British High Commission Jobs in Pretoria South Africa - Foreign Policy Officer Vacancy
British High Commission Jobs in Pretoria South Africa - Foreign Policy Officer Vacancy
Job Category Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Policy & Political roles)
Job Subcategory
Chancery
Job Description
Main purpose of job:
This is a new high profile policy position at the heart of the Political Team in the British High Commission, contributing to UK-South Africa cooperation.
You will lead on providing policy analysis, reporting and advice on South Africa’s foreign policy with a focus on Africa and international human rights and conflict issues, particularly in the context of South Africa’s term on the UN Security Council.
The role requires developing extensive networks with government, think tanks, academics, civil society and other diplomatic missions.
It also requires working in close collaboration with colleagues across the office, the UK’s global network of embassies as well as London headquarters, to advance UK-South Africa mutual cooperation on regional and multilateral issues.
The role will also require project delivery and communications work.
The role requires a proactive, self-starter with strong interpersonal and networking skills, able to gather and assess information to produce well-judged advice.
They will need to have an appreciation of the wider context of South Africa’s political development, as well as ensuring they are meeting the needs of UK customers.
They will also need strong communication skills to expand our foreign policy networks in South Africa and engage a diverse range of stakeholders for access and influence, as well as working collaboratively with team members and senior British High Commission staff.
To provide expert advice and analysis of South Africa’s approach to key regional peace, security and development challenges including Zimbabwe, DRC, South Sudan and other priorities, working closely with the Team Leader.
To lead work on relevant aspects of Southern African Development Community (SADC), African Union and peacekeeping issues.
Support to the team on UNSC cooperation during South Africa’s term 2019-20, including thematic areas such as the Women Peace and Security agenda.
To provide policy analysis and advice on South Africa’s international justice and human rights policy developments, including at the Geneva Human Rights Council and the International Criminal Court, working closely with the Second Secretary.
This may also include an understanding of domestic human rights issues and advocacy.
Working closely with UK diplomats, to engage South African government departments, particularly DIRCO, to identify shared objectives and advance collaboration on these issues (‘lobbying’).
To lead for the Team on identifying and delivering foreign policy related small projects to help advance UK objectives in South Africa.
To help organise Ministerial and officials visits and events, alongside logistical and other teams.
A number of corporate tasks are also shared across the team.
To lead on foreign policy campaigns and public diplomacy initiatives as needed, working closely with the Media Team.
Resources managed:
Potential management of project and event funds.
Essential qualifications, skills and experience
University degree in international relations, politics,
conflict studies, or human rights (or relevant subject).
3 years experience working in policy development or advocacy (such as government, think tanks, NGOs or relevant consultancy).
Strong analysis and written communication skills.
Evidence of existing specialist knowledge and networks in the above subject matters.
Desirable qualifications, skills and experience
Project management skills.
Communication/media experience.
Required competencies
Making Effective Decisions, Leading and Communicating, Collaborating and Partnering, Delivering at Pace
Other benefits and conditions of employment
Learning and development opportunities :
The High Commission has an excellent personal development offer and the job would suit a self-starter keen to take advantage of this.
A range of formal skills training and informal personal development opportunities are available including overseas visits, work shadowing, London familiarisation schemes and a grants scheme for professional development.
The British High Commission pays in full for the Key Care Plus option on Discovery Health for staff including spouses/partners and dependants.
Once you have successfully completed your probation the British High Commission will contribute 9% of your monthly salary to a Provident Fund.
Annual leave entitlement of 25 days
Working hours per week of 36.5
How to Apply
The job may involve some travel, for example to Cape Town or London.
There is a requirement for external engagement with contacts away from the office, including occasionally out of hours.
Please complete the application form in full as the information provided is used during screening.
Please check your application carefully before you submit, as no changes can be made once submitted.
The British High Commission will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position.
Employees recruited locally by the British High Commission in Pretoria are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in South Africa.
All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit.
The responsibility lies on the successful candidate to;
Obtain the relevant permit
Pay fees for the permit
Make arrangements to relocate
Meet the costs to relocation
The British High Commission do not sponsor visas/work permits except where it may be local practice to do so.
Employees who are not eligible to pay local income tax: e.g. certain third-country nationals and spouses/partners of UK diplomats will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.
Information about the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Competency Framework can be found on this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-competency-framework Please note: AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5
Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted on successful candidates.
Please log into your profile on the application system on a regular basis to review the status of your application.
Interested candidates should apply online by 22nd March 2019
For more information and job application details, see; British High Commission Jobs in Pretoria South Africa - Foreign Policy Officer Vacancy
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