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Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Policy & Political roles)
Political
The Libya Office of the British Embassy in Tunis has a vacancy for the position of Political Officer grade B3 (L) to be based in Libya Office Tunis, Tunisia to start as soon as possible.
Main Purpose of the Job:
This is a critical position within the Embassy, working towards UK objectives to support Libya and build strong bilateral relations. You will have a substantial body of expertise as well as an excellent range of contacts, both inside Libya and internationally (particularly the Libya passing through Tunis). You will use this expertise to provide timely and accurate reporting on key dynamics, as well as regular reviews of Libyan and international media. You will also be required to set up meetings for diplomats with key contacts, and provide translation.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
Libya Office in Tunis is formally part of the British Embassy Tripoli, which is currently co-located with the British Embassy Tunis. The British Embassy Tripoli remains officially closed due to the conflict, though the UK continues to maintain full diplomatic relations with Libya. Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Libya and the Embassy’s Senior Management Team oversee staff, operations and activities; we work as one team to deliver UK objectives in Libya.
We are seeking a motivated, flexible, and professional individual who can apply their established Libya knowledge to support the successful delivery of the UK’s Libya policy. The position provides an excellent opportunity for professional development, working closely with a number of UK, Tunisian, and Libyan experts. Sitting in the Embassy’s political team, you will have regular contact with the Ambassador and Deputy Head of Mission, as well as a broad range of colleagues in Tunis, Tripoli and Benghazi.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Providing high quality reporting on key developments in Libya and their implications for UK interests, independently and in coordination with Embassy colleagues;
- Writing or contributing to the Embassy’s daily press and media review, as well as assisting with the Embassy’s communications output in English and Arabic;
- Maintaining a comprehensive network of contacts, including within the Embassy, London colleagues, other embassies and counterparts in Libya.
- Helping to arrange meetings for Embassy staff with key contacts in Tunis, particularly the Libya community in, or passing through, Tunis;
- Assisting diplomats with aural and written translation Arabic-English and English-Arabic.
- Contributing to wider Embassy corporate life and making LOT a great place to work, such as participation in activities and committees to benefit the wider team.
Key Skills Required:
- Excellent knowledge and understanding of Libya’s political scene and an interest in current affairs;
- Strong research and analysis skills, and the ability to communicate complex issues clearly in English;
- Ability to work as part of a team and independently;
- Proven ability to prioritise, handle multiple tasks and respond quickly to changing circumstances;
- Stakeholder management – ability to build and maintain a strong network of contacts within the Embassy, other UK government departments in London, other embassies and international partners, and Libyan counterparts.
- Team player – ability to work collaboratively with staff across the Embassy and support other team members.
Key Competencies:
- Seeing the Big Picture – Is about having an in-depth understanding and knowledge of how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives and the wider public needs.
- Collaborating and Partnering - People skilled in this area create and maintain positive, professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people within and outside the Civil Service to help get business done.
- Delivering at Pace - Effectiveness in this area means focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes.
- Engaging Internationally - Effectiveness in this area is about 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.
- Fluent in English and Arabic both written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent knowledge of key dynamics within Libya, including Libyan history and politics
- Strong organisational skills
- Computer literate, especially in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
- Knowledge of the wider Middle East and North Africa region
- Experience working in or on fragile stages
- Knowledge of Foreign and Commonwealth Office systems
- Experience of working with international organisations or other governments
- Experience of working with the Libyan government or state institutions
Seeing the Big Picture, Collaborating and Partnering, Delivering at Pace, Engaging Internationally
18 February 2020
3,174 rising to 3,972 after successful completion of probation period
Working Hours and Remuneration:
Conditioned working hours are 40 hours gross per week. Standard working hours are from 08:00 am to 16:30 pm from Monday to Thursday and 08:00 – 13:00 on Fridays. A flexible working pattern may be possible by agreement with the line manager but it would be dependent on business requirements and in line with current terms and conditions of service.
The Embassy offers a starting salary of TND TND 3,174 rising to TND 3,927 after successful completion of 3-month probation. This is for a full-time employment, on a fixed term basis for one-year (extendable in principle).
We are committed to supporting the personal development of team members. There are many opportunities for learning and development, both at the Embassy in Tunis and in London, including formal, informal and e-training. Also committed to ensuring that you are able to maintain a suitable work-life balance.
The appointment will be subject to satisfactory local and UK security clearances.
Eligibility:
The successful candidate will need to be cleared for security purposes by the UK Government and must have the right to work and live in Tunisia.
Application Process:
Interested candidates must attach the following documents in English when applying online.
- An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- A completely filled out online application form. Kindly ensure that concrete examples of each competence will be provided on the application summary section of the form.
- A covering letter stating why you feel you have the necessary skills and competences to apply for the role.
**Your application must include examples in your cover letter of when you have demonstrated the competencies outlined above. Applications that do not include this information will be rejected.
Closing date for applications is at 23:55 (Local Time) 18 February 2020. Applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered.
Due to the large amount of job applications, the Embassy receives, only those shortlisted for interview will be contacted.
The recruitment process, including security clearance, is expected to take around two months.
The start date mentioned is a tentative 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.
