Political Affairs Officer, Good Offices and Caribbean Section

at  The Commonwealth

THE VACANCY

We have an excellent opportunity for a Political Affairs Officer to join our Good Offices and Caribbean Section within our Governance and Peace Directorate.
Reporting to the Adviser, Head of Good Offices, the Political Affairs Officer will support the Good Offices and the Caribbean Sections’ work programmes in promoting Commonwealth fundamental political values, consensus-building, and contributing to conflict prevention efforts in Commonwealth member countries, through monitoring, political analysis, and policy development. The job combines requirements for sound political judgement, excellent analytical and writing skills, diplomatic skills and sensitivity, effective project management skills, organisational ability, and the requirement to travel overseas as well, sometimes in challenging circumstances.
Responsibilities of the Political Affairs Officer

The Political Affairs Officer is expected, among other responsibilities, to:

• Monitoring political developments relevant to Commonwealth member states in the Caribbean region and regularly briefing the Head of Section on country developments.
• Monitoring and analysing developments and developing strategic recommendations on conflict prevention/ resolution and post conflict peacebuilding.
• Supporting the good offices engagements of the Secretary-General, Special Envoys, and technical experts, including with planning and organisational and administrative arrangements.
• Conceptualising and developing initiatives/ projects that underpin the long-term objectives of the Good Offices and Caribbean Sections.
• Fostering and nurturing strategic partnerships and working relationships with relevant international organisations and partners, to advance the Commonwealth’s objectives and engagement.
• Developing and maintaining networks of key contacts within selected Commonwealth member countries, including representatives of government, opposition, independent institutions, and civil society.

Please refer to the Job Description for full details of the responsibilities for this position.

To be considered, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• A relevant first degree, such as in political science, international relations or law. A post graduate degree in a relevant subject is desirable
• A minimum of five years’ experience in intergovernmental work with a focus on international relations and familiarity with the Caribbean region.
• Experience of negotiating with governments at senior levels, representing governments internationally, and/or working in an international organisation, academia, or conflict resolution related organisation would be desirable.

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 member governments and provides guidance on policymaking, technical assistance and advisory services to Commonwealth member countries. We support governments to help achieve sustainable, inclusive and equitable development.
Please apply by submitting a CV and cover letter. Covering letters should be structured to address the key criteria required in the person specification, giving clear examples.
To join us, you must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country.

ABOUT US

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal countries.
It is home to 2.5 billion people, and includes both advanced economies and developing countries. 33 of our members are small states, including many island nations.
Our member governments have agreed to shared goals like development, democracy and peace. Our values and principles are expressed in the Commonwealth Charter.
The Commonwealth’s roots go back to the British Empire. But today any country can join the modern Commonwealth. The last two countries to join the Commonwealth were Gabon and Togo in 2022.

• Monitoring political developments relevant to Commonwealth member states in the Caribbean region and regularly briefing the Head of Section on country developments.
• Monitoring and analysing developments and developing strategic recommendations on conflict prevention/ resolution and post conflict peacebuilding.
• Supporting the good offices engagements of the Secretary-General, Special Envoys, and technical experts, including with planning and organisational and administrative arrangements.
• Conceptualising and developing initiatives/ projects that underpin the long-term objectives of the Good Offices and Caribbean Sections.
• Fostering and nurturing strategic partnerships and working relationships with relevant international organisations and partners, to advance the Commonwealth’s objectives and engagement.
• Developing and maintaining networks of key contacts within selected Commonwealth member countries, including representatives of government, opposition, independent institutions, and civil society