POLITICAL ATTACHE

Maternity cover at the British Embassy in Stockholm - Political Attaché (Climate & Energy, Domestic Politics)
The Position
This is a varied and interesting job focussing on policy analysis, political reporting and promoting the UK's policy dialogue with Sweden.Specifically, the job will cover:
Climate, energy and environment; national developments and Sweden as an EU partner
Education and children, including childcare, higher education and life-long learning, gender equality and family policy
Domestic political debate, covering policy and political developments, personalities
Support on foreign policy issues, mainly Africa
Co-ordination of the Embassy's work to promote the London Olympics 2012
The work entails research, reporting and analysis of the Swedish internal political situation and Sweden as an EU partner, building and maintaining a network of contacts across government, business and civil society and engaging with them to gather information and lobby on behalf of the UK.The job also includes media monitoring and organising and hosting ministerial and official visits from the UK.Some travel for work/training purposes may be relevant.
The successful applicant will work in the Embassy's Political and Economic Section, but will also work closely with other colleagues in the Embassy (e.g.UK Trade & Investment, Science & Innovation Network).

Skills and Experience
.University degree
.Minimum three years tried and tested work experience, preferably with an international dimension and within a intercultural environment
.Fluency in both written and spoken English as well as in Swedish
.Excellent communication skills, as well as good influencing and public presentation skills
.Demonstrable knowledge of the Swedish political system and society, and a good awareness of the EU structure and UK politics
.Well-developed network of contacts in the Swedish political, administrative and legislative system
.Excellent organisational skills and an ability to prioritise tasks and work to deadlines
.Ability to work independently and to take the initiative as well as being a constructive team player
.Customer-focused approach and positive attitude
.Previous experience of similar work is desirable, but not essential
Terms and Conditions
This is maternity leave cover for a limited period, starting between mid/end December 2010 and running for between 9-12 months.The position is subject to a 3-month probationary period.
Normal working hours are 09:00-17:00 including one hour lunch.Any extra hours are compensated by time off in lieu.The annual leave entitlement is 27 days.
Please note that this job is subject to the successful incumbent receiving the appropriate level of security clearance.

How to apply
Closing date for applications: 8 November 2010.Shortlisted candidates will be called for interview shortly thereafter.Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.
Late applications will not be accepted.

About the Embassy
The Embassy is responsible for developing and maintaining relations between Britain and Sweden.Our Political and Economic Section works to promote political links between the UK and Sweden bilaterally and as EU partners.For further information on our work, visit http://ukinsweden.fco.gov.uk and http://www.fco.gov.uk.
The British Embassy is an equal opportunities employer and does not discriminate on the grounds of