The British Embassy in Sweden is part of a worldwide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. The Embassy works with Sweden in partnership, prioritising cooperation in defence and security and building on our shared values, to identify and explore new opportunities in trade, investment, and innovation, and to uphold European security and the rules based international system. The Embassy also provides focused consular services to British nationals. The Embassy cares about its people and seeks to enshrine excellence, respect, integrity and kindness in everything it does.

We are now looking for a Political Officer – Foreign and Multilateral Policy.

Main purpose of the role:

The Political Officer will provide support to the Foreign and Security Policy team, across a range of areas as defined by the country business plan, personal objectives set at the start of each financial year, and as directed by HMA, DHM or Head of Section. The jobholder will work closely and flexibly within the four-person political team.  This role will focus more heavily on Sweden’s foreign and multilateral policy, including development issues and international institutions, but this will flex depending on team priorities

Roles and Responsibilities

Political reporting and analysis: Monitor government, civil society, and media sources to analyse and report on foreign and multilateral policy developments related to the Sweden-UK bilateral relationship, Swedish politics and other specific policy areas including but not limited to development, international institutions and topical global issues for example the situation in the Middle East. Liaise with embassy colleagues and policy leads in London and the region to understand HMG’s strategic priorities and policy positions. Build knowledge about Sweden’s foreign policy goals to provide advice and support in written reports and oral briefings for Embassy staff and UK officials.

• Conduct desk research on Swedish policy positions and initiatives.  Monitor Swedish Government websites and media sources for developments and insights and produce translations not available in English when these will add value.
• In consultation with senior Embassy staff, draft briefing and responses to requests from UK officials based on information gathered from a variety of sources.
• Gather, review and prepare information to help explain and promote the UK’s objectives, policies and initiatives.

Stakeholder engagement: Be aware of and when required able to explain/promote HMG’s strategic priorities and policies to Swedish interlocutors. Contribute to team stakeholder monitoring, analysis and engagement planning to improve impact of Embassy outreach. Generate and develop your own network of contacts from a variety of areas.

• Monitor Swedish stakeholders and influential figures, including in the parliament, press and on social media, to identify issues, trends and opportunities.  Produce translations of articles not available in English where these would add value to the work of Embassy colleagues or UK officials.
• Attend meetings and external events to learn about Swedish positions.  Record findings, share insights with senior embassy staff, and contribute to stakeholder engagement planning across the Chancery.
• Work with the Press and Public Affairs Officer to draft articles, presentations, website and social media content.  

Visits and events: Support the planning and organising of visits to Sweden by UK ministers and officials in order to advance HMG’s objectives.

• Work with Embassy staff and UK officials to develop programmes for ministerial and official level visitors.
• Accompany visitors on relevant elements of programmes, providing support as necessary.
• Prepare briefing materials for incoming visitors, liaising closely with relevant Whitehall departments and embassy colleagues.
• Manage logistics, transport and accommodation

Wider Embassy activity: Participate in wider corporate activity and positively contribute to the overall wellbeing and staff morale in the Embassy.

• Contribute to the work of Embassy-wide committees
• If required, provide support to wider Embassy activity, projects and protocol tasks, potentially including but not exclusively e.g. organisation of events and workshops; covering the absence of the Ambassador’s PA / Press and Public Affairs Officer; and drafting of Note Verbales.

Our ideal candidate shows:

• Excellent Swedish and English language skills (C1 level or above under the CEFR*).
• Excellent communication skills, including ability to write clearly and concisely, and to persuade and influence orally.
• Proven foreign policy and analysis experience on development/human rights and women, peace and security issues.
• Demonstrable knowledge of the Swedish political system and society.
• A good awareness of UK politics and global affairs.
• Good research and analysis skills.
• A self-starter with the ability to organise self, work effectively and think creatively.
• Curiosity about opportunities for UK-Sweden collaboration, and the entrepreneurship required to take them forward.
• Flexibility to travel occasionally, including to the UK.