MNL - Political Officer, EO (Internal Vacancy)

The British Embassy Manila is a large diplomatic mission delivering a dynamic and rapidly expanding programme of activity in support of the UK's objectives on prosperity, security and consular matters. The Embassy is a modern, diverse and inclusive employer where everyone contributes to the embassy's values of Well-being, Opportunity, Respect and Collaboration.

Main purpose of job:

The Political Officer will serve as a key member of the British Embassy's Foreign and Security Policy team, which focuses on relations with the Philippine's key security and economic partners, including China and the US, as well as regional relationships, e.g. with ASEAN partners, and multilateral engagement, such as with the UN. They will work alongside a UK based officer to analyse and report on developments in Philippine cyber security policy, build networks, and attend events with the aim of helping advise British diplomats in Manila, London and across the South East Asia region on opportunities to advance UK cyber policy objectives in the Philippines.

They will also support the facilitation of activities and engagements with a wide range of internal and external partners as well as playing a core role in set piece embassy events and inward VIP visits.

The officer will also support deeper understanding on Foreign and Security Policy issues in Palau, which the British Embassy in Manila has responsibility for as a non-resident diplomatic mission. They will work with resident embassies in Palau, the Palau embassy in Manila, and stakeholders in the UK embassy and beyond to scope opportunities to advance cooperation.

There is also potential to act as programme manager for a range of programmes relevant to Foreign and Security Policy. The Political Officer will work with stakeholders to ensure funds are spent in a timely fashion and reporting is prepared and sent back to our London HQ to inform them of progress on the programme and how it has advanced UK objectives. There will likely be a requirement to prepare future programme bidding forms as-and-when new funding becomes available.

The successful candidate will also manage the team's budget, regularly updating forecasts and actual spend, keeping the team informed of any potential over or underspends. They will also be required to take on a role to support Post's crisis response, when necessary.

The role would suit someone who has strong analytical skills, a knowledge of cyber security in the Philippines, and who can work confidently with a range of senior stakeholders in government, civil society and international institutions.

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?

The jobholder will be responsible for:

• Providing regular updates on a range of developments relating to cyber security in the Philippines.
• Producing political reporting on Palau, gathering information from a range of sources including a network of contacts.
• Providing in-depth analysis on specific topical issues both orally and written.
• Supporting senior officers by producing briefing for meetings or visits and minutes, as required, as well as making any necessary logistical arrangements.
• Attend events to develop understanding of themes and developments.
• (Subject to confirmation of funding) Act as Programme Manager for related strands of activity.
• Maintain a relevant, broad and deep network of contacts.
• Support the wider Embassy teams on events and visits.
• Contribute to wider Embassy activity to create an inclusive supportive work environment.

The job has the potential to evolve according to the job holder's ability. Duties may change over time.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure): No resources managed.