The British Embassy in Kuwait has a vacancy for an Economic Officer, job grade Executive Officer (EO) on a fixed term contract for one (1) year.  

Main purpose of the Job: 

The role is intended to deepen understanding of Kuwait’s economy, its approach to economic diversification and resilience, fiscal planning and risk. Its thematic focuses include energy, wealth, and economic relationship with third countries. The role has elements of desk-based analysis and policy advice for decision-makers in London, but it is important the successful applicant is comfortable meeting and developing external contacts to garner insights. Key stakeholders include government, the private sector, academia and other embassies. The role will work within the political, communications and programmes section and support wider embassy activities such as UK ministerial visits, projects and organise or attend high profile events.  

The successful candidate will have a good understanding of economics, strong people skills, an ability to work well with others and be able to provide quality, timely advice.   

Duties and Responsibilities:   

• Support the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; Department for Business and Trade (DBT); Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and other government departments to boost UK prosperity.
• Grow and develop an accessible and defined collection of core economic analysis to increase understanding to support Embassy and London colleagues in their work, in particular through the lens of UK industrial strategy priorities.
• Provide high quality analysis, advice, and reporting to UK stakeholders on Kuwait developments as well as Kuwait’s economic relationships with third countries.
• Respond to UK government enquiries, providing accurate information and high-quality insights to the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and wider cross-government economic priorities, including supporting the Embassy Political Team on political economy work and understanding the economic impact of regional developments.
• Use engagement with interlocutors to support UK policy.
• Attend conferences and meetings with experts.
• Create and maintain a strong network of national and international contacts to progress our engagement.
• Support projects funded by the UK embassy to deliver our economic goals.
• Support official embassy visits e.g. by UK ministers or senior civil servants, and official events.

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 response to a crisis.   

Key behaviours required for the job: 

• Seeing the bigger 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.
• Delivering at Pace: Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.

Eligibility:  

If you are selected for this position, we will be able to employ you as long as you: 

• Are legally resident in Kuwait (Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements to live and work in this country); and
• Complete and successfully pass all local and UK security checks, including professional background checks.

• A university degree, or demonstrable equivalent level knowledge, in economics or a related field.
• A confident communicator with excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to engage at all levels internally and with external stakeholders professionally.
• fluency in both written and spoken English.
• Demonstrates ability to gather, analyse, and report on a complicated mix of information from different sources.
• Ability to spot opportunities and act proactively, working well independently, as well as being able to work well with others, with strong organisation skills.
• Flexible approach and adaptability to changing UK priorities.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Copilot).