Reference: 130800483
Location: London, UK
Duration: 3 years | Salary: £62,542 per annum
Closing Date: 25 Sep 2013
Location: London, UK
Duration: 3 years | Salary: £62,542 per annum
Closing Date: 25 Sep 2013
Job Summary
The Political Affairs Adviser has specific responsibility for monitoring developments in selected Commonwealth countries and international organisations in Africa and providing briefings and policy advice and other forms of support under the immediate supervision of the Head of Section.
The post-holder:
- Monitors political developments relevant to Commonwealth member states in the Africa region;
- Prepares briefs, background papers, correspondence, short-term research papers and longer term in-depth research studies on a range of international issues;
- Contributes to the development of the Secretariat’s policy in the assigned region by way of advice and recommendations;
- Assists in arrangements for meetings of Heads of Government, Foreign Ministers, the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group and other high-level bodies on matters covered by the Division, including the preparation, editing and co-ordination of documentation for such meetings, as well as preparation of minutes;
- Keeps abreast of academic and other research in specialised areas which have a bearing on professional duties; continuously develops expertise on specialised subjects that assume importance in the Commonwealth context;
- Participates in seminars and other colloquia on relevant issues organised by various institutions in both government and non-government sectors;
- Supports the Good Offices and Democracy work of the Division;
- Undertakes duty travel, particularly within the region of responsibility, as and when required;
- Represents the Secretariat at meetings of international organisations and other relevant fora as required.
- Any other duties as assigned from time to time.
Person specification
Education:
- A post graduate qualification in a relevant subject such as political science or international relations.
Experience:
- Five years’ experience in international relations, with familiarity of the Africa region.
Desirable:
- Experience of negotiating with governments, representing governments internationally, and/or working in an international organisation
About the Political Affairs Division
The Political Affairs Division (PAD) is the lead division in the Secretariat’s programme for the promotion of democracy and good governance in the Commonwealth. The division is responsible to the Deputy Secretary-General responsible for political work and also works closely with the Secretary-General, providing them with advice and support on all political issues. It’s work ranges from monitoring and analysis of political developments and the preparation of briefings, to the organisation of election observation and the provision of technical assistance to build/strengthen democratic institutions, to supporting the Secretary-General’s ‘good offices’ role. The work is often of great sensitivity and involves demanding timetables.
PAD is also responsible for organising and servicing the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings (CHOGM) the annual meeting of Commonwealth Foreign Ministers and meetings of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG).
How to apply
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