Political Officer – Security and Regional Stability

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

Main purpose of job:

Working for the British Embassy in Angola gives you a unique opportunity to make a real difference. We build a more secure and prosperous world, for the benefit of both the UK and the greater global good.

Our staff is talented and dedicated, working on the most pressing and high-profile global issues. Working with us can be challenging, but it is exciting and rewarding.

Angola, sub-Saharan Africa’s 3rd largest economy, is undergoing momentous political and economic change. There is great appetite to deliver economic reform and to improve the business environment following decades of over reliance on the oil sector. This varied and stretching role will support the UK’s agenda on Security and Stability.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Contribute to the priorities of the British Embassy in Luanda by supporting bilateral cooperation between the UK and Angola, the UK and Sao Tome and Principe and the wider region;
• Deliver timely analysis of regional dynamics, including greater cohesion and cooperation as well as risks to stability for Angola, the Great Lakes Region and wider (particularly SADC and the AU);
• Support the UK-Angola Defence agenda, including monitoring and reporting on Angolan defence policies and priorities and the state and posture of the Angolan military and relevant government agreements and acquisitions;
• Organise and deliver visits for the non-resident Defence Attaché and his team;
• Support progress towards delivery of a bilateral Defence Memorandum of Understanding;
• Provide analysis of Angola’s efforts to combat corruption and serious organised crime, reporting on judicial processes and changes to legislation;
• Build capacity of relevant agencies by increasing appetite for and supporting the delivery of UK-led training, knowledge sharing, technical assistance and international conferences;
• Identify, cultivate and maintain key contacts in the government, private sector, academia, civil society and the media, throughout Angola including its regions;
• Demonstrate flexibility as the role may evolve to meet British Government’s priorities;
• Support the wider Political and Economic Diplomacy team with other tasks as required, including, for example visit programmes, English / Portuguese translation and drafting official correspondence;
• This role offers real scope for professional and personal development and will suit individuals who are driven yet enjoy working in a collegiate, professional team.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

• Undergraduate Degree in a relevant area such as International Relations or Politics;
• Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of regional multilateral relations;
• Experience or demonstrated ability to research and deliver political analysis to tight deadlines with experience of gathering, summarising and presenting information to a high standard.

Language requirements:

•  Language:  English and Portuguese;
•  Level of language required:  Portuguese – Fluent / English – Advanced (oral and written – this will be tested).

Validade: 17/01/2020