Political Officer 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 political engagement with government officials, political parties, civil society, and religious and cultural leaders.

You will work closely with government institutions, civil society and cultural bodies to support the delivery of the UK government’s agenda; focussing on analysis of political dynamics.

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 politics, public administration, or for a civil society organisation with strong contacts in these areas, with significant experience of working on political issues; 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 engaging with political parties (at a working level), understanding dynamics in parliament, local government, and executive bodies, and providing timely analysis and advice to inform wider UK policy.
• The jobholder will do this by cultivating a wide range of contacts and tapping into their existing networks.
• The jobholder will be responsible for organising and attending meetings/events to: gain a deeper understanding of key political issues; produce timely and accurate reporting for the team; and further build their network of contacts.
• The jobholder will conduct substantive research and analysis of internal political issues and lead high quality analysis, reporting and briefing for the High Commissioner.
• The jobholder will have deep political expertise and be a primary source of advice on Uganda’s politics and modes of government – formal and informal – to the High Commission.
• 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):

• 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.

Experience needed:

• 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 political affairs, international relations, law or related area.
• 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 engaging with political parties (at a working level), understanding dynamics in parliament, local government, and executive bodies, and providing timely analysis and advice to inform wider UK policy.
• Cultivate a wide range of contacts and tapping into their existing networks.
• Organise and attend meetings/events to gain a deeper understanding of key political issues; produce timely and accurate reporting for the team; and further build their network of contacts.
• Conduct substantive research and analysis of internal political issues and lead high quality analysis, reporting and briefing for the High Commissioner.
• Be a primary source of advice on Uganda’s politics and modes of government – formal and informal – to the High Commission.
• Be flexible and responsive to changing demands.

• 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.
• 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.

• 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 political affairs, international relations, law or related area.