Congressional Advisor (Foreign Policy) -- The British Embassy

Congressional Advisor (Foreign Policy) Do you want a unique opportunity to work at the heart of the relationship between Congress and the US’ closest foreign policy ally? Background: The British Embassy in Washington, DC is seeking an exceptional individual to help us strengthen our links to the US Congress on foreign policy issues. The job-holder will work as part of the Embassy’s Foreign and Security Policy Group (FSPG). FSPG leads the Embassy’s work on foreign policy issues from Syria to Sudan and NATO to ASEAN. The successful candidate will have a sophisticated understanding of international relations and the domestic considerations that impact on US foreign policy. S/he will have an excellent grasp of the links between Congress, the Administration, lobby groups and think tanks. S/he will be a highly credible interlocutor with contacts in Congress. S/he will bring an impressive knowledge of Congressional personalities and a wide range of pre-existing relationships to their role. The job-holder will be experienced and innovative in planning strategy and outreach, notably being able to spot moments of opportunity or risk for UK interests, emerging trends in Congressional thinking, and rising stars. The job-holder will be an able facilitator, working in support of the Embassy’s subject experts to develop effective strategies for contact with Congress that have demonstrable impact and influence. The job-holder will be an excellent communicator in person and in their written advice. Duties and Responsibilities: • Proactive tracking of developments on the full range of foreign policy issues in Congress to provide early warning and swift, contextualized and politically astute analysis to the Embassy in support of the subject experts; • Development and delivery of targeted short and medium-term strategies to enhance the Embassy’s impact with Congress on foreign policy. This will include a focus both on thematic issues, cross-cutting trends and on key personalities and groupings in Congress; • Maintenance and development of networks, and networking strategies, to include spotting opportunities for inward and outward visits to DC and London by key officials and politicians; • Production of a suite of regular reports for senior officials on events, trends and personalities in addition to reactive reporting on emerging issues; • Proactive engagement in relevant Embassy and London strategy discussions; • Advocacy for UK interests with US contacts in Congress and more widely; • The creation of strong professional relationships with colleagues in FSPG and key stakeholders in other parts of the Embassy; • Maintenance of a firmly non-partisan profile with internal and external stakeholders. Minimum Qualifications/Experience: • Flexibility in a team setting, with an enthusiastic approach to work, is essential. We are looking for evidence of the ability to work well with others on a wide range of issues as a team player and an expert adviser. • Significant experience of working on the Hill on a wide range of foreign policy subjects. Additional experience of working within a relevant part of the Administration would be desirable. • Excellent communication, organizational and interpersonal skills are required. Must be able to represent the Embassy at external meetings and win the confidence of senior US and UK officials. • The proven ability to work independently to define challenging objectives based on engagement with internal customers and needs analysis. • The ability to work resiliently under pressure to deliver objectives, including in the face of changing demands. • Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant subject required. A Graduate degree would be desirable. • Knowledge of UK policy strengths and priorities a plus. Under US State Department requirements, the Embassy may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Green Card holders or A visa holders*. If you hold a visa other than an A visa you are not currently eligible to work at the Embassy. Please refer to our website for information on exceptions to this policy at www.ukinusa.fco.gov.uk . All candidates will be subject to background checks and security clearance. *A visas are acceptable at the Embassy and Consulates. The UK Mission to the UN (UKMIS) accepts G visas, and British Defence Staff (BDS) outposts accept A or NATO visas. The British Embassy Network offers a strong benefits package. This package includes medical, dental, vision, life, long term and short term disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, generous vacation and leave time, and an enriching training package. The target salary for this position is $67,000. Salary will be confirmed upon offer of employment. To Apply: Resume and a cover letter with salary history should be submitted in a .doc (word) file format by 14 October 2012 to careers@fco.gov.uk. Please note in the subject line of your email “Congressional Advisor”. Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a rolling basis as required. Please identify in your cover letter whether you are currently eligible to work at the Embassy. Internal candidates must address their resumes through the Head of Group before applying. Only successful candidates will be contacted. Please no phone calls. Due to the high volume of resumes we receive, we cannot guarantee consideration of your application if the submission instructions are not properly followed. The British Embassy is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law. http://ukinusa.fco.gov.uk/en/about-us/our-embassy/workingfor-us/currentvacancies/washi-vacancies/washington-vacancies/040-Congressional-Advisor Amy English | Foreign Policy and Security Group | British Embassy | 3100 Massachusetts Ave NW | Washington DC 20008 | USA tel: 202-509-4358 | ftn: 8430-6684 | e: amy.english@fco.gov.uk| w: www.ukinusa.fco.gov.uk Visit our blogs at http://blogs.fco.gov.uk | Follow us on Twitter @UKinUSA and Google+ | Connect with us on Facebook | Visit us on Flickr and Tumblr Find out what makes Britain GREAT on Facebook and Twitter. *********************************************************************************** Visit http://www.fco.gov.uk for British foreign policy news and travel advice and http://blogs.fco.gov.uk to read our blogs. This email (with any attachments) is intended for the attention of the addressee(s) only. 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