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Political Officer

The British Embassy in Tripoli invites applications for the position of Political Officer, Grade B3 (L).

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, particularly in western Libya. 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.

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 competencies required:

• Seeing the Big Picture – is about having an in-depth understanding and knowledge of how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives and the wider public needs. For all staff, it is about focusing your contribution on the activities, which will meet Civil Service goals and deliver the greatest value.
• Collaborating and Partnering – People skilled in this area create and maintain positive, professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people within and outside the Civil Service to help get business done.
• Delivering at Pace – Effectiveness in this area means focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes. It’s about working to agreed goals and activities and dealing with challenges in a responsive and constructive way.
• Engaging Internationally – Effectiveness in this area is about leading internationally, engaging our staff, contacts and international partners to help deliver UK Government objectives. Understanding UK Government aims in the wider UK and international context and developing productive relationships with those external contacts and partners to help deliver UK objectives.

• 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).