G20 Officer - Policy, Research & Support

G20 Officer - Policy, Research & Support position at Embassy of Ireland, Pretoria

Our mission is to promote and protect abroad the values, interests and economic well-being of Ireland and its people. We do this under the political direction of our Ministers, through our staff at home and through our Embassy network abroad.

The Embassy of Ireland, Pretoria is seeking to recruit a locally engaged position as a G20 Officer for the Department of Foreign Affairs. This is an 11 months position, subject to a probationary period and will start as soon as possible to join our team.

The Department of Foreign Affairs advances the interests of Ireland across the globe. This involves enhancing Irelands prosperity, delivering an effective and high-quality overseas aid program, and helping Irish travellers and Irish communities overseas.

The department provides foreign, trade and development policy advice to the Irish Government. DFA also works with other Irish government agencies to drive coordination of Irelands pursuit of global, regional, and bilateral interests.

The Embassy of Ireland, Pretoria is Irelands diplomatic representation in South Africa.

About the position

The G20 Officer will assist Embassy Pretoria support the Governments participation in South Africas presidency of the G20 in 2025. This is a junior position at the Embassy working under the direction of the Deputy Head of Mission.

The key responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to:

 Assist with organising official visits by Irish ministers and officials and the Ambassador during the G20, including arranging meetings, preparing programs and providing logistical support;

 Support high-level visits throughout the G20 year in multiple cities across South Africa;

 Monitor, research and report on trade, investment and economic policies and other G20 finance policy developments;

 Develop and maintain a broad network of government, business, industry, civil society and diplomatic contacts;

 Provide other research, analysis or program support as required;

 Other duties as required from time to time and directed by the Ambassador and Deputy Head of Mission as necessary.

Essential Requirements Experience/Knowledge/Skills candidates must be able to demonstrate

 Masters qualifications in economics, international relations or a related field;

 Computer literacy;

 Matric - high school education;

 Strong written and oral communication skills in English. A test will apply;

 Strong liaison and interpersonal skills, including the ability to develop productive working relationships and create strong networks with a range of relevant contacts;

 Ability to plan and manage multiple tasks, show initiative, apply sound judgement, and adapt to change;

 The highest levels of integrity and trust and strong discretion;

 Reliable and can work on own initiative;

 Attention to detail and proactive in addressing maintenance issues;

 Strong organisational and management skills;

 Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;

 Willingness to travel regionally;

 Familiarity with Ireland is not essential but may be an advantage.

Terms and conditions of employment:

 The successful candidates will be hired on an 11 month fixed term contract;

 Monday to Friday, 37 hours per week, with standard office hours from 08h00 to 16h30;

 The salary for the position is ZAR 50,610.16 per month paid locally on a weekly basis (This salary is fixed and not negotiable);

 Start date: February 2025, a 6 month probationary period will apply;

 Benefits: Medical Aid;

 The position will require regular out of hours work in the evening/at weekend. Hours will be agreed in advance;

 The successful candidate must have a legal entitlement to live and work in South Africa prior to recruitment.

Application Process

Applications should be sent via e-mail only

Include on the subject line - G20 Officer - Policy, Research & Support;

Applicants will need to address the key responsibilities, qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills in a 500-word covering letter.

The panel will not assess applications that exceed the word limit. Drawing on your prior experience, please provide examples of where you have demonstrated the required competencies or transferable skills.

Applications that do not address the key responsibilities and qualifications/experience will not be considered.

You will also need to send us your curriculum vitae (no more than two pages) outlining your professional and academic background. Your CV should include the names and contact details of two professional referees who can validate and support your application. You may be asked to submit copies of your qualifications.

Applicants are required to hold South African citizenship, permanent residency, or the requisite work permit for South Africa.

Applications must be received before 17h00 on the 15th January 2025

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted: should you not hear from us within 30 days, please consider your application unsuccessful. No applications will be accepted after this deadline.

Selection Process:

 Depending on the number of applications received, a short-listing of candidates to be called for competency based interview may be undertaken based on the Essential/Key Requirements above;

 A skills test may form part of the interview process;

 A second round interview may form part of the interview process; and

 It is planned that interviews will be held in person at the end of January 2025;

 A panel may be set up depending on the calibre of candidates.

General Data Protection Regulation:

All personal information received will be kept in line with GDPR guidelines.

Security Clearance for Local Staff

Police security clearance will be sought in respect of individuals who come under consideration for appointment. Enquiries may also be made with the police force of any country in which the applicant under consideration for appointment resided. If unsuccessful, this information will be destroyed. If the applicant subsequently comes under consideration for another position, they will be required to supply this information again.

Please note that canvassing will disqualify applicants.

The Embassy of Ireland, Pretoria is committed to a policy of Equal Opportunity

Job Type: TemporaryContract length: 11 months

Pay: R50 610,16 per month

Education:

• Masters (Required)

Experience:

• Policy, Research & Support: 3 years (Required)

Application Deadline: 2025/01/15Expected Start Date: 2025/02/01