The British Embassy in Israel is part of a worldwide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Political Advisor (Regional & Security) to support the political work of the Embassy.

The successful candidate will contribute to Embassy political analysis and reporting on regional and security issues, including Israel’s foreign policy, regional and domestic threats, and domestic military and security policy. The job holder will provide verbal and written political advice on the wide range of political topics, including to the Ambassador and Deputy Ambassador, and where required leading team logistics and visits. The jobholder will maintain a wide network of contacts specialising in regional and security issues and proactively advise the political team on new contacts to broaden their contact base.

The successful candidate will join the Political Section and work alongside three other Political Advisors to provide insight and support on the breadth of issues covered by the team (domestic Israeli politics, the Middle East Peace Process, and programme management). Where required, the job holder must be able to provide advice and support to wider team reporting on these issues. The jobholder will work collaboratively across the team and proactively advise on topics that align with the team’s strategic priorities with minimal supervision. The successful candidate will support visits of British Ministers and senior officials to Israel, leading on programmes and supporting communications. The job holder will have access to FCDO Learning and Development opportunities and be encouraged to prioritise these.

Duties and responsibilities: 

– Political reporting and advice to the Political team and Defence Section (40%)

• Work with Political Section’s First and Second Secretaries to identify discrete issues and topics to research and report on. The job holder must take the initiative and exercise judgement in what will be of interest to a wider Embassy audience as well as senior readers in London and decide how best to acquire and analyse information to inform those reports.
• Maintain broad understanding of the range of issues at play within Israeli politics and Israeli foreign policy and use this knowledge for reporting and support to the wider team where required.
• Produce regular reporting, analysis and strategic advice on Israeli foreign and security policy. Reporting both verbally in meetings and through concise written analytical updates.
• Support on policy portfolios including Counter-terrorism.

– Strategic relationship management (30%)

• Develop and engage a wide range of stakeholders specialising in regional and security issues including political actors and advisors, government officials and bodies, journalists, think tanks, academics and NGOs. These contacts should be used to broaden Embassy insights and analysis, with relevant information gathered contributing to reporting and policy considerations.
• Propose and arrange meetings with relevant contacts for the UK based leads and the Ambassador on regional and security issues, broadening the contact base of the Embassy and pivoting to respond to emerging issues.

– Visits and High-Level Meetings (20%)

• Play a key role in supporting visits and engagements of Ministers and senior government officials to Israel. 
• Help shape and deliver visit programmes, site visits, announcements and communications, including visits of the Ambassador within Israel.

– Corporate (10%): Contribute to wider Embassy initiatives and needs. This includes:

• Joining at least one of the Embassy’s crisis response teams and participating actively in crisis exercises and responses.
• Actively participate in the corporate life of the Embassy by joining or running a committee, which contributes to the culture of the Embassy as a workplace. Committees include volunteering, sustainability, expertise and social.

The above list is not exhaustive, and the jobholder will be required to be flexible and take on other ad hoc tasks as required, including participating in the Embassy’s emergency planning and any other response to a crisis affecting UK citizens. 

Key behaviours required:

• Seeing the Big Picture – Understand how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives. Recognise the wider Civil Service priorities and ensure work is in the national interest.
• Communicating and Influencing – Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses and opinions of others.
• Working Together – Form effective partnerships and relationships with people both internally and externally, from a range of diverse backgrounds, sharing information, resources and support.
• Making Effective Decisions – Use evidence and knowledge to support accurate, expert decisions and advice. Carefully consider alternative options, implications and risks of decisions.

• Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English and Hebrew.
• Strong understanding of, and connections with, Israeli foreign and security policy fields.
• At least two years of experience working on political affairs or other related fields.
• Capable of Hebrew/English interpretation and vice-versa.
• Proactive team player who can work collaboratively across the team and Embassy.
• Proven organisational and administrative skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure and flexibly in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent IT skills.
• Self-motivated individual able to take initiative with strong interpersonal skills.