Political Officer

4410

Political Officer

£46,189 plus excellent benefits

Term/Indeterminate

This position is a LES (Locally Engaged Staff) position, subject to the Terms and Conditions of Employment for LES in the United Kingdom.

Officer

LE-01 (classification under review)

High Commission of Canada, United Kingdom

25-03-2021 at 23:59 UTC/GMT

Under the general direction of Counsellor (Political), the locally-engaged political affairs officer monitors and prepares reports on various political developments on a range of topics related to the promotion of Canadian interests that could touch on foreign policy files, multilateral processes and domestic dynamics in the UK. The position requires establishing working relationship with UK government officials, political parties, think tanks, academia, civil society, diplomatic missions, etc. It involves preparing reports, undertaking research and supporting briefings for the High Commission and clients in Ottawa. The officer could be called upon to represent the High Commission of Canada at events, conferences. Under the supervision of the Counsellor (Political), the position would require holding bilateral discussions with UK interlocutors, undertake coordination with other diplomatic missions or partake in negotiations in either bilateral or multilateral settings. The position requires constant flexibility and adaptability to meet work assignments and to respond to world developments. Files assigned to the political officer can change with time in light of new governmental priorities. The position would require travel, mostly in the UK.

Candidates will initially be screened on the essential qualifications below and must demonstrate in their cover letter how they meet these criteria. Only those candidates who meet all the Essential Requirements will proceed to the next stage of the process.

Education: A university degree from a recognised university with acceptable specialization in International Relations, Economics, Political Science, Public Policy, Public Affairs, Public Administration, Environmental studies, Law, History, Literature, Classics, Philosophy, Area Studies, Journalism, Business Administration, Sociology or another relevant discipline. OR Demonstrated equivalency through a combination of education, training and/or experience for at least three (3) years would be acceptable.

Experience:
**This must be outlined in the covering letter**

• Minimum 3 years’ experience (within the last 10 years) leading or contributing to foreign and/or domestic public policy.
• Minimum 3 years’ proven experience (within the last 10 years) in research and the preparation of briefing notes, research summaries, presentations or reports for management.
• Experience consulting or collaborating with diverse groups.

Linguistic Profile:
Professional written and oral communication in English

Rated Requirements:

Candidates must also meet the Rated Requirements shown below, which will be assessed through any of the following: written test, oral communication, role play, and interview and reference checks.

Knowledge:
• Knowledge of global issues and challenges to global governance.
• Knowledge of UK politics and devolution issues more generally
• Experience in establishing multi-disciplinary professional networks
• Experience in providing advice and communicating to management at Senior Management (or equivalent) level and above, orally and in writing.

Abilities/Competencies:
• Professional Integrity (this could be asked as part of the reference checks)
• Adaptability & Flexibility
• Client Focus
• Initiative and Judgement and organisation skills
• Network/Alliance Building
• Interpersonal Relations & Respect
• Must have strong oral communication, analytical and writing skills.
• Good judgement, tact, and initiative.
• Ability to manage and mitigate risk.

Preference may be given to candidates who have the following asset qualifications. Candidates should also clearly demonstrate in their cover letter if they meet these factors.

•First-hand knowledge and/or experience within the public sector (e.g., Canadian and/or UK Governments).
• Proficiency in the French language.
• Knowledge of Canadian, UK and European foreign and domestic policy issues.
• Experience working with or in a multilateral organisation

• Must be able to work overtime on short notice on occasion and outside normal working hours (i.e. evenings and weekends);
• Ability to travel when required

• Hours of work will be 37.5 per week, worked Monday to Friday at time to be arranged by the supervisor.
• Any job offer is subject to receipt of satisfactory employment and character references and the ability to obtain and maintain an Enhanced Reliability security screening (including a criminal record check).
• Copies of educational qualifications will be required at the interview stage of the process. Successful candidate must have a valid passport and the required documentation allowing the right to work in the UK. Documentation will be required.

Open to all internal and external candidates, who are currently resident in the UK, who hold current documentation allowing them to work in the UK without restriction, who meet all of the essential requirements stated and whose applications are received by the closing date. Those candidates holding visas not renewable in the UK such as the Youth Mobility Visa will not be eligible to apply for this position. The High Commission of Canada does not reimburse any travel costs to and from assessments or interviews nor does it reimburse any relocation costs. The High Commission of Canada does not sponsor work permit applications on behalf of candidates. The High Commission of Canada is an inclusive workplace where respect, teamwork, and collaboration are part of our culture. Canada’s missions abroad are committed to promoting and supporting an environment free from harassment and discrimination, as well as encouraging and supporting employees to learn and develop their skills and competencies. Security Clearance SECRET clearance or ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable period. Canadian and/or British citizenship. Candidates holding dual citizenship of third countries should state all citizenship on their application.

How to apply:
• Candidates are required to upload a cover letter and CV in English or French. Applications which do not include the requested documents or information in the CV or cover letter will be rejected. Any additional information must be included as part of these two attachments.
• Candidates who are unable to submit their application due to technical difficulties must report these to: [email protected] prior to the closing date. Failure to do so will result in the application being rejected.

Important Notes:
• Please do not use a tablet or cell phone to submit your application, as mobile browsers are not supported by our on-line portal. Candidates should only apply using a laptop or desktop computer.
• Only applications submitted in one of the official languages of Canada will be accepted (English or French). Candidates are entitled to participate in the recruitment process in the official language of their choice and to indicate their preferred official language in their application.
• Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidates to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required.
• Candidates who apply to this vacancy should include an email address that accepts email from unknown users and regularly check their email, including spam folder.
• Reference checks will be sought for candidates that reach interview stage and may form part of the selection process.
• The Embassy of Canada in the United Kingdom does not reimburse any travel costs to and from interviews/exams nor does it reimburse any relocation costs.
• Candidates requiring any special assistance in attending exams or interviews are requested to inform us.
• The results of this recruitment process may also be used to establish an eligibility list of qualified candidates for similar openings at the Embassy of Canada in the United Kingdom, which might arise in the 12 months following the completion of this recruitment process.

For local advertisements only:
• Applications will only be considered when received through our portal. Link for this job poster – http://wfca-tpce.com/vacancyView.php?requirementId=4410&