British Embassy
Washington, DC

Background:
The British Embassy is seeking to recruit a new officer to work in its Political team within the Political, Economic, and Public Affairs group (PEPA). The team is responsible for analysing US politics at the federal level and state level. It also oversees the Embassy’s advocacy efforts with (a) Congress and (b) local regional governments (the states of Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and Delaware, as well as the District of Columbia).

The Political Officer’s role will be to co-ordinate the Embassy’s outreach with local regional governments, pulling together a coherent strategy for all departments that maximises the UK’s interests with each state and DC. The officer will also help the Ambassador and other political officers on important work in support of the US-UK bilateral relationship. This will involve some speech-writing for the Ambassador, research into federal, DC and local organisations, and connecting with US-UK bilateral networks that operate outside government.

This position will report to the Head of the Political team, but the officer will also work closely with the Embassy’s senior management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
• Co-ordinate the Embassy’s advocacy with State governments and DC, by pulling together into a coherent whole the various different departmental outreach efforts.
• Set up and oversee an internal Embassy network of officers with responsibility for outreach to these local/regional governments, and keep these officers up-to-date with news of all Embassy interactions with these governments.
• Ensure that the Embassy takes advantage of UK Ministerial and senior official visits to these states and within DC – especially in policy areas that might be tangential to the core goals of that visit.
• Deepen Embassy links with key officials in the state governments of Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia and Delaware, and the District of Columbia, including through [at least] one annual visit to each state capital.
• Write short speeches for the Ambassador that he gives frequently on a wide variety of issues, to a vast array of people and organisations.
• Conduct research into, write short notes on, and advise on potential collaboration with federal, DC and regional governments, organisations, companies, NGOs and think-tanks that request the involvement of senior Embassy officials for conferences, seminars and other meetings.

Minimum Qualifications/Experience:
• 3-4 years work experience in, or deep knowledge of, state and/or local government (preferably in the states mentioned above).
• Strong interpersonal skills, notably the ability to maintain good relationships with contacts at all levels, such as the Ambassador, key interlocutors in state governments, and all Embassy officials.
• Excellent teamwork skills, especially the ability to deliver results with and through others.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential. The ability to deliver crisp, easy-to-read drafts by short deadlines will be very important.
• Direct experience of speech writing would be an added bonus.
• Keen strategic awareness.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) required.

All candidates must have a pre-existing legal status to live and work in the US, and will be subject to background checks and security clearance. 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.

The British Embassy Network offers a competitive salary and a strong benefits package. This package includes medical, dental, vision, life, long term and short term disability insurances, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, generous vacation and leave time, and an enriching training package.

To Apply:
Resume and a cover letter with salary history should be submitted in a .doc (word) file format to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or by fax at 202 588 7622. Please note in the subject line of your email “Political Officer”. Internal candidates should address their resumes through their Head of Group before applying. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.

The British Embassy Network is an equal opportunity employer,
dedicated to a diverse workforce.

EOE/M/F/D/V

Job posted on 2nd July 2008
Please mention Policy Jobs when applying to this position