View Vacancy – QAT – Senior Political Officer (HEO)

The British Embassy in Doha is part of a worldwide network that represents political, economic, security and consular interests overseas. We are looking for a Senior Political Officer, job grade Higher Executive Officer (HEO).

This is a fantastic opportunity to work at the heart of the British Embassy in Doha. The Political Analyst plays an important role in developing the Embassy’s political analysis, including bringing rigour and better understanding of the local political economy landscape working closely to the Political Second Secretaries. This is a demanding role that requires a strong policy foundation and the ability to develop a wide network of ministry, diplomatic and other related contacts. Proficiency in English and Arabic are essential.

This role will suit an individual who is a self-starter, team player and is adaptable to changing requirements.  The candidate will need to bring related political economy experience that they wish to expand further – this could be from academia, government or an international organisation. The political landscape is constantly evolving, so the successful candidate should expect the role to change similarly and evolve during their time in the Embassy. We are looking for a dynamic individual who pays attention to detail, can understand what drives policy thinking, give evidence-based advice and performs well under pressure.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Develop our stakeholder engagement and networking:establishing and maintaining high level relationships with Government officials and those who work around senior decision makers. They will engage with civil society leaders and other influential figures to advance the UK’s diplomatic objectives, particularly in the areas of political reform and human rights.
• Provide strategic political analysis: developing comprehensive analysis on Qatar’s political economy, focusing on key issues such as the country’s recent decision to replace Shura Council elections with direct appointments; Qatar’s role in mediating regional conflicts; human rights practice. They will be responsible for providing the senior Embassy team with insights in to how these developments may impact UK equities.
• Support policy development and advisory: Contribute to the formulation of strategies that align with UK foreign policy goals.
• Lead political GSF projects: Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of political projects and initiatives that address pertinent issues, including supporting political reforms, promoting human rights, and enhancing regional stability. Ensure these projects meet strategic objectives and deliver measurable outcomes.
• Representation and Advocacy: Represent the Embassy at official functions, meetings, and conferences. Build the UK’s profile within Qatar by engaging in discussions on key topics.
• Relations with traditional institutions: Develop an engagement plan, which includes regular meetings and visits to sustain relationships with key traditional and religious leaders.
• Support crisis work: Play a key role in the Embassy’s crisis response team, providing political insights and coordinating with local authorities during emergencies, such as regional conflicts where Qatar is a mediator. Ensure that the UK’s interests are safeguarded in these situations
• Correspondence: Manage correspondence from external stakeholders (including on visas) ensuring timely and appropriate communications. Work with the Ambassador’s Outer Office on managing advice and replies to invitations.

The above list is not exhaustive, and the jobholder will be required to be flexible as specific responsibilities could change in the future and this would be at the discretion of the line manager or head of section. The job description may be reviewed to meet changes in business needs.

Candidates will need to demonstrate the following Key Behaviours and Diversity & Inclusion during the interview:

Key Behaviours

• Communicating and Influencing – Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses and opinions of others.
• Seeing the Big Picture – Understand how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives. Recognise the wider Civil Service priorities and ensure work is in the national interest.
• Delivering at Pace – Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.
• Working Together – Form effective partnerships and relationships with people both internally and externally, from a range of diverse backgrounds, sharing information, resources, and support.

Diversity and Inclusion:

The British Embassy Doha has a zero-tolerance approach to any form of bullying, harassment or discrimination and is fully committed to ensuring a safe and inclusive work environment for all.

We are committed to valuing diversity and to equality of opportunity. Our aim is to create and promote an environment in which all staff are treated fairly and with respect and feel able to contribute to the best of their abilities.

• Relevant experience in international relations or policy professions for a local or international organisation
• Full proficiency in English and Arabic. Able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely, both verbally and in written communication.
• Ability to work independently, to prioritise and organise own workload and meet deadlines, while maintaining attention to detail and without compromising the quality of work, and to take the initiative as well as being able to work well with others.
• Excellent ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment, including prioritising effectively to juggle competing demands.
• A confident and clear communicator with excellent communication skills.
• Proven record of organisational skills, including the ability to create engaging content, to prioritise tasks and to work to deadlines.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).

In addition, we are looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Integrity
• Honesty
• Objectivity
• Impartiality