View Vacancy – Political Officer (SVN26-012852)
/*generated inline style */
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
/*generated inline style */
Political
/*generated inline style */
Who are we?
The British Embassy in Ljubljana is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic, consular and Defence interests overseas and is now seeking a highly motivated Political Officer to join its Political Team.
The role plays a key part in supporting the Embassy’s political engagement, analysis and reporting, helping to strengthen the UK-Slovenia relationship and advance UK foreign policy priorities.
Main purpose of the job:
This role will monitor, analyse and report on Slovenia’s political landscape, spanning domestic politics, economic issues and regional dynamics, with some coverage of foreign policy, including Slovenia’s relations with the Western Balkans, China and the EU, and the implications for UK interests.
A central part of the job is building and maintaining a strong network across government, parliament, political parties, think tanks, academia, business, civil society and international organisations, using these relationships to generate insight, spot engagement opportunities and support the Embassy’s influencing objectives.
The Political Officer will also help plan and deliver high-level visits and official engagements, including briefing materials and programme input, and will contribute to wider Embassy priorities through cross-team collaboration, policy development and project work. This includes working closely with the Ambassador, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy colleagues, regional posts and UK Government departments (including the FCDO) to help deliver UK strategic objectives in Slovenia and the region.
The role also offers opportunities to take part in cross-Embassy learning and development, events and corporate activities. As with all Embassy roles, it requires agility and a willingness to support wider Embassy work when needed, for example during a crisis or to help colleagues under pressure.
If you’re passionate about political analysis, relationship-building and helping shape UK foreign policy, this role offers a rare chance to do all three at the heart of our Embassy in Ljubljana.
Join a supportive team where your insight and networks will directly influence UK engagement with Slovenia and the wider region.
Roles and responsibilities:
Political Analysis and Reporting (25%)
- Monitor and report on developments in Slovenian domestic politics, including government policy, parliamentary activity, party dynamics, elections, coalition politics and public opinion trends.
- Produce concise, high-quality political reporting and assessments for Embassy and UK Government audiences.
- Identify emerging political risks, opportunities and trends affecting UK interests.
Stakeholder Engagement and Network Development (25%)
- Build and maintain a broad network across government ministries, parliament, political parties, think tanks, academia, media and civil society.
- Represent the Embassy at political, economic and policy-related events.
- Facilitate engagement between Embassy leadership and key Slovenian stakeholders.
- Identify and pursue opportunities to strengthen UK influence and partnerships.
Regional and International Policy Portfolio (25%)
- Lead Embassy monitoring of Slovenia’s role and influence in the Western Balkans, and its implications for regional stability and UK interests.
- Track and analyse Slovenia’s policy positions on China, including economic, strategic and foreign policy dimensions.
- Monitor migration issues, Schengen developments, border management and wider regional migration trends.
- Report on Slovenia’s engagement with international organisations and multilateral initiatives relevant to UK priorities.
EU Affairs and Economic Analysis (25%)
- Advise Embassy leadership on Slovenia’s positioning relative to UK EU priorities, drawing on relevant contacts and networks.
- Analyse Slovenian economic policy, investment trends and trade-related developments.
- Support Embassy engagement on economic diplomacy and policy priorities.
/*generated inline style */
Essential on arrival:
- Proficiency in English and Slovenian, both written and spoken, at a minimum C1 level of CEFR*.
- Completed undergraduate/bachelor’s degree (e.g. in International Relations, Political Science, Economics, Law or similar) or 3 years of relevant work experience
- Strong understanding of political systems, public policy and international relations.
- Knowledge of Slovenian politics and government institutions.
- Demonstrated experience in political analysis, government relations, public affairs, journalism, research, diplomacy or a related field.
- Excellent analytical skills with the ability to assess complex political and economic developments and communicate findings clearly.
- Proven ability to develop and maintain professional networks with senior stakeholders.
- Outstanding written and oral communication skills in English.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work under pressure.
- Excellent judgement, discretion and political awareness.
/*generated inline style */
Nice to have:
- Understanding of Western Balkans regional issues.
- Experience of EU policy-making processes and institutions.
- Familiarity with migration, foreign policy or economic policy issues.
- Experience supporting senior-level visits, events or stakeholder engagement programmes.
/*generated inline style */
Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Seeing the Big Picture, Working Together
/*generated inline style */
6 September 2026
/*generated inline style */
Executive Officer (EO)
/*generated inline style */
Full-time, Fixed Term
/*generated inline style */
40
/*generated inline style */
12 months
/*generated inline style */
Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia
/*generated inline style */
Slovenia
/*generated inline style */
Ljubljana
/*generated inline style */
British Embassy
/*generated inline style */
1
/*generated inline style */
EUR
/*generated inline style */
3.420,24 (Gross)
/*generated inline style */
monthly
/*generated inline style */
1 October 2026
/*generated inline style */
This is a full-time, fixed-term position of 40 hours gross per week for 12 months with the possibility of renewal by mutual agreement.
The successful candidate will be subject to professional background, security clearance and a probation period of 6 months.
Candidate must have pre-existing work authorisation for Slovenia in order to apply.
Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in Ljubljana are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Slovenian employment law.
Visa / Passport requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Slovenia and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract.
There may be the occasional requirement for travel outside Slovenia. For example, accompanying the FCDO officer to events at British Embassies in the region such as in Vienna, Sofia, Warsaw or Zagreb.
The vast majority of this role will take place in normal working hours, but occasional out-of-hours or weekend working may be required. (We aim to minimise this wherever possible. Where it cannot be avoided, we aim to plan this ahead of time; to respect personal circumstances; and to compensate with time off in lieu.)
Learning and Development:
Continuous learning and personal development is really important to us – everyone has strengths to build on, or challenges to overcome. Our L&D offer can help you achieve your best results. Early opportunities will include pre-arrival familiarisation training and formal training from London on our global digital communications approach and network.
The FCDO’s Diplomatic Academy offers a range of courses, including accredited qualifications to help you familiarise yourself with the work of the UK government internationally and how diplomacy works. And L&D funding is available to support your bids for further external training that will benefit you in the role.
As you develop in the role you might also explore job swaps or shadowing across our European network, formal training, and on-the-job training in a range of areas where you may need support.
What do we offer you?
- A fun, fast paced, rewarding work environment – you’ll be able to develop ideas that are listened to and often implemented;
- Investment in your skills: on-the-job training as well as professional development;
- A flexible/hybrid working environment (subject to some T&Cs.);
- Great colleagues – we are proud to hire friendly, driven, passionate people;
- A great place to work: an emphasis on work/life balance and wellbeing, free espresso, and more!
/*generated inline style */
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.
Please be advised that the British Embassy will not be able to meet the travel costs incurred when travelling to the interview, nor the costs connected with relocation if offered a position.
*Please note for more information on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment levels please click on the following link CEFR. Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your language skill is going to be assessed.
/*generated inline style */
/*generated inline style */
/*generated inline style */
To apply please copy and paste this link: https://fco.tal.net/vx/appcentre-ext/candidate/jobboard/vacancy/1/adv/
To help us track our recruitment effort, please specify on the application form/indicate in your cover letter where (ngotenders.net) you saw this job posting.
