and socio-economic dimensions.
• Knowledge of Uganda’s political, economic and social environments, including key institutions and persons in civil society and government.
• Experience in report writing, note taking and event planning.

Required behaviours

Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Making Effective Decisions, Seeing the Big Picture

• Be the High Commission’s lead on human rights issues, providing timely analysis and advice to inform wider UK policy.
• Cultivate a wide range of contacts and tap into their existing networks to understand developments and key topical issues on human rights.
• Organise and attend meetings/events to gain a deeper understanding of key human rights issues; produce timely and accurate reporting for the team; and further build their network of contacts.
• Provide support to political economy analysis for teams across the Mission, ensuring that e.g. UK humanitarian or economic development programmes are designed to take account of the broader political context.
• Be flexible and responsive to changing demands as part of an energetic and engaged team.

• High level of people skills – leadership, networking, management, organising.
• Strong problem-solving skills, including close attention to detail and ability to prioritise in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills – written, oral, one-to-one, group, formal presentations – ability to vary style, pace and presentation to suit the audience.
• Strong judgement and an ability to spot and manage risks.
• Ability to work at pace, autonomously, to deliver high quality written products.
• Knowledge of international human rights law and public international law.
• Knowledge of Uganda’s political, economic and social environments.
• Experience in report writing, note taking and event planning.

• A university degree in political studies, international relations, social sciences or a related field, OR a minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law or related area.
• Ability and willingness to undergo security vetting process.