Job vacancy : Senior Political Advisor - British High Commission Yaounde - Cameroon

Vacancy - Senior Political Advisor (04/24 YAO)
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.
Job Category: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
Job Subcategory  
Political
Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)  
Main purpose of job:

The Senior Political Advisor is a key role in the High Commission and acts as the principal source of advice to the High Commissioner and Post’s senior leadership team on political issues within Cameroon in support of UK strategic objectives. The role holder will have lead responsibility for analysing internal political issues with a particular focus on governance, elections, human rights and democracy.  

This is a dynamic and fast-paced role that will be very rewarding for the right candidate. You will need to have an up-to-date knowledge of the intricacies of Cameroon politics, have strong existing networks across the political spectrum and a proven ability to deliver timely well-informed political analysis.  The successful candidate will have the ability to further develop extensive contact networks. S/he will need to be proactive and able to use their initiative and judgement, take a collaborative approach to the team’s work, but will also need to be a self-starter, capable of working on their own and owning issues.

As the senior country-based member of the Political Team the successful candidate will have a key role in supporting and coaching both UK Based and other country-based staff.  There will be some line management responsibilities.

Roles and responsibilities:

Political Reporting / analysis

Analyse, monitor and advise on the political situation in Cameroon, providing reporting and analysis to a range of UK stakeholders to help develop policy
Build and maintain relationships with a broad range of contacts to inform reporting
Contribute to policy planning at post, working with the team particularly for business planning and related reviews
Provide in depth analysis of internal political issues such as elections, governance, human rights and democracy
Provide expert advice, including speech writing and research
Engage with a range of stakeholders including government, political groups, civil society, NGOs, and local community
Work with international partners to coordinate efforts on shared interests
Provide first drafts of responses to Ministerial correspondence, parliamentary questions, speeches and other correspondence for approval by senior management/London
Deliver programme of visits for senior staff, including VIP visits
There will be some opportunities for travel in the country and internationally in this role
Corporate

As the senior CBS member of the political team provide support and advice to all team members across the breadth of UK objectives in Cameroon
Support wider corporate objectives at the BHC through the chairing of staff committees and modelling Post and the FCDO’s values
Resources managed:

Staff management of at least one member of staff, plus oversight of political interns
Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) for certain projects and programmes
Essential qualifications, skills and experience  
Strong political background – ability to analyse and provide accurate reporting
At least 3 years’ experience of working in a similar role
Knowledge of Cameroon political situation as well as regional issues
Experience working for a Diplomatic Mission or International organisation in a political role
Strong management experience – managing staff and working with senior staff
A problem solver
IT literate (windows 10, Microsoft 365)
Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills, and able to work to tight deadlines with a number of competing priorities
Fluent written and spoken English and French
Language requirements:

Language: English and French

Level of language required: Fluent

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience  
BA in international relations, political studies or similar subjects
Experience of managing projects and producing regular progress and completion reports
Understanding of scholarship programmes and interview processes
An appreciation of the political context in the UK
Required behaviours  
Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Seeing the Big Picture, Working Together
Application deadline  : 7 October 2024
Grade  : Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Type of Position  : Fixed Term
Duration of Post  :24 months
Region  :Africa
Country/Territory  : Cameroon
Location (City)  : Yaounde
Type of Post  : British High Commission
Salary : XAF 1,766,934 + XAF 284,105 Housing Allowance + XAF 96,186 Transport Allowance
Type of Salary : monthly
Start Date  : 1 December 2024
Other benefits and conditions of employment  
Learning and development opportunities:

FCDO Induction Training
FCDO Political Officer Training
Wider FCDO training opportunities
Working patterns:

Some flexible working arrangements will be possible, but please be aware that this is a busy and demanding role with a regular requirement for work outside of normal hours. The job holder will be expected to be flexible. Time off in Lieu is available.

Additional information  
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 Yaounde are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Cameroon.
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;
1.Obtain the relevant permit
2.Pay the fees for the permit
3.Make arrangements to relocate
4.Meet the costs to relocation
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: Job grade 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 6/12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.

All applications must be submitted ONLINE at : https://fco.tal.net/vx/lang-en-GB/mobile-0/appcentre-1/brand-2/xf-91eb63ee997c/candidate/so/pm/4/pl/1/opp/23618-Senior-Political-Advisor-04-24-YAO/en-GB