VACANCY Research and Administration Officer (Foreign Policy)
Embassy of Ireland, Washington, D.C.
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 in Washington, D.C., is seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic and hardworking person with excellent communication and interpersonal skills to fill a full-time Research and Administration Officer (Foreign Policy) position.
Roles and Responsibilities:
The precise range of duties will vary over time according to the needs of the Embassy, but will include the following:
- Research, analysis and report writing on matters related to US and Irish foreign policy, including:
- Middle East and North Africa
- Europe and the Arctic
- Asia and the Indo Pacific
- Latin America and the Caribbean
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Peace and Security (including peacebuilding & conflict prevention, disarmament & non-proliferation, counter-terrorism)
- Legal Affairs and Sanctions
- Human Rights and Democracy
- Humanitarian and Development issues
- UN General Affairs including candidatures
- Media monitoring, reporting and analysis;
- Summarising of relevant news, policy and other documents;
- Attendance and reporting on meetings, as required;
- Building and maintaining a network of contacts with key partners
- Contributing as part of the wider Embassy team to administration, high-level visits and other work as required.
- In addition to the above, the Officer may be required to carry out other functions subject to the business needs of the Embassy, including periodic out of hours and weekend work related to high-level visits and other events.
Essential Requirements candidates must be able to demonstrate:
- Candidates must have a degree, preferably in disciplines such as:
- International Affairs
- Political Science
- Candidates must have previous professional experience in a similar role;
- Candidates must provide evidence of their understanding of Irish and US foreign policy priorities;
- The candidate must provide evidence of excellent interpersonal skills, being persuasive, working in a team but also dealing effectively with people in external organisations;
- The candidate must have proven ability to build relationships and maintain a network of contacts across academic, funding agency, industry and public-sector communities;
- The candidate must provide evidence of flexibility, efficiency and effectiveness showing strong organizational skills, attention to detail, able to work under pressure and to manage multiple tasks;
- The candidate should provide evidence of being solutions-oriented, and committed to delivering results, including by adapting approach if necessary;
- The candidate must be fully fluent in English;
- The candidate must provide evidence of their working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel);
- All applicants must have a permanent legal right to live and work in the USA.
Desirable Skills and Experience:
- A good understanding of the role of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy;
- A good understanding of the multilateral system, particularly the UN and EU;
- The successful applicant will work alongside other local employees of the Embassy, and will report directly to the diplomatic staff in the Mission. Previous experience in a diplomatic mission is desirable, but not essential.
Terms and conditions of employment:
- The successful candidates will be hired on a fixed-term contractual basis and will be based at the Embassy of Ireland in Washington D.C.
- Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week, with standard office hours from 9am to 5pm
- Annual Leave entitlement is 20 days per annum.
- The salary for the position is $51,549.63 per annum, paid locally on a weekly basis. Salaries are paid direct to a bank account, therefore, the successful candidate must have a bank account.
How to apply
Completed the application form (end of page) and submit via e-mail only to WashingtonEmbassy@dfa.ie, with the subject line Research and Administration Officer (Foreign Policy) Vacancy.
Applications must be received before 17:00 hrs (local time) on 2 September 2022
Depending on response rates the deadline may be extended. Please note that only short listed applicants will be contacted.
Selection Process:
- Depending on the number of applications received, a short-listing of candidates to be called for a competency-based interview may be undertaken based on the Essential/Key Requirements above.
- It is planned that interviews will be held before the end of September 2022.
- A skills test may be included in the recruitment process;
- A second interview may be included in the recruitment process; and
- 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, Washington is committed to a policy of Equal Opportunity.
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