Political Officer

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

**Main purpose of job**:
This job is at the centre of the work of the British High Commission (BHC) in Saint Lucia. The officer works closely with the Resident British Commissioner (RBC) in Castries and the High Commissioner and colleagues in the British High Commission (BHC) in Bridgetown (our regional headquarters).

**Roles and responsibilities**:
The Officer and the RBC will agree specific goals for the period of employment. They will be based on the areas of responsibility below, and the BHC priorities for the coming months.
- Political Work. Political work includes political analysis and reporting and engagement with the offices of the Government of Saint Lucia at both senior and desk level. The scope of political work spans domestic political, economic and social issues, regional, international and multilateral. Some of the activity is lobbying on issues of importance to the UK, e.g. climate change, trade, security, values, human rights, LGBT+ rights, and reporting back on issues of importance to St Lucia. The temporary officer will have access to contacts of the BHC and may stand in for the RBC at meetings.
- Visits and Events. Working closely with the RBC, the officer plans programmes for official visitors, contributes to written briefing or briefing on arrival and accompanies to meetings. Visits require close attention to logístical and administrative arrangements, working closely with colleagues in the BHC who can give support on these areas. Similarly, the political officer works wih the BHC Events Manager to identify opportunities and organise events that contribute to the BHC’s objectives and promote the UK and priority issues for the UK and the Commonwealth.
- Public Diplomacy and Communications. The officer is the BHC’s point of contact for Saint Lucia media organisations. S/he drafts and circulates press releases and articles. The officer leads on producing BHC Castries content for social media and increasing followers
- Projects and Programmes. The Political Officer manages any BHC project work including identifying impactful projects and partners to deliver them in line with the BHC priority areas, available budget and internal rules. The Officer will learn about UK development programmes in Saint Lucia, managed by colleagues in Bridgetown.
- Embassy operations. All members of the team have a role in the efficient operations of the BHC. This could be IT troubleshooting and maintenance, or correspondence management. All members of the team have a role in crisis preparedness and response too.

**Resources managed (staff and expenditure)**:
Potentially Project Budgets of between approx £5,000-£40,000

Essential qualifications, skills and experience
- Excellent communication skills including written drafting skills
- Optimum organisational skills with the ability to demonstrate initiative and self-motivation
- Ability to handle multiple tasks and projects at pace
- Advanced IT skills including MS Office
- Experience, in digital and social media
- Flexible, ‘can do’ attitude

**Language requirements**:
Language: English

Level of language required: Fluent

(Kweyol would be an asset but is not essential)

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience
- Knowledge of working with government institutions and experience of working in British or international environment
- Interest in local and regional politics
- Strategic thinking and analysis
- Ability to draft press releases and speaking notes
- Project Cycle Management experience
- In-depth knowledge of the Caribbean region
- Relevant Degree
- Full, clean driving licence
- Required behaviours- Seeing the Big Picture, Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace, Communicating and Influencing, Working Together Application deadline Application deadline - day Application deadline - month Application deadline - year
- 14 June 2023

Grade
- Executive Officer (EO)

Type of Position
- Temporary

Working hours per week
- 38

Region
- Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories

Country/Territory
- Saint Lucia

Location (City)
- Castries

Type of Post
- British High Commission

Number of vacancies
- 1

Salary
- EC$7,313 per month

Start Date Start Date - day Start Date - month Start Date - year
- 19 July 2023

End Date End Date - day End Date - month End Date - year
- 9 January 2024

Other benefits and conditions of employment

Our mission prides itself in ensuring all staff have rewarding and stretching L&D opportunities. A full induction programme will be arranged for the successful applicant. This may include travel to another British diplomatic mission in the Eastern Caribbean.

The International Academy (IA) of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has a suite on online courses for new entrants, as well as thematic resources about the UK and foreign policy.

Additional information

The standard working hours are 0745-1600hrs Monday to Thursday