Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
Political
Main purpose of job:
To be the principal source of advice in the Embassy on what is happening in Thai politics and foreign policy, the implications of those events, the key players/institutions and longer-term trends.
On the basis of this analysis, and working with external partners, plan, coordinate and implement activities to support delivery of our objectives in a number of thematic policy areas.
Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:
- Proactively provide impartial analysis, reporting and advice on Thai domestic politics, Thai foreign policy, regional affairs and aspects of the bilateral relationship.
- Maintain and extend Political Section’s network of contacts with government, political parties, academics and civil society: use that network creatively to get to the people we need to speak to quickly and effectively.
- Provide substantive input into discussions on our strategic objectives and delivery planning.
- Lead on policy and activies linked to democracy, fundamental freedoms and media freedom. Oversee any project activity linked to these themes, and contribute to programme management.
- Work with, and in support of, teams across the mission to help deliver wider Embassy objectives; high level visits; and senior engagements.
- Represent the Embassy in meetings with contacts and at public events; occasionally act as interpreter at high level meetings.
- Contribute proactively, fully and constructively to the change and corporate agenda.
Resources managed (staff and expenditure):
No direct, permanent staff management but responsibility for management of ad-hoc work experience, secondments and fixed-term roles within the team.
- At least 2 years’ professional experience in a field closely linked to Thai domestic politics and foreign policy; an established range of contacts in these fields
- Experience working in an international role or context
- Ability and readiness to combine short, sharp reporting on fast-moving issues and in-depth analysis of longer term trends
- Confidence and credibility to engage with senior Embassy external contacts
- Ability to think creatively, to challenge assumptions and play a meaningful part in shaping and driving delivery of specific policy areas
- Ability to work proactively with limited supervision, prioritise competing tasks, and to deliver under pressure
- Discretion and an ability to maintain political impartiality in official dealings
- Track record of delivering through working effectively as part of a team; and of collaborating with other teams to deliver organisational objectives
- Willingness to give and receive constructive feedback on behaviours and competences
- Engaged, inspiring colleague, able to convey the bigger picture of organisational priorities
Language requirements:
Language: Thai and English
Level of language required:
English: Advanced: excellent command of spoken and written English, equivalent to IELTS 7.5 or above. Offers of employment may be made conditional on a recent IELTS test but this is not required ahead of application / interview.
Thai: Advanced: excellent command of spoken and written Thai, equivalent to C1 CEFR level or above. (Political Thai not required).
- Experience working in government, parliament or a multilateral orgnaisation
- IT competent and ready to adapt to new office technologies
- Knowledge of, and interest in, the UK, its political system and place in the world
Seeing the Big Picture, Changing and Improving, Collaborating and Partnering, Delivering at Pace
1 June 2021
C4 (L)
Full-time, Permanent
36
Asia Pacific
Thailand
Bangkok
British Embassy
1
100,932 THB
19 July 2021
The British Embassy offers a competitive remuneration package, including salary (will be abated for those not liable to tax), benefits, a leave entitlement, Health Insurance and comprehensive development programme based upon business need and individual staff requirements.
Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):
The British Embassy Bangkok encourages all staff to develop their capabilities, through both formal training (courses) and informal (job-shadowing, coaching, on-the-job training etc.). The majority of our formal L&D opportunities are drawn from FCO resources. All staff are encouraged to share their skills and experience with colleagues, through informal training (‘lunch & learn’) or coaching/mentoring. All staff are eligible for 5 L&D days a year. Attend relevant Learning and Development activities to acquire the knowledge and skills to meet the needs of the Corporate Services team and wider Embassy.
Working patterns:
Full time role (36 hours/week, Monday to Friday). Flexible working available (Embassy core hours are 1000-1600 Mon-Thurs and 1000-1300 Friday).
In crisis/emergency situations work as required to support the Embassy response (sometimes on a shift pattern working unsociable hours).
This job is suitable for flexible working patterns, subject to operational requirements.
Other conditions:
Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment and security checks. Staff who are locally recruited by the British Embassy 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. All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit. Any costs related to obtaining or renewing permits and visas are the responsibility of the successful applicant.
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.
Indicated start date is provisional and subject to successful completion of reference and security checks.
Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount.
To those applicants not short-listed, we extend our appreciation for considering the British Government as a potential employer.
The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.
British Embassy Bangkok’s Vision and Values:
VISION: What do we want to build?
A better, safer, more prosperous world for Britons and Thais alike.
MISSION: How will we achieve this?
By championing UK values and delivering tangible benefits to individuals, businesses and society: through quality service, effective partnerships and local expertise.
VALUES: that underpin our work
Courage: In our approach to our work: supporting innovation, creativity and taking calculated risks in solving problems; encouraging challenge and welcoming diverse perspectives; honesty in acknowledging and learning from mistakes.
Ambition: In the challenge we set ourselves: Striving to be excellent in the quality of service we deliver; inspiring our teams, colleagues, customers and stakeholders; passionate about our purpose.
Generosity: Of spirit: kindness in our daily actions and conversations; openness to differing cultures, ideas and opinions; understanding of differing styles and honest mistakes to build a culture of support.
To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate on the application form /in your cover letter where (ngotenders.net) you saw this job posting.