Political and Public Affairs Officer (FPDS)

Summary of Duties:

Under the general direction of the Program Manager for Foreign Policy and Diplomacy Services (FPDS), and with a high degree of judgement and independent action, the Political and Public Affairs Officer makes a significant contribution to Canada-South Sudan relations by: 

1) Providing analysis, advice, and reports on political, economic, and foreign policy matters;  
2) Identifying and proposing strategic advocacy, communications and outreach initiatives in alignment with Canadian interests/values and policy priorities, and delivering on these initiatives;
3) Developing, strengthening, and managing the Embassy’s network of stakeholders and contacts in government, industry, civil society, the Canadian community, media, academia, diplomatic missions, international organizations, and other sectors, through proactive engagement, with a focus on high-level and strategic contacts; 
4) Coordinating and developing content for the mission’s social media accounts and mission website; 
5) Proposing and leading on advocacy and outreach for the Ambassador, FPDS Program Manager, Embassy staff, and incoming Canadian officials/visitors, including preparing logistics, developing substantive programs and talking points, and reporting on outcomes/results, as well as drafting communication strategies and social media messaging; 
6) Preparing strategic analysis and written reports on ongoing political, economic, cultural, and social developments in South Sudan through ongoing engagement with contacts and media monitoring;  
7) Assist in coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating projects under the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI);   
8) Writing remarks and speaking points, including for the Ambassador, that reflect the Embassy’s priorities, Canadian interests/values and policy priorities;  
9) Performing other duties as required.

 

Area of Selection:

This position is open to internal and external candidates who have the right to reside and work in South Sudan, who meet all the essential requirements stated and whose applications are received by the closing date.

Please note that the Embassy of Canada to South Sudan does not sponsor work authorizations directly or indirectly.

The Government of Canada is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from diverse sections of the community. Candidates will be considered based on merit. Our organization offers an inclusive workplace where respect, teamwork, and collaboration are part of our culture. Canada’s missions abroad are committed to promoting and supporting an environment free from harassment and discrimination, as well as encouraging and supporting employees to learn and develop their skills and competencies.

 

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates will initially be screened against the Essential Qualifications relating to education, language* and experience.

Candidates must clearly demonstrate when applying to the position how they meet each of these essential qualifications.

*Language will be assessed further during the process. 

Education:

Candidates will be required to provide proof of the completion of their education.

• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized, accredited university in a relevant discipline, including but not limited to: Political Science, Journalism/Communications, Public Relations, International Relations, Law, Economics, Business. 

Language:

• Fluency in English (reading, writing and speaking) 

Experience:

• Significant experience* within the last 10 years of work relating to political, economic and social affairs, international political relations, or public affairs/communications/advocacy, including on social media platforms.
• Significant experience* within the last 10 years in research, analysis, report writing, briefing notes and/or presentations, social media messaging, as well as the formulation of recommendations and advice to senior management in a professional work context.
• 3 years of experience in the last 10 years of working on behalf of an organization’s interest that required establishing and expanding networks of contacts and planning of events.

*Significant experience is defined as 5 years of experience or 3 years of experience with an added degree of complexity or independence in performing these tasks. 

 

RATED REQUIREMENTS

The Rated Requirements are part of the essential qualifications and are relating to knowledge, abilities and competencies. Methods of assessment for rated requirements may include, but are not limited to, a written examination, an oral interview (online pre-recorded/live or in-person), role-play, practical tests, presentations and/or psychometric assessment.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of the current political, economic, and social landscape in South Sudan.
• Knowledge of key actors and influencers on political, economic, and social issues in South Sudan (including civil society, government institutions, international organizations, media, academia).
• Knowledge of strategic communications and of social media applications and strategies.

Competencies:

• Effective interactive communication (oral and written).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams), social media applications (Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram), and Internet research.
• Showing initiative and being action oriented.
• Professional integrity / values & ethics.
• Teamwork and collaboration.

Abilities: 

• Ability to research, evaluate, and analyze information in order to draft talking points, briefing materials, and analytical reports.
• Ability to manage time, plan, and prioritize tasks and meet deadlines, at times under pressure, to produce high-quality work including attention to detail.
• Ability to expand and maintain network of Embassy contacts, including keeping information up-to-date in the Embassy’s online contact management system.

 

Asset Qualifications:

Preference may be given to candidates who meet the Asset Qualifications. Where applicable, candidates must clearly demonstrate how they meet any asset qualifications.

• French language skills (reading, writing and speaking).
• Previous experience working for an international organization or an embassy in a similar role.
• Master’s degree from a recognized, accredited university.

 

Operational Requirements:

• Working hours (in office): 37.5 hours per week: 8 hours per day, Monday to Friday, which includes a 30-minute unpaid lunch period.
• May be required to work overtime in the office and/or attend meetings or receptions, on weekdays and/or weekends and statutory holidays, sometimes on very short notice.
• Ability to travel as required within South Sudan and internationally.

 

Conditions of Employment:

Conditions of employment must be met or complied with before being appointed to a particular position, and are to be maintained throughout the employment while being the incumbent of this position.

- Valid work authorization: Ability to obtain and hold a valid work authorization covering the entire employment period.

- Security screening: Obtain and maintain a Reliability Status (security level) which includes a criminal and credit background check from the Government of Canada covering the entire employment period.

 

How to Apply

• You must submit your application using the "Apply online" function. Only applications submitted via VidCruiter will be considered, unless a valid reason is presented and accepted prior to the closing date.
• Do not include personal data such as; age, date of birth, gender, marital status, family status, religion or a picture in your application form, CV nor cover letter (as required). Please only include information relevant to the vacancy as requested in the job poster.
• You must clearly demonstrate in answering the screening questions how you meet the education and experience factors listed in the essential and asset qualifications. You must provide specific examples to demonstrate clearly how you meet the qualifications. Global Affairs Canada cannot make any assumptions about your studies nor experience. Simply saying you have the required qualifications or listing your current duties will not be sufficient. Instead, you must provide concrete and detailed examples that clearly explain where, when, and how you gained the experience. No additional information will be sought beyond what you submit in your online application.
• Candidates may be required to upload a CV and/or a cover letter in English or French. These documents may be used as a secondary source to validate the answers to the screening questions.
• Applications which do not include all of the requested documents or information and/or which are not received by the closing date will be rejected.
• Candidates who are unable to submit their application due to technical difficulties must report these to LES-E-Recruitment-BRLIN@international.gc.ca prior to the closing date. Failure to do so will result in the application being rejected.

Important Notes

• Only applications submitted in one of the official languages of Canada will be accepted (English or French).
• The language requirement for this position is identified under the essential qualifications (language). In consequence, the assessment process for this vacancy will be conducted in English.
• Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidates to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required.
• Candidates must provide an email address that accepts email from unknown users and regularly check their email, including spam folder.
• Reference checks may be sought for candidates who succeeded all of the assessments.
• Please note that the Embassy of Canada to South Sudan does not reimburse any travel costs to and from interviews/exams nor does it reimburse any relocation costs.
• Before an offer of employment can be made, successful candidates must provide a local residence address as proof of residence in the specified area of selection. This information is necessary to issue a letter of offer.
• We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please contact us at LES-E-Recruitment-BRLIN@international.gc.ca to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.
• The results of this selection process may also be used to establish one or more pools of fully or partially qualified candidates for similar term, indeterminate, part-time or full-time openings at the Embassy of Canada to South Sudan which might arise following the completion of this selection process.
• For Canadian citizens/residents and Canadian dual nationals, please note that it is your responsibility to enquire with the Canadian Revenue Agency about any possible taxation implications linked to an employment with the Government of Canada.