To provide high quality analysis, reporting, and policy advice to the Ambassador, Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Political on internal political developments in Slovakia, in support of the Country Business Plan goals, to strengthen the UK-Slovakia bilateral relationship.  

The main responsibilities of the position are as follows, although the job holder may at times be required to take on other tasks and roles as required:

• To monitor Slovakia’s internal domestic politics, particularly parliamentary politics; producing regular reports on significant developments;

• To develop and maintain a wide range of contacts in relevant Government institutions, political parties, parliament, think-tanks, and NGOs, engaging with them regularly and proactively to ensure you are abreast of emerging developments;

• To produce political analysis, working closely with colleagues in the political, trade and defence sections to ensure they are aware of emerging developments which impact on their policy areas and contribute to these reports where necessary;

• To collaborate effectively with colleagues in our embassies across the region, in the UK, and other diplomatic missions to update colleagues on the latest developments in Slovakia;

• To work with colleagues across the embassy to develop and manage programmes for inward and outward visits;

• To lobby in support of core UK values and priorities, including the enhancement of the UK’s bilateral relationship with Slovakia, identifying, pursuing, and recommending opportunities to further strengthen it.

• Support for specific, UK funded project work to be determined.

• Strong experience in analytical and reporting work, ideally in Government affairs / journalism, lobbying or policy making;

• Excellent analytical abilities: sound judgment and the ability to use evidence to develop accurate and expert advice; and to scan the political context to identify salient developments;

• Excellent networking skills, an ability to develop and maintain contacts in both the public and private sectors; and strong influencing / persuasion skills;

• Positive, proactive attitude and ability to work both independently and in team, and to create professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people both internally and externally;

• Excellent communication skills both written and oral to a wide range of stakeholders at all levels – including confidence when engaging senior interlocutors and an ability to communicate with clarity, conviction and enthusiasm;

• Flexibility, resilience, patience, a strong team-player, and the ability to deal with difficult situations with a level of discretion and responsibility;

• Strong IT skills, particularly Outlook, Word and Excel.