Job Description

Main purpose of job:Provide high quality analysis on political developments in South Africa, particularly in Parliament, and deliver related work in line with the UK's objectives in South Africa. Build and maintain the Consulate-General's network of political contacts across the Western Cape and beyond.

• This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of the Political Section at the UK's diplomatic mission in South Africa. It is a high profile policy position delivering UK priorities at the British Consulate-General in Cape Town. The job holder should be a self-starter comfortable operating across a wide range of policy areas. You will need to be willing to adapt to new challenges and deliver under pressure, as part of a diverse team.
• Engaging Parliament is a crucial part of the job. You will have a particular focus on legislative, policy and political events in South Africa's parliament. You will need to track, analyse and report on political, legal and social developments in South Africa through regular attendance at National Assembly debates and Committee sessions. You will also need to guide colleagues through Parliamentary protocol to help them engage effectively.
• Strong networks will be fundamental to informing your analysis. The jobholder will need to develop a network and engage proactively and creatively with Government, MPs, NGOs and civil society, to inform UK policy and influence South African stakeholders. You will play a role in broadening and deepening engagement in Cape Town and across South Africa, building these networks through a range of informal and formal events, from coffee or lunch with contacts to drinks receptions and functions.
• This is a great job to develop your wider diplomatic skills and experience in a high-profile mission. There is plenty of big picture work but getting small details right is crucial. You will be responsible for identifying and delivering programmes, calls and visits for the High Commissioner, Consul General and visiting UK ministers and officials. And there is some management and protocol work needed to make the political section tick. Supporting the wider mission across South Africa will be important too - lending a hand on consular or trade issues at busy points may be needed. We need a flexible team player.
• As varied as it is interesting, the role is packed with opportunity. It is an excellent opening for a committed and tested political professional to advance their career through unique exposure to the full range of diplomatic business. The UK's diplomatic offices in Pretoria, Johannesburg and Cape Town cover a vast array of activity, and you will work with colleagues across all policy areas, allowing the chance to learn about the full range of diplomatic work that contributes to an important bilateral relationship between South Africa and the UK. You will be part of an inclusive, diverse and dynamic team, committed to developing the skills of its staff. There are opportunities for regional and international travel.
• The Political Section (and wider UK mission) is a hard working but friendly team who strive for a good work life balance. This job involves some travel and out of hours work, for which time off in lieu can be claimed.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

• A strong knowledge of South Africa and South African politics.
• The ability to quickly understand and explain a diverse range of complex policy issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

• A strong network of political contacts, across government, political parties, Parliament and civil society.
• Experience drafting political analysis and policy recommendations in a government or corporate organisation.

Required behavioursCommunicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality ServiceApplication deadline13 February 2025GradeExecutive Officer (EO)Type of PositionFixed TermWorking hours per week36.5Duration of Post4 monthsRegionAfricaCountry/TerritorySouth AfricaLocation (City)Cape TownType of PostBritish High CommissionNumber of vacancies1SalaryR 411 391,66 (per annum)Type of SalaryyearlyStart Date1 March 2025End Date30 June 2025Other benefits and conditions of employmentLearning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):The job offers an excellent opportunity to develop advanced political and diplomatic skills. Whilst this is a short term Maternity Cover position opportunities for professional development through on the job training and attendance at conferences and seminars are plentiful. The High Commission in Pretoria also hosts the FCDO's regional learning and development hub so there is ample opportunity for attending a range of formal training courses. Mentoring and coaching is also encouraged on ad hoc basis.The British High Commission pays in full for the Key Care Plus option on Discovery Health for staff including spouses/partners and dependants.
Annual leave entitlement of 25 days
Working hours per week of 36.5Additional 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 Pretoria are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in South Africa.
• It is essential that the applicants already have the right to live and work in South Africa without the need to apply for a work permit.
• Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount.

Information about the Civil Service Success Profiles can be found on this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/success-profiles. Please note: AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5 * Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted on successful candidates.

• Please log into your profile on the application system on a regular basis to review the status of your application.
• Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a 'reserve list'. If during the reserve period of 6 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate

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