British High Commission Political Officer Mogadishu Jobs in Kenya

British High Commission Political Officer Mogadishu Jobs in Kenya

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We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, 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.

Job Category

Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Policy & Political roles)

Job Subcategory

Political

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

Main purpose of job:

The UK is a big player in Somalia. We were the first Western country to re-open an Embassy in 2013, and are among Somalia’s leading partners in the security, economic, development and humanitarian sectors.

Underpinning all aspects of our work is the need for first class political analysis, contacts and influence. The successful candidate will be a core part of the UK’s political team.

They will need to get beneath the skin of political developments, understand UK policy and then influence contacts to achieve UK objectives. The job requires excellent judgement, networking ability, interpersonal skills, strong personal organisation, and deep subject matter expertise.

The job-holder will be based in Nairobi but will be expected to travel to Somalia as required – perhaps one week in every two (maybe more, maybe less). A per diem rate for days spent in Somalia will be paid.

Accommodation in Somalia is provided within the British Embassy Mogadishu compound, and movement outside the Embassy will be under the control of the British Embassy. Security training will be provided.

Roles and responsibilities

The successful candidate with be a competent and dynamic Political Officer. They will have excellent interpersonal, communication and analysis skills. They will be experienced at developing relationships with a range of individuals and organisations, and should bring to the job extensive contacts at a high level.

They will be able to understand complex environments and be able to explain these clearly and concisely. They will have excellent judgement. They will be resilient, with good organisational skills and the ability to deliver under pressure and with energy.

Native or near-native Somali, and the ability to interpret, plus sophisticated English are essential, as are IT skills. A detailed current knowledge of the political situation in Somalia is also essential.


The political team needs to provide advice across a range of political matters from local and national politics, to constitutional and human rights issues, to security policy and relations with regional states.

We would expect the successful candidate to specialise in some areas, to complement areas of focus of other staff, but also to be able to cover other areas of the team’s work as required. A security and foreign policy focus might be especially useful.

The main duties include:

Developing maintaining, and deepening the UK’s relationships with leading figures in the Federal Government of Somalia, Federal Member States, security forces, political opposition, and civil society.

Understanding complex political situations and relationships in Somalia, and producing political reporting and advice for the British Ambassador to Somalia, British Embassy colleagues, and others.

Arranging meetings and events and interpreting as required for the British Ambassador, British Embassy colleagues, and senior visitors.

Identifying options for UK policy, evaluating pros/cons and making recommendations.

Understanding and implementing UK policy, including through influencing, negotiating and facilitation.

Professionally representing UK as the first point of contact for many of our external contacts.

This is a fascinating role, with an opportunity to work on a wide range of issues. We are looking for a dynamic individual who has proven experience in stakeholder management, analysis and delivery.

They will be resilient, motivated and creative. And they will have a high level of self-management and organisational skills, and will be able to deliver multiple priorities while working in a high threat environment and between different sites.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

University degree

A minimum of 3 years of experience working at

the interface between the Somali authorities and a large donor/multilateral organisation/international non-governmental organisation.

Native or near native Somali language skills, with the ability to interpret at the highest level.

Strong detailed knowledge of Somali politics.

Required competencies

Seeing the Big Picture, Making Effective Decisions, Collaborating and Partnering,

Delivering at Pace

Application deadline

4 November 2019

Grade
C4 (L)

Type of Position
Fixed Term

Duration of Post
24 months

Region
Africa

Country/Territory
Kenya

Location (City)
Nairobi

Type of Post
British High Commission

Starting monthly salary ()
KES 372,528.88

Start Date
2 January 2020

Other benefits and conditions of employment
The successful candidate will need to be comfortable working in a hostile environment when visiting Mogadishu.

This will include being accompanied by armed Close Protection Officers outside of the Embassy, use of body armour and travel by armoured vehicle. All staff have to complete a strenuous security course to learn the basic skills of working in a conflict posting.

While the security situation confines our movements, morale in the Somalia network is good and there is a strong sense of community. You can walk or run along the beach next to the Embassy.

There is an active sporting scene including regular group circuit training as well as a well-equipped gym with cardio and weight rooms. Staff organise outdoor film nights, quizzes, charity events and other entertainment.

The Embassy has an excellent canteen, a bar, space to relax and planted recreational areas. All staff, including those visiting, stay in furnished 6m by 2m ‘pods’ with a bed, shower and TV/DVD players.

Experience of working in difficult places is less important than the right mind-set and resilience. We want staff who are strong team players, who look after themselves and others, who know how to create the right atmosphere, and who can get along with their colleagues in close confinement.

To thrive, you need to have plenty of enthusiasm, and be well motivated, collaborative and a self-starter.

Learning and development opportunities:

The FCO supports learning and development for all its staff. We aim to create opportunities at post to enhance both job-specific expertise and wider career development. BHC Nairobi is a regional hub for many training courses.

Leave:

Members of staff are entitled to paid annual leave, which is earned, from the day they commence employment. Entitlements are as follows:

Grades C4 (L) 30 days

In addition to annual leave, the BHC normally observes no fewer than 9 and no more than 14 Kenyan and British public and religious holidays in a year. These vary from year to year and are at the discretion of the High Commissioner. A list of holidays is published each year.

Working Patterns:

7:15 AM -4:00 PM – Monday to Thursday

7:45 AM -13:00PM – Friday

The successful applicant must be able to travel to Somalia

Additional information

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 Nairobi are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Kenya.

It is essential that the applicants already have the right to live and work in Kenya without the need to apply for a work permit

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: Job grade 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.

British High Commission Political Officer Mogadishu Jobs in Kenya