Political Officer-Regional British High Commission

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)
Main purpose of the job:
This is a busy and varied role and you will be a vital part of a highly motivated team. You will work closely with the Second and First Secretaries and your advice will help inform the work of the High Commission. You will provide analysis and advice on Ugandan politics and current affairs, as well as supporting incoming and outward visits to Uganda. Much of your time will be spent growing your network and meeting people (sometimes very senior figures) to further UK objectives. You will be an enthusiastic self-starter, capable of managing your own workload and willing to get involved in a broad range of High Commission activity.

The ideal candidate is likely to have worked in the political field – perhaps in government, parliament, civil society or a diplomatic mission with strong contacts in these areas, and have significant analysis and reporting experience.

Roles and responsibilities
To advise the political team on the external political situation and developments affecting Uganda.
• To undertake research as required for the Political and Governance Team and to give advice using appropriate written and oral reporting. To keep the High Commission closely informed about key political issues.
• To arrange and attend political meetings, alone and with senior staff, gather information and communicate elements of UK policy. Build and maintain a strong network of key contacts.
• To take minutes as/when required, and to produce meeting reports to inform the Political and Governance Team in a timely and appropriate manner.
• To take action on matters arising from internal and external meetings, ensuring that key actions are progressed and that information is disseminated to all team members. This work could include strategy, analysis and consulting on policy.
• To ensure that team members and visitors are briefed for meetings, including, where necessary, meetings with external contacts and bodies.
• Support the B3 Political Officer who focuses on regional politics to flexibly respond to a wide range of UK government priorities. This may require the job holder to quickly get up to speed on a new policy area.
• Other support to the Political Team which may include administrative work, assisting with the preparation of visit programs, meeting agendas, and related tasks.
• Play a wider corporate role in the High Commission.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience
• Minimum of three years relevant work experience.
• Keen knowledge and understanding of current affairs and Ugandan political history, including but not limited to the role of Parliament and Uganda’s electoral system.
• Excellent communication skills – written, oral, one-to-one, group, formal presentations – ability to vary style, pace and presentation to suit the audience.
• Advanced people skills –networking, management, organising.
• Strong problem-solving skills, including close attention to detail and ability to prioritise in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability and willingness to undergo security vetting process.
• Excellent IT skills, particularly Microsoft Office.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience
• A university degree in political studies, international relations, social sciences or a related field.
• Experience of project management, including budget management.
• Experience of working in issues related to Uganda’s political, economic and social environments, including with key institutions and persons in Government, Parliament, Academia, Media and civil society.
• Experience in report writing, note taking and event planning.

Required behaviours
Seeing the Big Picture, Making Effective Decisions, Delivering at Pace, Communicating and Influencing