View Vacancy – Political Officer HEO (06/24 ACC)

Main purpose of job:

At an exciting time in Ghanaian politics, the Political Officer will play a vital role in the High Commission’s Political and Governance team. They will lead networking, analysis and project work to support the High Commission’s engagement with government, political parties, civil society, and academia on often sensitive political issues.  The successful candidate will draw on their existing network, and build new contacts, to deliver high quality political analysis and reporting on key issues in support of UK diplomacy.   And they will support a wide range of high profile diplomatic work including visits and briefings.

This role will have a particular focus in three areas: They will bring specialist knowledge, experience and expertise on elections in Ghana and support the Mission to deliver our 2024 elections strategy. They will have strong networks with and insight into Ghanaian political parties.  And they will assist UK diplomats on public diplomacy and project work in support of our international objectives.   

Roles and responsibilities:

·       Networking:  Bring to the role, and build upon, a network of contacts across the political spectrum and across a range of issues in support of High Commission objectives.

·       Political analysis: Deliver political analysis on key issues – in particular on elections – and develop policy advice for the High Commission and London.  

·       Elections: Working to the Elections Adviser, they will drive a xHMG approach to elections, developing and project managing our Elections Strategy Implementation Plan. This will involve frequent engagement with and coordination of all Team Leaders and PAGS working on elections. Working to the Elections Advisor, a major task will be operational design and delivery of an international observation mission for Ghana’s elections in 2024. 

·       Project development and implementation: Contribute to developing a portfolio of project work, working closely with colleagues across the High Commission and external contacts..

·       Visits: Support the EO Visit Lead to build impactful visit programmes for Minister, senior officials, and the BHC leadership team in Ghana.

·       Correspondence: Manage correspondence from external stakeholders ensuring timely and appropriate communications. Work with the High Commissioner’s Outer Office on managing advice and replies to invitations.

• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Politically astute and able to build a strong network of political and other contacts, which support UK objectives in Ghana
• A strong understanding of Ghanaian government structures, the political agenda and international interest in Ghana.
• Ability to work effectively within a small team and experience of collaboration, empowering others and strong team work.
• Excellent interpersonal, presentation and influencing skills; confidence in dealing with government officials at all levels. An understanding of institutional protocols.
• Confidence to deal with sensitive issues using tact and discretion.