Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
Political
Main Purpose of Job:
Provide high quality analysis on political developments in South Africa, particularly in Parliament, and deliver related work in line with the UK’s objectives in South Africa. Build and maintain the Consulate-General’s network of political contacts across the country as well as in the Western Cape.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of the Political Section at the UK’s diplomatic mission in South Africa. It is a high profile policy position delivering UK priorities at the British Consulate-General in Cape Town. The job holder should be a self-starter comfortable operating across a wide range of policy areas. You will need to be willing to adapt to new challenges and deliver under pressure, as part of a diverse team.
Engaging Parliament is a crucial part of the job. You will have a particular focus on legislative, policy and political events in South Africa’s parliament. You will need to track, analyse and report on political, legal and social developments in South Africa through regular attendance at National Assembly debates and Committee sessions. You will also need to guide colleagues through Parliamentary protocol to help them engage effectively.
Strong networks will be fundamental to informing your analysis. The jobholder will need to develop a network and engage proactively and creatively with Government, MPs, NGOs and civil society, to inform UK policy and influence South African stakeholders. You will also play a role in broadening and deepening engagement for the Political Team and wider mission, in Cape Town and across South Africa.
There is plenty of big picture work but getting small details right is crucial. You will be responsible for identifying and delivering programmes, calls and visits for the High Commissioner, Consul General and visiting UK ministers and officials. And there is some management and protocol work needed to make the political section tick. Supporting the wider mission across South Africa will be important too – lending a hand on consular or trade issues at busy points may be needed. We need a flexible team player.
As varied as it is interesting, the role is packed with opportunity. It is an excellent opening for a committed and tested political professional to advance their career through unique exposure to the full range of diplomatic business. The UK’s diplomatic offices in Pretoria, Johannesburg and Cape Town cover a vast array of activity, and you will work with colleagues across all policy areas. You will be part of an inclusive, diverse and dynamic team, committed to developing the skills of its staff. There are opportunities for regional and international travel.
The Political Section (and wider UK mission) is a hard working but friendly team who strive for a good work life balance. This job involves some travel and out of hours work, for which time off in lieu can be claimed.
Resources Managed;
Line management of the PA to the Consul General in Cape Town.
- A strong knowledge of South Africa and South African politics
- The ability to quickly understand and explain a diverse range of complex policy issues
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- A strong network of political contacts, across government, political parties, Parliament and civil society
- Experience drafting political analysis and policy recommendations in a government or corporate organisation
Other Language Requirements:
Other languages commonly spoken in South Africa would be desirable.
Making Effective Decisions, Leading and Communicating, Collaborating and Partnering, Engaging Internationally
7 September 2021
B3 (L)
Permanent
Africa
South Africa
Cape Town
British Consulate General
R 23,997.87
4 October 2021
Learning and development opportunities:
The job offers an excellent opportunity to develop advanced political and diplomatic skills. Opportunities for professional development through on the job training and attendance at conferences and seminars are plentiful and one of the major benefits of the job. The High Commission in Pretoria also hosts the FCDO’s regional learning and development hub so there is ample opportunity for attending a range of formal training courses. Mentoring and coaching is also encouraged on ad hoc basis.
The British High Commission pays in full for the Key Care Plus option on Discovery Health for staff including spouses/partners and dependants.
- Once you have successfully completed your probation the British High Commission will contribute 9% of your monthly salary to a Provident Fund.
- Annual leave entitlement of 25 days
- Working hours per week of 36.5
Please complete the application form in full as the information provided is used during screening.
- Please check your application carefully before you submit, as no changes can be made once submitted.
- The British High Commission will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position.
- Employees recruited locally by the British Consulate General in Cape Town are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in South Africa.
- 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.
- The responsibility lies on the successful candidate to;
- Obtain the relevant permit
- Pay fees for the permit
- Make arrangements to relocate
- Meet the costs to relocation
- The British High Commission do not sponsor visas/work permits except where it may be local practice to do so.
- 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.
- Information about the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Competency Framework can be found on this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-competency-framework Please note: AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5
- Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted on successful candidates.
- Please log into your profile on the application system on a regular basis to review the status of your application
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