Main purpose of the role:

The British Embassy in Guatemala City represents the United Kingdom in Guatemala and Honduras. We work to strengthen bilateral relationships, promote sustainable growth and climate action, support democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and provide assistance to British nationals in both countries.

The Political Officer supports delivery of the Embassy’s political and policy objectives by providing high-quality analysis, maintaining productive stakeholder relationships, and helping coordinate programmes and official engagement. 

The jobholder will support the Head of Political by monitoring political, governance and institutional developments in Guatemala and Honduras, producing timely reporting and briefings, and contributing to policy and programme delivery. The role requires sound judgement, strong organisation, and the ability to turn complex information into clear, practical recommendations for colleagues in Post and London.

The jobholder will also provide day-to-day oversight and support to the scholarships programme and to the embassy’s projects. This includes helping ensure the Embassy is well represented at scholarship fairs and that the programme runs smoothly. The jobholder will also support effective management, monitoring, delivery and evaluation of projects in Guatemala and Honduras, and ensure that project activity, decisions and results are recorded accurately and in line with Embassy requirements.

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated professional with strong analytical and communication skills in English and Spanish, who can manage competing priorities across reporting, stakeholder engagement, programme support, and administrative coordination.

Please note: Due to the nature of this role the successful candidate will be expected to travel within Guatemala and Honduras and to have flexibility to attend events outside regular working hours.

Roles and Responsibilities:

1.    Political Reporting and Analysis (30%)  

• Lead political reporting on Honduras and support reporting on Guatemala, providing regular analysis of domestic politics, governance, security, rule of law and foreign policy developments.
• Assess key political actors, institutions and trends, and identify the implications for UK interests, policy decisions and Embassy engagement.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with government, civil society, private sector and international partners.
• Represent the Embassy at meetings and events, reporting key outcomes and advising colleagues and senior leaders as needed.
• Prepare background briefs, stakeholder mapping and contextual analysis to support visits, senior engagement and programme planning.

2. Delivery of FCDO priorities on Climate Change and on Women and Girls (30%)

• Support delivery of UK priorities on climate and on the rights, empowerment and protection of women and girls in Guatemala and Honduras.
• Monitor political, policy and legislative developments related to climate action and gender equality, and assess their relevance for Embassy priorities.
• Contribute to policy development, briefings and engagement plans on climate, women and girls, and related governance issues.
• Ensure that gender and inclusion considerations are reflected appropriately in political reporting, briefings and programme activity.
• Support the delivery and monitoring of relevant projects and initiatives, including identifying risks, opportunities and stakeholder interests.
• Work with government institutions, international partners, private sector actors and civil society organisations to support effective delivery of Embassy objectives.
• Draft briefing materials, speaking points and follow-up notes for senior engagement on these policy areas.
• Help ensure that climate and women and girls priorities are integrated with the Embassy’s broader political, economic and development work.

3. Project and Programme Support (20%)

• Support the design, delivery and monitoring of Embassy and HMG-funded projects and programmes in Guatemala and Honduras.
• Provide political and stakeholder analysis to inform programme design, implementation and risk management.
• Carry out programme management tasks such as activity planning, budget tracking, reporting, monitoring and compliance with internal processes.
• Coordinate effectively with implementing partners, donors and internal colleagues to support timely and high-quality delivery.
• Contribute to learning and evaluation by capturing results, lessons learned and recommendations for future work.

4. Administration and Team Support (20%)

• Provide day-to-day oversight of the team’s work and have line management responsibilities as required, helping to allocate work and maintain delivery standards.
• Organise meetings, events, and visits, including stakeholder coordination, logistics, and follow-up actions.
• Support high-level visits and engagements (e.g. Ministers, senior officials), including programme design, logistics, and briefing packs.
• Manage administrative processes related to the political team’s work, including financial tasks, procurement support, and record-keeping.
• Contribute to knowledge management, including maintaining contact databases and internal reporting trackers.

Resources managed: Potential line management responsibilities in the future

Languages required: English (Expert) and Spanish (Proficient)

Essential upon arrival:

• Experience producing clear, concise written analysis, briefing or reporting for professional audiences.
• Relevant professional experience in government, international organisations, non-governmental organisations, research, public policy, media, or similar roles involving international, political or institutional analysis.
• Good understanding of the political and institutional context in Guatemala and/or Honduras.
• Ability to travel within Guatemala and Honduras.
• Interest in international affairs and public policy, and an understanding of how political analysis supports decision-making.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and work with limited supervision.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build productive working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• A high level of accuracy, professionalism and discretion when handling information and administrative processes.
• Strong written and spoken communication skills in both English and Spanish, with the ability to adapt style for different audiences.