Description
The New Zealand High Commission in London currently has a vacancy for a Foreign Policy Analyst.
Applications will only be accepted by email. Applicants should send a CV, the completed application form and a covering letter.
Applications close at 5pm on Tuesday 1 November 2011. A full position description is below.
Position: Foreign Policy Analyst (Economic)
Contract: Open tenure
Hours of work: hours)
Responsible to: First Secretary (Trade and Economic)
Responsible for: Nil
Functional relationships:
• NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT)
• Other New Zealand government departments & agencies
• UK Government departments & agencies
• Other London-based High Commissions and Embassies
• Private Sector
• Non-government organisations
• Academic institutions
• International organisations
• Other staff of the High Commission and NZ government agencies
Delegations: Nil
Purpose:
Reporting to the First Secretary (Trade and Economic) the position will take primary responsibility for monitoring, analysing, reporting on and representing New Zealand's interests on sustainability, climate change, science and innovation and economic and investment issues. It will also provide support on a range of trade and economic issues and will contribute to the overall implementation of the High Commission's Operational Plan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Statement of Intent.
Sustainability
- Work with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise to monitor, analyse and report on key sustainability issues in the UK (e.g. environmental and ethical footprinting and labelling, provenance, GM, animal welfare concerns, packaging and waste) and their implications for New Zealand.
- Build effective working relationships with key UK decision-makers and influencers, to promote New Zealand's interests and secure their support if required.
Climate Change
- Monitor, analyse and report on UK domestic climate change, emissions trading, and energy policies; and UK and EU views on international climate change negotiations.
- Build effective working relationships with key UK decision-makers and influencers, to promote New Zealand's interests and secure their support if required.
Science and Innovation
- Work with Science Counsellor (Brussels) to monitor, analyse and report on UK and EU science and innovation issues of interest to New Zealand.
- Build effective working relationships with key UK decision-makers and influencers, and expatriate community to further New Zealand's science and innovation objectives, particularly the UK-NZ Science and Innovation Network, the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases, and the Square Kilometre Array radio telescope.
Economic Issues and Investment
- Provide support as directed by First Secretary (Trade and Economic) on wider trade and economic issues of interest to New Zealand.
- Provide support to New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and Investment New Zealand for trade promotion and investment activities.
- Identify, develop and influence network of useful economic and investment contacts.
Visits and Events
- Provide policy input and logistical support for official visits, representational functions and events across relevant policy fields.
Knowledge, experience, skills and attributes required for the position
• A tertiary qualification is required.
• Strong policy analysis and problem solving skills.
• Show commitment, initiative, and energy.
• Demonstrate strong planning and work organisation skills.
• Demonstrate sound judgment and common sense.
• Be results orientated with a strong client focus.
• Demonstrate a high level of oral & written communication skills.
• Understand people and be sensitive to cultural & gender differences.
• Set priorities while remaining responsive to competing priorities and demands, reflecting flexibility, and be a team player.
• Meet deadlines.
• Work within guidelines, at times under pressure and without supervision to contribute to the delivery of post objectives.
• Be able to obtain and maintain a NZ government security clearance.
• Have an appreciation of New Zealand interests in the United Kingdom and broader New Zealand foreign policy issues.
• Be competent in Microsoft Word and Desktop applications.
• Have knowledge of UK Government organisations (desirable).