The British Embassy Riyadh has a vacancy for a Culture, Sport and Entertainment Policy Officer under the Economic and Prosperity Team, job grade Higher Executive Officer (HEO), on a fixed term contract ending on 31 March 2027, with the possibility of extension subject to performance and operational requirements.

The role will lead the further development of the UK–Saudi partnership on culture, sport and entertainment, supporting opportunities for UK sectors arising from Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reforms. A central focus of the role will be creation and delivery of priority bilateral initiatives, including preparation for the UK–Saudi Year of Culture 2029.

The jobholder will identify and connect relevant UK expertise across government, arm’s-length bodies and industry with Saudi priorities, matching Saudi demand to UK strengths and areas of competitive advantage. They will understand the UK and Saudi policy context, contribute to implementation of a coherent engagement strategy, and facilitate effective exchange of expertise between the two countries.

This is a visible and externally facing role across the Embassy and with a wide range of UK Government and Saudi partners. The jobholder will be comfortable operating across policy, project delivery and stakeholder engagement, and will develop strong political analysis, delivery, influencing and public diplomacy skills. The role offers regular exposure to senior officials, Ministers and major bilateral and international events, with opportunities for travel within the UK and Saudi Arabia in support of delivery.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Advise and support UK–Saudi government engagement on culture, sport and entertainment, including shaping and delivering Ministerial, senior official and high-profile visits and exchanges.
• Provide high-quality advice and briefing to the British Ambassador and UK Government on developments in Saudi Arabia’s culture, sport and entertainment sectors.
• Build and maintain a strong understanding of the culture, sport and entertainment landscape in the UK and Saudi Arabia, developing an effective network of stakeholders across government, institutions and industry.
• Support the design, planning and delivery of Embassy culture, sport and entertainment projects, including within the Gulf Strategy Fund portfolio, ensuring alignment with the Country Business Plan and wider HMG priorities.
• Support the planning and delivery of flagship bilateral initiatives and set-piece events, including activity linked to the UK–Saudi Year of Culture 2029.
• Design and support delivery of practical projects that strengthen institutional partnerships and sustain existing UK–Saudi cooperation.
• Monitor, analyse and report to UK Government on significant policy, market and sector developments in Saudi Arabia.
• Work closely with Embassy colleagues, HMG and UK-based stakeholders to identify and develop partnership opportunities between UK and Saudi institutions, including museums, cultural bodies, universities and sports organisations.
• Coordinate cross-HMG engagement on culture, sport and entertainment, maintaining strong working relationships with colleagues across UK Government departments and agencies.
• Help raise the profile of the UK–Saudi culture, sport and entertainment partnership through events, seminars, ceremonies and public diplomacy activity, including media engagement where appropriate.

The above list is not exhaustive, and the jobholder will be required to be flexible as specific responsibilities could change in the future, and this would be at the discretion of the line manager or head of section. The job description may be reviewed to meet changes in business needs. The jobholder may also take on other ad hoc tasks as required, including participating in the Embassy’s emergency planning and any other response to a crisis.

Key behaviours required:

• Communicating and Influencing – Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity, and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses, and opinions of others.
• Delivering at Pace – Taking responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.
• Making Effective Decisions – Use evidence and knowledge to support accurate, expert decisions and advice. Carefully consider alternative options, implications and risks of decisions.
• 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.

• Excellent relationship development and management skills, capable of operating at all organisational levels. Experience of developing relationships and building influence with multiple stakeholders in public and private sectors. Recognises the importance of developing a strong business network.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken. Able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely, both orally and in written communication.
• Ability to coordinate and contribute to strategy development and business planning.
• Flexible, resilient, decisive, and calm under pressure. With a proven track record of delivering results to a high standard within tight deadlines.
• Excellent organisational ability, with proven ability to manage, plan, and prioritise tasks and workload; and a proactive approach to problem solving.
• Team player who can work on their own initiative and manage others.
• Strong IT skills and literacy in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams).