View Vacancy – Senior Political Advisor (04/24 YAO)

Main purpose of job:

The Senior Political Advisor is a key role in the High Commission and acts as the principal source of advice to the High Commissioner and Post’s senior leadership team on political issues within Cameroon in support of UK strategic objectives. The role holder will have lead responsibility for analysing internal political issues with a particular focus on governance, elections, human rights and democracy.  

This is a dynamic and fast-paced role that will be very rewarding for the right candidate. You will need to have an up-to-date knowledge of the intricacies of Cameroon politics, have strong existing networks across the political spectrum and a proven ability to deliver timely well-informed political analysis.  The successful candidate will have the ability to further develop extensive contact networks. S/he will need to be proactive and able to use their initiative and judgement, take a collaborative approach to the team’s work, but will also need to be a self-starter, capable of working on their own and owning issues.

As the senior country-based member of the Political Team the successful candidate will have a key role in supporting and coaching both UK Based and other country-based staff.  There will be some line management responsibilities.

Roles and responsibilities:

Political Reporting / analysis

• Analyse, monitor and advise on the political situation in Cameroon, providing reporting and analysis to a range of UK stakeholders to help develop policy
• Build and maintain relationships with a broad range of contacts to inform reporting
• Contribute to policy planning at post, working with the team particularly for business planning and related reviews
• Provide in depth analysis of internal political issues such as elections, governance, human rights and democracy
• Provide expert advice, including speech writing and research
• Engage with a range of stakeholders including government, political groups, civil society, NGOs, and local community
• Work with international partners to coordinate efforts on shared interests
• Provide first drafts of responses to Ministerial correspondence, parliamentary questions, speeches and other correspondence for approval by senior management/London
• Deliver programme of visits for senior staff, including VIP visits
• There will be some opportunities for travel in the country and internationally in this role
  

Corporate

• As the senior CBS member of the political team provide support and advice to all team members across the breadth of UK objectives in Cameroon
• Support wider corporate objectives at the BHC through the chairing of staff committees and modelling Post and the FCDO’s values
  

Resources managed:

• Staff management of at least one member of staff, plus oversight of political interns
• Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) for certain projects and programmes

• Strong political background – ability to analyse and provide accurate reporting
• At least 3 years’ experience of working in a similar role
• Knowledge of Cameroon political situation as well as regional issues
• Experience working for a Diplomatic Mission or International organisation in a political role
• Strong management experience – managing staff and working with senior staff
• A problem solver
• IT literate (windows 10, Microsoft 365)
• Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills, and able to work to tight deadlines with a number of competing priorities
• Fluent written and spoken English and French

Language requirements: 

Language: English and French

Level of language required: Fluent