Political Officer at the British High Commission (BHC)

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Political Officer

Job ID: 01/22 PH
Location: Port Harcourt, Rivers
Grade: C4 (L)
Start Date: 1 April 2022
Type of Position: Fixed Term
Working hours per week: 37
Duration of Post: 12 months
Type of Post: British Liaison Office
Job Subcategory: Corporate Services Support
Job Category: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Operations and Corporate Services)

Main Purpose of Job

• To provide analysis of the political situation in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria based on knowledge and understanding of the political leaders and parties, and of issues that matter to other diplomatic missions, civil society and non-state actors.
• The British Office is a well-established office and the only diplomatic representation in the region.  As such the UK has a profile there not afforded to other diplomatic missions.  
• The role is essential to helping to the UK to establish new and maintain existing networks and understanding of the situation and challenges in the Niger Delta.
• It is an exciting and unique opportunity to contribute to deepening UK’s diplomatic presence and maximising its potential for positive impact in the Niger Delta.

Roles and Responsibilities
what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?

• Political: Provide analysis of the political and security situation in the Niger Delta and the region for the UK and the UK’s regional network to build UK knowledge base, to enable the UK to respond to developments appropriately.  Advise the HC and other Embassy staff on engagement with the Nigerian political community.
• Political: Research and analysis on other thematic issues as needed by the UK, for example: human rights, the security situation, organised crime, soft power, prosperity opportunities and to allow the UK to evolve its policy and programme responses in the Niger Delta.
• Security: To act as the focal point for the Lagos Regional Security Manager in the Niger Delta, advising on current issues and trends, and providing advice on security matters, such as clearances and movements.  Responsibility for security issues relating to staff and the Office.
• Consular: 10% of time on consular work, acting on instructions as necessary from Consular Teams in Abuja and Lagos (headed by HM Consul based in Lagos).  The individual should also maintain a strong network with British Nationals and companies in the region
• Wider Mission support: As a full member of the team, the post holder will also make a wider contribution to making the Office a friendly and supportive environment to work in.  Where necessary, the post holder must be ready to support any other mission business (e.g. corporate work).

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience  

• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant subject and previous employed experience.
• Strong knowledge of the Nigerian and Niger Delta political systems and situation.
• Strong critical thinking skills – an ability to think independently, critically analyse information (including numerical information) and draw out conclusions.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to work at pace on multiple priorities at the same time, taking the initiative where required.
• IT literacy (Microsoft Word, Excel, Teams and other common software)
• Social media skills (Facebook, Twitter and other)
• Ability to work independently and unsupervised, and as part of a wider team.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience:

• Experience of working with the Nigerian government and/or the international community in Nigeria.
• Experience of using communications professionally to promote organisations

Required competencies:

• Seeing the Big Picture, Making Effective Decisions, Collaborating and Partnering, Delivering at Pace

Salary
NGN879,967.44 / Month.

Application Closing Date  
1st March, 2022.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Additional Information  

• 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 High Commission in Port Harcourt are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Nigeria.
• 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 eligible to pay local income tax: e.g. certain third-country nationals and spouses/partners of UK diplomats will have their salaries abated by an equivalent 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.