GBLCAREERS

The British Embassy, Israel has vacancy for a Political Officer A2 (L).

Role:

As a member of the Political Section, you will be part of a diverse team of policy and programme experts working together to support, shape and deliver UK policy.  Given the importance of Knesset politics in determining Israel’s policy, maintaining good contacts and an excellent awareness of developments in the legislature is a crucial aspect of the UK’s understanding of Israel.

The successful candidate will give the Embassy oversight of – and access to – the Knesset.  The core functions of the job are: building and maintaining a strong network in the Knesset with MKs and their advisors, and with relevant external commentators, NGOs and pollsters; organising meetings for the political section with political figures across the parties; reporting on developments in coalition and opposition dynamics; reporting on developments in Israeli legislation and committee discussions; assisting with inward official and ministerial visits from the UK.  Another core function of the role is advising on and supporting the Embassy’s engagement across Israeli society. The job holder will also act as Embassy point of contact for UK Jewish NGOs and other UK Israeli-oriented groups, and act as liaison for Israeli political figures visiting the UK.  The role also includes providing advice in responding to letters from members of the British public and UK Parliament on domestic politics and internal affairs.

Responsibilities will include:

• Maximise UK engagement with the Knesset.  Build and maintain a strong network among MKs and their advisors.  Fix meetings with MKs for Embassy political team on a weekly basis.  Build and maintain network of relevant commentators, pollsters and NGOs, to deepen understanding of Israeli politics.
• Report on developments in Israeli politics and Knesset developments, including elections, legislation, committees and party dynamics – both verbally and through concise written updates.  Conduct and deliver Embassy press review on regular basis.
• Support incoming UK official visits.  Assist with organisation of Embassy events with political flavour.
• Supporting and advising on Embassy engagement in organising high-level events and engaging with Israeli society.

Key Competencies:

• Managing a Quality Service – Effectiveness in this area is about being organised to deliver service objectives and striving to improve the quality of service, taking account of diverse customer needs and requirements.
• Delivering at Pace – Effectiveness in this area means focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes.
• Collaborating & Partnering – People skilled in this area create and maintain positive, professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people within and outside the Civil Service to help get business done.
• Making Effective Decisions – Effectiveness in this area is about being objective; using sound judgment, evidence and knowledge to provide accurate, expert and professional advice.
• Changing & Improving – People who are effective in this area are responsive, innovative and seek out opportunities to create effective change.
• Seeing the big picture – Effectiveness in this area is about having an in-depth understanding and knowledge of how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives and the wider public needs.

Essential experience and qualifications:

• Fluent in speaking and writing in both English and Hebrew. Capable of Hebrew/English interpretation.
• Strong understanding  of, and connections with, Israeli politics and the Knesset.
• High competency in Microsoft Office and computer literacy.