View Vacancy – Political Analyst

The British Embassy in Bahrain has a vacancy for the position of Political Analyst, Grade C4(L).

The Political Analyst will advise the Ambassador and support the Embassy’s Political Section to deliver the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO) priorities set out in the Country Business Plan. The primary role will be to deliver high quality and timely analysis and reporting of local and regional political, legal, and social developments, using a broad range of contacts from different sectors to facilitate the exchange of information and ideas between the UK and Bahrain.

The successful candidate will need to have a close understanding of the political, legal, and social environment in Bahrain, and quickly develop an understanding of UK interests and priorities in order to identify possible areas of interest and opportunity. They will be required to produce reports and present persuasive cases, adapting style and content to suit various audiences. The candidate must be proactive, resilient, flexible, and work well under pressure, producing swift independent analysis and delivering against tight deadlines. They must be able to operate orally and in writing in fluent Arabic and English.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Strengthen the Embassy’s understanding of Bahrain’s policy priorities and political developments by independently researching and analysing information (academic papers, reports, media, etc.) and identifying areas of relevance to the UK. Produce high quality analysis and reporting of current events and developments in Bahrain and the region, adapting style and content to suit different audiences. Research specific subjects and explore potential new areas on request.
• Lead on researching security and related issues in Bahrain and across the region; support Embassy project work to strengthen Bahraini security institutions and practices.
• Research and build Embassy understanding of new and existing Bahraini legislation in relevant policy areas, e.g. press law, criminal justice system, social reform, etc.; media freedoms; alternative sentencing and human rights issues; as well as support to monitor cases of judicial interest.
• Support the Head of Political External & Economics Team, and lead where relevant, in the organisation of VIP visits, including the bi-annual UK-Bahrain Joint Working Group.
• Lead on expanding the Embassy’s network of contacts, including identifying and engaging with Bahrain’s future leaders. Proactively build focused networks around particular policy.

The above list is not exhaustive and the jobholder will be required to be flexible and take on other ad hoc tasks as required, including leading the annual Ramadan majalis programme, supporting (and at times managing) the wider team during busy periods and leave, as well as participating in Embassy corporate/ social activity.

Key competencies required:

• Engaging Internationally – Leading internationally, engaging our staff, contacts and international partners to help deliver UK Government objectives. Understanding UK government aims in the wider UK and international context and developing productive relationships with those external contacts and partners to help deliver UK objectives. Being aware of cultural sensitivities in your area of responsibility and valuing and modelling professional excellence and expertise.
• Delivering at Pace – Focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes. Working to agreed goals and activities and dealing with challenges in a responsive and constructive way.
• Seeing the Big Picture – Having an in-depth understanding and knowledge of how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives and the wider public needs. Focusing your contribution on the activities which will meet the organisation’s goals and deliver the greatest value. Scanning the political context and taking account of wider impacts to develop long term implementation strategies that maximise opportunities.
• Making Effective Decisions – Using sound judgement, evidence, and knowledge to arrive at accurate, expert and professional decisions and advice. Being careful and thoughtful about the use and protection of government and public information to ensure it is handled securely and with care. Reaching evidence-based strategies, evaluating options, impacts, risks and solutions that aims to maximise return while minimising risk; and balancing a range of considerations such as social, political, financial, economic, legal and environmental to provide sustainable outcomes.

• Knowledge of the political and social environment in Bahrain, including of key figures within government, business and wider society.
• At least a bachelor’s degree in Politics, International Relations, Law, or similar discipline.
• Excellent communication skills in English and Arabic, both verbal and spoken. Ability to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely, both orally and in written communication. Ability to write to a high standard for a wide range of audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and understanding of diversity, with confidence to work proactively on own initiative.
• Proven ability to engage and influence at all levels and with external contacts, and collaborate effectively across teams.
• A self-starter with the ability to set demanding targets and drive to see through to completion.
• Strong self-management and an ability to prioritise own workload and meet deadlines, without compromising the quality of the work.
• Strong IT skills and literacy in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint,  Outlook, and Teams).