Who we are

The British Embassy in Hungary is part of a world-wide network representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. We are now looking for a Democratic Reform, Values and Civil Society Policy Officer to join our Policy Team.

About the role

Working within the Embassy’s Policy Team, the Officer will be responsible for delivering the UK’s policy objectives on democratic reform, human rights, democratic values and civil society. A key focus area will be supporting the Foreign Secretary’s priority on Women and Girls.

The successful candidate will administer projects in collaboration with external project partners, organise events, monitor, analyse and report developments, and build and maintain a strong network of contacts both in the UK and Hungary. The role will also involve executing lobbying requests, representing the Embassy at key events, preparing Embassy’s Senior Leaders for important events and meetings, drafting speeches, leading on inward and outward visits, and working closely with the Embassy’s Communications team to ensure effective messaging.

Learning and development opportunities, including training in areas such as project management, will be available.

What you will be doing

• Project Management: You will prepare bids for UK Government funding in support of Embassy policy objectives and administer successful and impactful projects which will be delivered by external project partners;
• Policy Delivery: You will monitor and report on developments relating to democratic values, governance and democratic reform, civil society and human rights. You will identify opportunities for engagement and provide timely, high-quality policy analysis to colleagues in Budapest and London;
• Strategic Relationship Management: You will build and maintain a trusted network of influential stakeholders across government, institutions and civil society. You will represent the UK’s position and convene stakeholders in support of UK policy objectives. You will build strong working relationships within the Embassy, working closely with the Communications Team to provide policy advice and content that showcases the Embassy’s work to the public. You will also maintain strong links with other British Embassies in the region and with colleagues in London;
• Visits and Events: You will organise Embassy-hosted events and visits related to your portfolio. You will prepare the Ambassador and Deputy Ambassador for external events by drafting speeches and providing briefing points. You will also represent the Embassy at external briefings, receptions and conferences;
• Staff Community and Crisis Preparedness: You will play an active role in contributing to Embassy life, from joining one of the staff committees, to supporting learning and development for yourself and for colleagues, to preparing for and playing a role in any embassy crisis exercise or crisis response.

Our ideal candidate demonstrates:

• Proficiency in English and Hungarian (written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR* framework);
• Proven experience managing projects or programmes, including planning, delivery, stakeholder coordination and risk management;
• Knowledge of the Hungarian civil society and human rights landscape;
• A College/University degree, preferably in international relations, politics or economics;
• Strong reporting and analytical skills;
• Excellent organisational and forward planning skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain a trusted network of contacts and work effectively with colleagues at all levels, both autonomously and as part of a team;
• Good time management skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks;
• Attention to detail, ability to work autonomously as well as part of a team, and strong problem-solving skills.