The British Embassy in Cairo is looking to recruit a Political Officer under the British Office Sudan, job grade Executive Officer (EO), on a fixed term contract of one (1) year. 

Following the closure of the British Embassy in Khartoum in April 2023, from September 2023 we established the British Office Sudan (BOS), which is primarily located in Addis Ababa and Nairobi with a small number of posts based in Port Sudan until we are able to re-establish a presence in Khartoum.  

You will work as part of BOS but located with the Political Section of British Embassy Cairo (BE Cairo). Cairo is a critical hub because many Sudanese networks and groups are based or have a presence here. The Government of Egypt plays an active role on Sudan, including in conflict resolution. You will be part of BOS’s Political team, attending team meetings and having regular one-to-ones with a BOS quality assurer on objectives, tasking and progress.  You will travel frequently to Addis Ababa to connect with the wider BOS team in person. But you will be line managed from within BE Cairo’s (BEC) Political Section, and therefore also be a part of BEC’s External Political team.   

Sudan is one of the most professionally interesting, demanding and politically fast-paced countries to work on for FCDO, and we have multiple avenues for leadership.  This is an opportunity for a dynamic and enthusiastic Political officer to join fast-paced BOS (and BEC) teams and support our efforts by analysing Sudan politics, reporting on developments, acting as a key link by networking with officials, parties, NGOs, and media, and even negotiating on specific issues, all while supporting high-level visits.  

The postholder will provide high quality, reliable, timely and relevant advice to colleagues across the BOS network and the Senior Leadership Team, ensuring the UK continues to play a leading role in the efforts to end the Sudan war.  

Working as part of the BOS and BEC Political teams, you will become a subject-matter expert, building and maintaining political and wider relationships to inform and help shape UK political and policy approaches. You will need to work across political, development and humanitarian teams to do so. You will provide regular and high-quality reporting and analysis to BOS and HQ.  

Duties and Responsibilities:  

Political/conflict reporting 

• Lead on identifying, analysing and reporting on political, security and conflict developments within Sudan. Establish and maintain relationships with key figures to provide timely and insightful reporting which ensures that the British Office Sudan (BOS) is the best informed across international community. Draft regular reports each day/week, on hot topics agreed with line management chain.  
• Analyse and provide regular reporting on the dynamics, structures, and internal working of the warring parties, civilian blocs (whether independent groups or those with affiliations to the warring parties), and political parties. Provide a forward look (and ensure appropriate reporting) of key events, shifts, and new positions on the conflict, security and political landscape. 

Network development/engagement 

• Build and maintain a strong network with a range of relevant contacts such as analysts, lawyers, activists, academia, think tanks, and journalists to gain information and different perspectives on issues to inform UK policy, interests, and diplomatic engagements. 
• Maintain contact with the political editors of newspapers and media platforms (monthly or weekly depending on the agreement with line manager) for in-depth analysis and insights into new developments for wider perspectives. 
• Develop strong links with the relevant counterparts in other foreign missions on gaining insights on political issues and engagements.  

Visits, meetings and engagements 

• Play a key role in supporting BOS/senior level visits to Cairo, such as by facilitating and coordinating programmes, logistics and contributing to briefings/background notes. 
• Support wider BOS events and engagements (in Sudan, Addis Ababa, Nairobi and Cairo). This includes KBPs and Ramadan Iftars to engage new and existing contacts such as political stakeholders/alliances, in support of the UK’s Sudan strategy.  

Crisis  

• Provide support to BE Cairo in the event of the Embassy going into crisis response. 

The above list is not exhaustive, and the jobholder will be required to be flexible and take on other ad hoc tasks as required. The job description may be reviewed to meet changes in business needs. 

Key behaviours required for the role: 

• Seeing the Big Picture – Understand how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives. Recognise the wider Civil Service priorities and ensure work is in the national interest. 
• Communicating and Influencing – Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses and opinions of others. 
• Delivering at Pace – Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive. 
• Developing Self and Others – Focus on continuous learning and development for self, others and the organisation as a whole. 

Eligibility:  

If you are selected for this position, the Embassy will be able to employ you as long as you: 

• Have the right to work and live in Egypt; and 
• Receive the appropriate level of security clearance. 

• Knowledge of Sudan’s government and political system, history, culture, evolving context, media environment and society. 
• Experience of working on conflict, fragility and Humanitarian crisis. 
• Experience of preparing for and operating in crises. 
• Ability to work at pace and respond to quickly evolving events. 
• Strong analytical, research, speaking and writing skills in both English and Arabic.  
• Excellent interpersonal, networking, and communication skills. 
• Flexibility, objectivity, and the ability to work under pressure.  
• Excellent political judgment. 
• Personal resilience. 
• Relevant University degree in Political Science, International Relations, Public Administration, Law or other highly relevant degree, focusing on governance, global systems, policy, and analysis.