Job Opportunity
Position: Political and Trade Officer (Executive Officer – EO) (Maternity Cover)
Vacancy Number: 26992
Organisation: British High Commission
Location: Maseru, Lesotho
Job Category: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
Employment Type: Fixed Term
Duration: 6 months
Working Hours: 36.5 hours per week
Start Date: 3 August 2026
Salary
- LSL 24,552.10 per month
- Base salary is subject to tax and other statutory deductions
Overview
The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. It values difference, promotes equality, and challenges discrimination, enhancing organisational capability.
Applications are encouraged from people of all backgrounds. The organisation does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or any other category protected by law.
The FCDO promotes family-friendly flexible working opportunities where operational and security needs allow. The organisation operates an agile workforce, and staff may be required to undertake additional duties as necessary.
Main Purpose of the Job
The British High Commission in Maseru is one of the smallest UK overseas missions. The High Commissioner is the only UK diplomat, supported by three country-based staff. All team members have prominent roles and must work closely together to ensure the High Commission operates effectively and remains prominent in Lesotho.
This role is the High Commission’s lead officer on political, economic, and trade issues. The successful candidate will be the senior local member of staff and will work directly with the High Commissioner. The role requires a confident networker who can engage with senior stakeholders in Lesotho, including political and civil society contacts, as well as visitors from the UK.
The role also includes maintaining relationships, reporting on political and economic developments, supporting social media management, assisting with the Chevening Scholarships Programme, and organising visit programmes.
Roles and Responsibilities
Relationship Management
- Sustain relationships with key actors including government ministries, political parties, parliamentarians, businesses, civil society organisations, and media contacts
- Accompany the High Commissioner to meetings with key contacts and maintain these relationships
- Ensure the High Commission understands perspectives across the political and economic landscape in Lesotho
- Ensure stakeholders understand UK positions
Reporting
- Provide timely, well-sourced, and accurate reporting on political, economic, and trade policy developments in Lesotho
- Brief the High Commissioner to support engagements with stakeholders
- Ensure UK-based colleagues are kept informed of developments
Chevening Scholarship Programme
- Support the Chevening Scholarship programme to attract high-calibre and diverse applicants
- Engage with Chevening alumni to maintain strong relationships
Social Media Management
- Manage the High Commission’s social media accounts (Facebook, X, and Instagram)
- Generate high-quality communication content
- Promote the work of the High Commission and ensure strong engagement
Visit and Ad-Hoc Support
- Liaise with colleagues in Pretoria, Johannesburg, and London to support UK Government Departments
- Support official visits, including planning and implementation of programmes for visitors
- Assist with ad-hoc administrative duties such as:
- Responding to public enquiries
- Handling visa-related queries
- Supporting crisis planning
- Updating travel advice
- Managing diplomatic clearances and protocol matters
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Political Studies, or similar field
- Excellent knowledge of Lesotho’s political, commercial, and economic environment
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong time management skills
- Experience managing social media accounts and generating content
- Fluency in both English and Sesotho (spoken and written)
Desirable Qualifications, Skills and Experience
- Experience working in a diplomatic mission or NGO
Required Behaviours
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
- Seeing the Big Picture
Application Deadline
- 23 June 2026
Region
Africa
Additional Information
Applications are open to individuals who meet the outlined qualifications and experience requirements.