Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
Economic and Prosperity
The Yemen Office Network based at the British Embassy in Amman is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual for the position of Economic Adviser, Grade – C5 (L).
Working for the FCDO:
FCDO pursues our national interests and projects the UK as a force for good in the world. We promote the interests of British citizens, safeguard the UK’s security, defend our values, reduce poverty and tackle global challenges with our international partners.
We place emphasis on how we lead and behave towards each other, how we make decisions and how we get the job done to deliver our cultural statement:
- We put respect and kindness first. We are inclusive, we get to know each other, and value our diversity and the contribution we each bring. We are fair, act with integrity, and tackle inequality and unacceptable behaviour. We work together and take responsibility to solve problems.
- We draw on the expertise, insight and diverse perspectives of people across the FCDO, HMG, and beyond. We use the best available data and evidence. We are open to challenge and take a long-term approach. We are transparent about the rationale for decisions and smart about taking and managing risks.
We are agile and alert to emerging opportunities. We encourage learning, innovation and use of data and digital. We are all clear on what we are expected to deliver and support each other in doing so. We look to reduce duplication and unnecessary process. We are committed to transforming both the FCDO and the way HMG delivers international policy.
Background:
The role will be based in the British Embassy, Amman and is offered on Amman Terms and Conditions.
More than five years of conflict has resulted in Yemen continuing to be the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Nearly 80% of the entire population – over 24 million people – require some form of humanitarian assistance. Yemen’s humanitarian crisis is also an economic crisis: as a country reliant on imports for more than 90% of its staple food consumption, Yemen’s balance of payments crisis risks accelerating the decline into famine. A public finances liquidity crisis prevents public sector salary payments and risks hindering our own partners’ ability to deliver in-country. FCDO are at the centre of responding to these challenges.
FCDO Yemen offers some of the most interesting and challenging development opportunities available in FCDO. Yemen is a priority for Ministers. Team members – regardless of technical background, level or location – work collaboratively, at pace, with colleagues and external partners to respond to acute humanitarian needs and a dynamic political agenda.
FCDO Yemen is a welcoming and supportive place to work. We pride ourselves on the quality of our induction and make time for learning and development. Working with us, you will have a supportive and inclusive working environment with opportunities to expand your role and take on new challenges.
Main Purpose of the job:
FCDO Yemen is looking for a knowledgeable individual, based in our Embassy in Amman to provide economic advice that will be valued across the whole of the FCDO team. You will work within a complex, fast-paced and challenging environment as part of a multidisciplinary team. The role is high-profile, demanding and exciting, placing you in the forefront of FCDOs response to the economic drivers of the humanitarian crisis in a dynamic foreign policy context. You will lead implementation of existing programmes that are central to stabilization efforts in in Yemen, and you will also help design and drive forward new programmes that aim to support growth and find more sustainable ways to support the economy in Yemen.
Main Responsibilities:
This role involves working closely across FCDO Yemen focusing on the following responsibilities:
1. Lead implementation of Yemen’s Economic Stabilisation programme; helping ensure UK technical assistance improves Government of Yemen economic policy making and; provide support to ensure the economy is adequately considered in the UN led peace process; commission and shape key economic policy research questions.
2. Support the A2 Economic advisor in the development of a new Economic Growth programme that will provide targeted supported to the finance and export sectors and, support establishment of a sustainable trade finance facility to support food imports into Yemen.
3. High quality economic analysis and advice on policy including and not limited to, issues relating to public finances, the financial sector and the private sector. The economic adviser will also provide technical support to teams implementing progammes across the FCDO.
4. Support FCDO Yemen input into high quality briefings and engage effectively with senior officials and also directly with Ministers as necessary.
5. Develop relationships and with a variety of stakeholders including representing FCDO in relevant forums (e.g. donor coordination, economic working groups); internally within FCDO and HMG and with relevant partners for example: with GoY officials; representatives of Yemen’s private sector, research organisations, and with international players including bilateral and multilateral aid agencies including International Finance Institutions.
Key Competencies:
Generic:
- Collaborating and Partnering – Work closely and collaboratively with diverse range of individuals, sharing information in a timely fashion and ensuring common purpose.
- Delivering at Pace – Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.
- Leading and Communicating – Communicate with individuals at all grades in an engaging, straightforward, honest, and respectful manner, choosing appropriate styles and methods to maximise understanding and impact.
Technical:
Candidates must be able to clearly demonstrate experience and skills against the core civil service behaviours/competencies and technical skills listed in the profile.
- Essential: Macro Economics: Being able to understand and explain the economy as a whole including: growth measurement, trends, drivers, and diagnostics; inflation and exchange rates; fiscal and monetary policy; financial sector and debt sustainability; exchange rates and government regulation (e.g. labour, climate).
- Micro Economics: Being able to understand and explain the behaviour of firms or households including: the importance of choices and incentives; demand and supply analysis; competition; market or sector analysis; behavioural economics; the rationale for government intervention and core project appraisal skills (see The Green Book),
- International economics: Being able to understand and explain the interaction with the global economy including: balance of payments; international and regional trade; international aid, remittances, financial flows and debt; migration; international and regional financial institutions and regulation.
Knowledge & Skills:
The successful candidate will have excellent communication skills as well as being a strong team player with partnering skills with a diverse range of customers. This is a high-paced role and you will need to be resilient in order to deliver high standards of service in a challenging but rewarding environment. We are looking for someone that can demonstrate:
- Integrity
- Honesty
- Objectivity
- Impartiality
Essential:
- Fluent written and spoken English and Arabic (both verbal and written).
- Ability to write effective submissions and briefs in plain English and provide balanced advice to Ministers.
- Candidates must have a 2:1 undergraduate degree with at least 50% of economics in the final two years, or a post graduate diploma, or a Master’s degree in economics plus experience working in a specialist economics role and MSc economics expertise or equivalent experience.
- Deliver quality work under tight deadlines and to exercise good judgment on politics related to your development advice. You will be able to manage your own personal resilience when pace and demands are high and able to work under pressure, juggling a complex and varied workload.
- Ability to engage at strategic influencing with a wide range of partners – across the UK Government, bilateral and multilateral donors, the UN and NGOs – to make a case for development priorities.
- You will need a can-do attitude and a willingness to pitch in and provide support across the team as necessary. You create positive and trust-based working relationships.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Travel to the UK and Riyadh as required.
- Literacy in Microsoft Office packages.
Desirable:
- Knowledge of the Yemen context.
- Strong policy capability – experience in providing technical and strategic input into policy response.
- Experience working on and delivering in high-risk environments/ fragile states will be a distinct advantage.
Leading and Communicating, Collaborating and Partnering, Delivering at Pace
23 March 2021
C5 (L)
Full-time, Permanent
37
Middle East & North Africa
Jordan
Amman
British Embassy
1
3411
25 April 2021
Working Hours and Remuneration:
The position is full-time, at 37 hours a week with considerations of flexibility depending on circumstances.
Pay is on the Embassy C5 (L) scale, with a salary of JOD 3411 per month. Please note that your salary will be paid gross and you are expected to comply with your tax obligations through completion of a tax return to the local authorities. If exceptionally you are not liable to pay Jordanian tax, you will receive a net salary which is minus the deduction of an equivalent level of local tax. Further information on this will be given to candidates at interview if necessary.
The package includes a good level of health insurance and a friendly, English-speaking work environment. We offer opportunities to develop professional skills through our Learning & Development offer. Leave entitlement is 25 days (on pro rata basis) plus 14 public holidays.
This position is offered on a full time, permanent contract. The successful candidate will be subject to a 90-days probationary period.
The selected candidate will have the right to live and work in Jordan. Some travel to the UK or to Saudi Arabia may be required.
The FCDO encourages all forms of flexible working. All roles based in the UK (and some overseas) are open to flexible working. Flexible working patterns include, but are not limited to: fully remote working, working from home (between 1-4 days a week), full time, compressed hours, flexi-time, or combinations of these patterns to be agreed between individuals and hiring managers to balance the needs of the business and the individual.
Eligibility:
If you are selected for this position, we will be able to employ you as long as:
- Receive the appropriate level of standard security clearance;
- Have (or be willing to obtain) the right to live and work in Jordan. Candidate’s residence permit and work permit, and the expense to obtain them, will be their own responsibility.
To Apply:
Interested candidates must attach the following documents when applying online.
- An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- A covering letter/statement of suitability including competence and experience required.
** (Applications that do not include the above stated information will be rejected).
All applications must be received before 23:55 (Local Time) on 23 March 2021.
Applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered.
Due to the large amount of applications, we receive only those shortlisted for interview or assessment will be contacted.
The start date mentioned in the advert is an assumed start date and the successful candidate will be required to undergo security-vetting procedures. Any offer of employment will be subject to the candidate achieving suitable clearances and reference checks.
Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to terms and conditions of service according to local labour law.
The British Embassy Amman is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.
To help us with our recruitment effort, please indicate on the application form /in your cover letter where (ngotenders.net) you saw this job posting.