The British Embassy in Tripoli invites applications for the position of Political Officer, job grade Executive Officer (EO).

The UK has a small permanent diplomatic presence in Tripoli and a wider team, co-located with the British Embassy Tunis, known as Libya Office Tunis. The British Embassy Tripoli remains officially closed, though the UK continues to maintain full diplomatic relations with Libya. Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Libya and the Embassy’s Senior Management Team oversee staff, operations and activities; we work as one team to deliver UK objectives in Libya

We are seeking a motivated, flexible, and professional individual who can apply their established Libya knowledge to support the successful delivery of the UK’s Libya policy. The position provides an excellent opportunity for professional development, working closely with UK and Libyan experts. Sitting in the Embassy’s political team, you will have regular contact with the Ambassador, as well as a broad range of colleagues in Tunis, Tripoli and Benghazi.

Main purpose of the job:

This is a critical position within the Embassy, working towards UK objectives to support Libya and building strong bilateral relations. The successful applicant should have substantial expertise on Libya as well as an excellent range of contacts.

You will use this to provide timely and accurate reporting on key dynamics of Libya politics. You will also be required to set up meetings for diplomats with key contacts, and interpret. You will play an active role in coordinating the schedule of the Ambassador and other Embassy officials.  You will also occasionally be asked to cover as Chief of Staff to the Ambassador.

In return, we offer a competitive salary, a supportive work environment, a variety of learning & development opportunities and the opportunity to inform international policy decision making.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Provide high quality reporting on key developments in Libya and their implications for UK interests, independently and in coordination with Embassy colleagues.
• Maintain a comprehensive network of contacts, including within the Embassy, London colleagues, other embassies and counterparts in Libya.
• Help to arrange meetings for Embassy staff with key contacts.
• Assist diplomats through interpreting and written translation of Arabic-English and English-Arabic.
• Contribute to wider Embassy corporate life and making British Embassy Tripoli a great place to work, such as participation in activities and committees to benefit the wider team.

The above list is not exhaustive and the jobholder will be required to be flexible and take on other ad hoc tasks as required.

Key behaviours required:

• Seeing the Big Picture – understand how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives. Recognise the wider Civil Service priorities and ensure work is in the national interest.
• Working Together – form effective partnerships and relationships with people both internally and externally, from a range of diverse backgrounds, sharing information, resources and support.
• Delivering at Pace – take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.
• Communicating and Influencing – communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses and opinions of others.

• Fluency in English and Arabic. Able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely, both orally and in written communication and confidence in interpretation and translation.
• A degree in International Relations, Politics, or other relevant subject area.
• Excellent knowledge of key dynamics within Libya, including Libyan history and politics.
• Strong networking and influencing skills, and the ability to liaise with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently.
• Working IT skills and literacy in Microsoft office (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and Outlook).