View Vacancy – Serious and Organised Crime Network (SOCnet) Officer

Main Purpose of Job:

The Serious and Organised Crime Network (SOCnet) is the UK government’s Overseas SOC Policy Network, managed jointly by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Home Office. The network was created five years ago and quickly established itself as an important component of cross-government policy activity on transnational serious and organised crime (SOC) and illicit finance (IF). SOCnet is administered by the FCDO, through the National Security Directorate (for SOC), and Open Societies and Human Rights Directorate (for illicit finance).

This is an exciting fast paced role that will help the UK deliver its new model for tackling Serious and Organised Crime (SOC) threats overseas. The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic self-starter who is comfortable working as part of a virtual team. This role will provide integral support to the SOCnet Regional Coordinator based in Bogotá.

Occasional travel (mostly within Latin America) will be required.

The British Embassy in Lima is home to a dynamic and highly motivated team, working together to deliver a rapidly expanding programme of activity in support of the UK’s objectives on a range of issues, including political stability, human rights, economic and sustainable development, environment and biodiversity protection, trade, security, and consular service. This is an exciting opportunity to join our diverse and energetic team.

Roles and Responsibilities:

External Engagement (30%)

• Assist the British Embassy Lima and Regional Coordinator (based in Bogotá) to develop a range of contacts in Peruvian government institutions, likeminded international partners, civil society and academia relevant to tackling Serious and Organised Crime.
• Deepen our understanding on particular SOC threats in Peru and the wider region, including through the commissioning of research and analysis.
• Arrange meetings and workshops with contacts to engage on SOC issues.
• Attend stakeholder engagement events (occasionally out of hours).

Reporting (20%)

• Prepare thematic briefings and reporting on a variety of SOC topics through research and analysis.
• Coordinate the quarterly Joint Serious Organised Crime (JSOC) meetings for the Embassy, providing reporting back to Headquarters in the UK. Attend other regional JSOC meetings where appropriate.
• Undertake regular media monitoring and research of relevant publications to inform the UK’s evidence base of regional SOC threats and trends.
• Basic analysis of regional SOC and geopolitical issues to support UK understanding.
• Use research and analysis to make recommendations to the Ambassador, Deputy Head of Mission and Regional Coordinator on where the UK can add the most value in tackling SOC in Peru.

SOC Project Management (25%)

• Support the oversight and accountability of existing regional SOC projects.
• Develop ideas for new projects, which address the drivers and enablers of SOC in the region.
• Support project design and implementation, including through conducting basic research and analysis.
• Manage the SOCnet devolved regional budget and undertake monthly expense reporting.

Environmental Security Programming (15%)

• Support analysis and scoping for the Integrated Security Fund’s Environmental Security programming, including on environmental crimes (illegal logging, illegal mining), notably on the links to wider Serious and Organised Crime.

Events (10%)

• Supporting delivery of SOCnet events in the region, including organising logistics and administration of regional workshops.
• Lead and coordinate stakeholder engagement, including maintaining guest lists, sending out invitations, scoping and providing suggestions for venues, travel, and facilities.
• Support evaluation of events and collate learning to understand how we can improve delivery

Resources managed:

• No line management responsibility
• Management of the devolved SOCnet travel budget
• There may be opportunity to manage small amounts of programme funding

• Extensive understanding of transnational serious and organised crime in Peru and Latin America
• Excellent communication skills both written and oral (English and Spanish)
• An ability to report with clarity on complex issues
• Excellent organisational skills and high level of attention to detail
• Ability to work with a wide network of external stakeholders
• Excellent IT skills – including Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Candidates must be eligible to live and work in Peru in their own right.