Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
Political
Due to COVID-19, you may experience some delay in the progress of this recruitment campaign. We are working hard to minimise any disruption.
The British Embassy in Reykjavik is currently looking for a Political Affairs Officer.
Working as part of a small team, the successful candidate will help the Embassy advance wider UK Government interests and priorities by building upon the strong links between the UK and Iceland – both bilaterally and in the international field.
This will be done through accurate analysis of Iceland’s political landscape, domestic events and issues, as well as Iceland’s international policies. The Job holder will also engage with key figures, institutions and influencers inside and outside of government to ensure effective UK – Iceland collaboration, as well as to spot and build upon opportunities for working more closely together.
The job holder will monitor, analyse and report on political and economic developments within Iceland of particular relevance to Her Majesty’s Government’s objectives and policies – both for the Embassy and for other UK government departments. They will also report key developments in Iceland’s international relations and policy, including on climate change, international development, the Arctic, UN, EFTA and Nordic cooperation.
This will include responding to requests from the Embassy, London and network colleagues for input to policy papers, briefing, analysis and occasional translation work. It will also require a pro-active approach to identify and report key domestic issues or factors that will have an impact on wider HMG objectives.
In all of the above, the successful candidate will be expected to play a lead role in:
- Identifying and engaging with officials, academics, parliamentarians, businesses and others who have an influence on Icelandic policies.
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Providing relevant, accurate and timely analysis.
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Making linkages between Icelandic domestic and international policies with wider UK objectives and identifying opportunities.
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Working with colleagues across our Nordic-Baltic Embassy network on regional issues.
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Engaging with the Icelandic government in routine lobbying requests from HMG departments.
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Encouraging and developing contact between relevant UK and Icelandic experts.
In addition to the above, the successful candidate will be expected to provide support to colleagues to help achieve wider Embassy objectives e.g. helping out during visits by UK officials and Ministers, provide leave cover for the communications officer, contribute to the crisis team preparations and to help out during any Consular crisis.
- A strong understanding of current political issues in Iceland
- An ability to proactively develop and maintain a broad-based network of relevant contacts
- Excellent written and oral communication in English (C1 level CEFR Framework*) and proficient Icelandic
- Evidence of producing high quality analysis targeted to a varied audience
- Competence in office IT such as Word, Outlook, Excel and Power Point.
- A good understanding of UK, European and/or international politics and economic issues
- A track record of strong social media skills in a professional environment.
- Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to prioritise their work load as part of a team.
- A valid driving licence for Iceland.
Seeing the Big Picture, Leading and Communicating, Collaborating and Partnering, Delivering at Pace
10 January 2021
B3 (L)
Full-time, Permanent
37
Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia
Iceland
Reykjavik
British Embassy
1
856,500
1 March 2021
This is a full-time permanent position of 5 days per week. The period of probation for this role is 3 months, though the British Embassy reserves the right to extend this in order to fairly assess performance. Orientation, hand over and coaching will be arranged for the successful applicant.
No deductions are made from employees’ salaries, which include elements in respect of all required employer and employee contributions. Payment of all taxes and deductions are each employee’s responsibility.
The British Embassy offers a change-oriented, diverse and international environment with a strong focus on learning and development. Annual leave entitlement is 24 days rising to 30 days depending on length of service. The Embassy also observes an additional 14 local and UK public holidays.
The successful candidate will be subject to professional background check and security clearance.
All applicants should have the right to live and work in Iceland. The successful candidate must have pre-existing work authorization for Iceland in order to apply. The British Embassy does not sponsor for work permits.
Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in Iceland are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Icelandic employment law.
* Please note Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment. I can speak and write English according to CEFR Framework *: a) Basic user (range from A1-Breakthrough/beginner to A2-Waystage or elementary); b) Independent user (range from B1-Threshold/intermediate to B2-Vantage or upper intermediate); c) Proficient user (range from C1-Effective operational proficiency to advanced C2-Mastery or proficiency). For more information please click on the following link CEFR. Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your languages skills are going to be assessed.
Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”. We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application, since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered.
Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.
Additional Information (due to Covid 19):
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You may experience some delay in the progress of this recruitment campaign and we are working hard to minimise any disruption
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Interviews will be done remotely if the existing situation determines this to be the right course of action
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Starting date may be delayed depending on circumstances at the time and it will be agreed with the selected candidate.
To help us with our recruitment effort, please indicate on the application form /cover letter where (ngotenders.net) you saw this job posting.