The British Embassy Riyadh has a vacancy for a Regional Affairs Officer under the Counter Terrorism Network (CTeN), on a fixed term contract for one (1) year.

The jobholder will support the CTeN Team to deliver the UK’s Counter-Terrorism/ Counter-Extremism (CT/ CE) strategy in the Gulf. The jobholder will work across three key areas: policy, programme delivery, and team administrative support. They will have opportunities to gain experience on some of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO) most high profile priorities.

Ministerial, Parliamentary, and public interest in the region is high and requires consistently high-quality policy and business support. The jobholder will work directly to the CTeN Team in the Embassy, and also alongside the wider Embassy teams to monitor and report on articles related to terrorism, extremism, and religious affairs in the media/ social media. They will also be involved in organising visits and events, administrative programme management, and liaising with government ministries. 

Duties and responsibilities:

– Policy

• Media monitoring and reporting on developments related to terrorism, extremism, and cyber security, including compiling the daily news summary for the Gulf Region. Keep a watching brief on Gulf news channels and monitor and analyse discussions on social media.
• Develop contacts across a range of experts working in the field of CT/ CE and religious affairs. Attend meetings with key stakeholders and write meeting records.
• Undertake key pieces of research related to CT/ CE and religious affairs.
• Arrange visit programmes for FCDO CT officials and visiting ministers and senior officials, coordinating logistics across Embassies in the region and liaising with host government ministries across the region to secure visas and meetings.

– Programme delivery

• Financial monitoring and administration of programme funds (raising requisitions and purchase orders, receiving goods). Monitor compliance of procurement within the projects in line with FCDO procedures.
• Monitor progress of programme delivery and liaise with project implementers and stakeholders as necessary.
• Contribute to quarterly progress reports.
• Complete administration for all CTeN projects.
• Assist CT Police Liaison Officers with logistical arrangements for training and senior visits.

– Team support

• Arrange travel and accommodation for visiting senior officials.
• Provide interpretation support in meetings and translation of documents.
• Write background briefing for Ambassadorial meetings on CT and CE.
• Regional travel in support of CT delivery in multiple Gulf countries.

The above list is not exhaustive, and the jobholder will be required to be flexible as specific responsibilities could change in the future and this would be at the discretion of the line manager or head of section. The job description may be reviewed to meet changes in business needs. The jobholder may also take on other ad hoc tasks as required, including participating in the Embassy’s emergency planning and any other response to a crisis.

Key behaviours required:

• Communicating and Influencing – Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses and opinions of others.
• Delivering at Pace – Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.
• 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.

Eligibility:

• The successful candidate must be able to secure a local residence and work permit in Saudi (iqama) OR already have the right to work and reside in Saudi.
• The British Embassy provides visa sponsorship. The successful candidate will be required to transfer their visa under the Embassy’s sponsorship.

• Excellent Arabic and English language skills, both written and spoken. Able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely.
• An interest and knowledge of regional politics and foreign affairs. Experience of conducting research and providing analysis.
• Knowledge of the structure and role of Saudi government.
• An understanding of security issues, Islamic theology and doctrine.
• Have a proven record of organisational ability. Ability to prioritise own workload and meet deadlines, without compromising the quality of the work.
• Collaborative approach to colleague and stakeholder partnerships. Ability to maintain a range of contacts to build effective working relationships.
• Team player who is also capable of working on their own initiative
• Strong IT skills and literacy in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).
• Holds at least a bachelor’s degree.