Political Officer Internal Politics and Bilateral Strategy (SWE24.163)

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, because it's the right thing to do, and it helps us all perform better. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate based on disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.
All applicants should have the right to live and work in Sweden. You do not need to be British or have British citizenship to apply for this role.
Main purpose of the role:
The purpose of this role is to provide relevant and timely analysis of Swedish politics to the UK government network, deliver analysis, reporting and lobbying on thematic policy areas and seek out opportunities for the UK to consolidate and strengthen ties with Sweden as we depart from the EU as part of the UK-Sweden Bilateral Strategy.


What will you be expected to achieve?
. Maintain and build the embassy's contacts and relationships with key political and societal figures to support understanding of the societal, regional, and political architecture that informs the Swedish system.
. Analyse and report on Swedish domestic politics, attending meetings with stakeholders across the political scene, civil society, think tanks and wider.
. Identify and build on opportunities for enhanced interaction between UK and Swedish political communities. Lobby and influence in line with UK government objectives on specific policy areas (to be determined in line with business demand and the skills and experience of the successful job holder).
. Assist the Second Secretary Political/Economic with delivering key elements of the UK/Sweden Bilateral Strategy. This will require working with trade, defence, tourism, political and consular teams in the Embassy and other relevant partners (e.g.: British Council) to identify opportunities to strengthen the bilateral relationship, and reach established and new target groups across Sweden.
. Actively contribute to and support the wider embassy's needs flexibly. Support corporate objectives as needed, and contribute to embassy life (attending receptions, presenting, engaging in internal committees).


Essential on arrival:
. Fluent level of English (C1 level) and Swedish (at least B level);
. Excellent communication skills, including ability to write clearly and concisely, and to persuade and influence orally;
. Demonstrable knowledge of the Swedish political system and society and good range of contacts;
. A caring and considerate team player;
. A self-starter with the ability to organise self and work effectively and think creatively;
. Good research and analysis skills;
. A good awareness of UK politics and global affairs;
. Flexibility to travel occasionally, including to the UK.
Desirable qualifications, skills and experience
. Relevant professional experience focused on the Swedish Government, politics, systems, and political engagement;
. Experience working for national or local government, NGO, embassy, university, or an international organization;
. Experience of engaging diverse and senior level contacts.
Required behaviours
Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at pace, Making effective decisions and Seeing the big picture.

Application deadline
5 May 2024
This is a full-time 6 months temporary contract, cover for parental leave. The British Embassy is open to considering flexible working requests, including some remote working. However, due to the nature of the role, it will not be possible to do the job fully remotely.
All applicants should have the right to live and work in Sweden. The British Embassy does not sponsor for work permits.
According to the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, locally employed staff should either be Swedish citizens, EU citizens or permanent residents of any nationality registered in the population register when beginning their employment. Registration in the population register is not possible once employment has begun. For more information, please consult:
https://www.government.se/government-of-sweden/ministry-for-foreign-affairs/diplomatic-portal/diplomatic-guide/8.-employment/8.1-locally-employed-staff/
The successful candidate will be subject to confirmation of a background check and security clearance.
For more details and information on how to apply please follow the link below: Political Officer Internal Politics and Bilateral Strategy (SWE24.163) - FCO Local Posts (tal.net). The closing date for application is 5 May 2024. Start Date is 1 July 2024.