We have an excellent opportunity for a Political Adviser to join our Africa Section within our Governance and Peace Directorate.
Reporting to the Adviser and Head of the Africa Section, the post holder will support the directorate’s work programme in promoting Commonwealth fundamental political values and contributing to conflict prevention efforts in Commonwealth Africa member countries, through political analysis, policy development and project management. The job combines requirements for sound political judgement, diplomatic skills and sensitivity, effective project management skills, organisational ability and the requirement to travel overseas as well, sometimes in challenging circumstances.
Responsibilities of the Political Adviser
The Political Adviser is expected, among other responsibilities, to:
- Monitoring and analysing the political developments relating to the promotion of democratic values, practices and institutions in the Commonwealth Africa member states;
- Deputising the Adviser and Head of Africa in overseeing the work programme of the Africa Section, including planning, budgeting, monitoring and evaluation for all programming;
- Preparing speeches, policy papers and briefing materials for the Secretary-General and other senior Secretariat officials in relevant engagements with Commonwealth Africa member states;
- Supporting the work of the Electoral Support Section (ESS) in the planning, execution and follow-up to Commonwealth election observer missions in Commonwealth Africa member countries;
- Supporting meetings of the Secretary-General and other senior officials with heads of government, ministers and high-level officials from Commonwealth countries, and following up decisions taken;
- Supporting relevant Commonwealth meetings organised by GPD, including those of Heads of Government, Foreign Ministers and the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG);
- Participating in meetings of intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations active in the field of promoting democracy, as well as seminars, colloquia and workshops as required, to promote the Commonwealth.
Please refer to the Job Description for full details of the responsibilities for this position.
To be considered, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- A post-graduate degree in a relevant subject, such as political science, international law or international relations;
- Significant experience in an international context, with exposure to inter-governmental processes.
- Experience in diplomacy or international relations, as well as project management would be desirable.
Please refer to the Job Description for full details of the experience required for this position.
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 54 member governments and provides guidance on policymaking, technical assistance and advisory services to Commonwealth member countries. We support governments to help achieve sustainable, inclusive and equitable development.
Please apply by submitting a CV and cover letter. Covering letters should be structured to address the key criteria required in the person specification, giving clear examples.
To join us, you must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country.
Closing date: 17 January 2022 at 17:00 GMT