View Vacancy – JKT – Political Officer for Foreign Policy, EO

Main Purpose of Job:

The jobholder will be expected to deliver best in class insight and analysis on foreign policy developments in Indonesia and Timor-Leste, provide project management support to funded initiatives in both countries, offer nuanced advice on how to develop the UK-Indonesia bilateral relationship, and lead on high-level engagement between UK and Indonesian VIPs. The jobholder will contribute flexibly to support the wider work of the Foreign and Security Policy Team in line with evolving UK priorities that help boost our security relationship. During the initial period of employment, the focus will be on supporting existing political and project work in Timor-Leste as we move towards re-opening a British Embassy in Dili, however the focus of the role will become predominantly Indonesia focussed over time.

Other priorities could include work on geographical and thematic issues e.g. the Pacific Islands, Russia-Ukraine, the Middle East, Africa and maritime affairs. Actions will include pro-active contact-building among relevant stakeholders, supporting lobbying efforts, visits, events, reporting and communications of the Embassy’s foreign and security policy work. The project management element of the role will also need the jobholder to have an eye for detail. The successful postholder will be resilient, flexible and committed to an inclusive workplace culture where individuals and teams thrive. Staff are also expected to take on a corporate responsibility to support the working environment.  

What the Jobholder will be Expected to Achieve:

You will be part of the Foreign and Security Policy (FSP) Team which covers Indonesian foreign policy, but which is also responsible for the UK’s relations with Timor-Leste, as currently we do not (yet) have a British Embassy in Timor-Leste.  In this role, you will be responsible for the following:

• Relationship Management (25%): In consultation with the Head/Deputy Head of Section, maintain and develop a network of senior-level foreign policy contacts across the line Ministries (in particular the MFAs), political parties, academia, civil society, business and think-tanks, leveraging those relationships to further the UK’s understanding of key issues and to strengthen bilateral collaboration; maintaining relations with UK based HMG stakeholders is another key component of the job.
• Political Research and Analysis (25%): Independently track and analyse high-level foreign policy developments in Timor-Leste and Indonesia through a mixture of (a) open-source research and (b) intel gathering from contacts, packaging the information gathered into high quality written reports for colleagues across the network, and briefs and ideas for VIP visits which further UK objectives, including meetings and regional visits for the Ambassador and visiting Ministers.
• Event Management (20%): In consultation with the Head/Deputy Head of Section, lead on the organization of internal/external meetings and events run by the FSP Team, e.g. working with other colleagues in the team to source and book meeting rooms and refreshments, identifying/inviting participants, drafting and circulating agendas/minutes/event concept notes, and following up on action points etc.
• Project Management (20%): Supporting the effective financial management of projects throughout the programme cycle in line with audit requirements and financial rules, while also ensuring Value for Money (VFM). Tasks will include providing spending forecasts across the financial year, risk management, the timely payment of invoices/claims, handling of paperwork for bids, progress reports, evaluation and some bid assessment/development.
• Corporate (10%): Supporting the delivery of internal corporate responsibilities; participating in crisis management work as required; supporting the wider work of the Foreign Security Policy team as required.

The jobholder will work closely with the Head/Deputy Heads of Section to identify evolving work priorities. Day-to-day, however, the jobholder will be expected to use their knowledge of foreign policy to pro-actively identify and highlight key policy developments, tap into local expertise that provides insights into those issues and produce high-quality internal reports that are both engaging and succinct.

Resources Managed (staff and expenditure): 

• There are no formal line management responsibilities. However, the role comes with significant opportunity to lead and drive the UK bilateral relationships with Indonesia and Timor-Leste working with a full range of staff at different level of seniority.
• Managing programme spend will form a part of the role.

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field, e.g. International Relations, Public Policy, Public Administration, etc.
• A minimum of 2+ years’ experience working for an organisation, preferably in a relevant field
• Strong understanding of the Indonesian foreign policy / ASEAN, the policies and personalities of the main players in foreign policy decision-making, preferably with relevant work experience
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience of managing diverse and senior level relationships

Language Requirements:

• English, Bahasa Indonesia
• Level of language required: Fluent in both written and verbal