Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
Chancery
Main purpose of job:
Reporting to the First Secretary (Economic and ASEAN), you will be a key member of our policy team, taking responsibility for delivering parts of our business plan, specific projects and events with initiative and drive. You will need to be able to research and analyse a range of policy and economic issues, to build and use a network of contacts, and to write accurate and insightful reports in English, sometimes to tight deadlines. You will demonstrate professional working behaviours and be a role model for other staff, making a positive contribution to the British High Commission (BHC) as a whole. You will be comfortable in representing the mission in external meetings, including with government officials at the appropriate level. You will have a good understanding of international affairs, Bruneian government and/or economic policy and at least three years of work experience. You will work closely with the High Commissioner and other BHC staff, as well as with the Brunei desk in the Foreign Office in London. This job has been created for 2021 only, to help deliver additional demands on the BHC while Brunei holds the ASEAN Chair; we are not currently able to guarantee that the role will continue past 2021.
Roles and responsibilities:
-
Monitor, analyse and report developments in Brunei, including: economic developments (eg policies affecting foreign investors); domestic developments (eg ministerial appointments, instructions from HM The Sultan); and foreign policy (eg visits by foreign ministers, ASEAN meetings etc). 30%
-
Contribute to BHC reporting on key themes (eg economic diversification, relations with China, Brunei’s year as ASEAN chair). 25%
-
Build a network of contacts in government agencies, businesses and other British diplomatic missions in SE Asia. Represent the BHC in meetings. 10%
-
Support First Secretary and other colleagues in the BHC and in London (taking the record of meetings, conducting research, giving advice on Brunei personalities and institutions, drafting briefing). 20%
-
Lead on specific projects and events (eg seminars, visits by UK officials/ministers); be part of a team preparing VVIP visits. 10%
-
Contribute to wider High Commission objectives, including being a member of the Embassy’s crisis response team 5%
Resources managed (staff and expenditure):
Prosperity Fund and International Programme Fund management.
Essential on arrival:
- Excellent knowledge of Brunei politics and the economic landscape
- Good knowledge of government procedure and cultural sensitivities when engaging with local and international stakeholders.
- Strong interpersonal skills and initiative with the ability to work as part of a team
- Flexible, resilient under pressure and decisive with a proven track record of delivering results to a high standard
- Excellent record management and organisation skills
- Professional speaking and telephone manner, IT literate, letter drafting, and political and economic report writing skills
Language requirements:
Language: English, Malay
Level of language required: Fluent in English, Malay is desirable but not essential
-
A minimum of 2 years’ experience working on political issues, preferably in a diplomatic mission, government department, think-tank, international organisation, media organisation or NGO
-
Excellent Time Management
-
Understanding of Brunei Government structures
-
Degree holder
Seeing the Big Picture, Collaborating and Partnering, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace
28 December 2020
B3 (L)
Fixed Term, Full-time
35 hours
11 months
Asia Pacific
Brunei Darussalam
Bandar Seri Begawan
British High Commission
1
B$ 3,350
1 February 2021
30 December 2021
The British High Commission offers a competitive remuneration package inclusive of salary, leave entitlement, performance related pay, benefits and extensive Learning and Development opportunities. This position is being advertised on a temporary basis (approximately 11 months).
The British High Commission looks to support the professional development of all staff, including the Executive Assistant. Specific training and mentoring for the role will be provided to the successful candidate.
Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment checks and local labour requirements. Staff who are locally recruited by the British High Commission are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law.
No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position. Foreign Nationals, with assistance from the High Commission, must be able to obtain a permit to work in Brunei in order to apply.
Please note that your application must be submitted before 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”.
Incomplete application forms will not be taken into consideration, so please ensure you provide the information requested. We regret to advise that we will only be contacting short-listed candidates. Applicants called for an interview will be assessed on the core competencies listed above.
Please check the application centre regularly for any update on your application.
To help us with our recruitment effort, please indicate on the application form /cover letter where (ngotenders.net) you saw this job posting.