Political Officer

We have an excellent opportunity for a Political Officer to join our Political Section within our Governance and Peace Directorate.

Reporting to Regional Heads of the Political Section, the post holder will support the Political Section’s work programme in promoting Commonwealth fundamental political values and contributing to consensus-building and conflict prevention efforts in Commonwealth member countries, through political analysis, policy development and project management. The job combines requirements for sound political judgement, excellent analytical and writing skills, 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 Officer

The Political Officer is expected, among other responsibilities, to:

• Prepare briefing materials, policy papers and speeches for the Secretary-General and other senior Secretariat officials in relevant engagements with member countries; 
• Supporting meetings of the Secretary-General and other senior officials with heads of government, ministers and high-level officials, and following up decisions taken;
• Supporting Commonwealth meetings organised by GPD, including those of Heads of Government, Foreign Ministers and the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group;
• Supporting the Secretary-General’s Good Offices role, by contributing to the work of the Good Offices Section through the monitoring of emerging issues or situations of political tension and conflict, as well as contributing to policy papers and country strategies; and
• Participating in election observation and other missions across the Commonwealth and meeting with relevant external stakeholders, as required.

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 relevant first degree, such as in political science, international relations or other relevant subject. A post graduate degree in a relevant subject, such as political science, international law or international relations, is desirable
• At least five years’ experience in relevant fields such as international affairs, peace and development, government relations and international law. Strong skills in research, analysis and writing on political issues, including in providing recommendations to senior management.
• Experience in public diplomacy and advocacy, event management, and of negotiating with governments, as well as demonstrable expertise in one or more of the following regions; Asia, Caribbean, Europe, and the Pacific would be desirable.

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 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.