India Research Analyst Candidate Pack

Transcription

1 India Research Analyst Candidate Pack October 2017

2 About the Foreign & Commonwealth Office The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) is the government department responsible for promoting British interests overseas and supporting British citizens and business around the globe. The FCO works to promote the United Kingdom s interests overseas. The FCO employs approximately 14,000 staff around the world. Approximately one third are UK-based British Civil Servants whose career typically includes work in the UK and postings overseas; and around two thirds are Locally Engaged (LE) staff, employed by a British Diplomatic Post overseas. We celebrate diversity and recruit our staff from a broad range of backgrounds so that we benefit from fresh experiences and perspectives. The FCO s purpose is to protect our country, our people and our interests; to project our influence and values; and to promote our prosperity. To achieve this we will maintain a global network with the people, partnerships, skills and knowledge to deliver. Our Strategic Objectives are: Protect our People Safeguard our national security by countering terrorism, extremism, weapons proliferation, and other state and non-state threats in co-operation with allies and partners. Assist British people living, travelling and working around the world through effective consular services and swift crisis response. Project our Global Influence Protect and promote the values and influence of Global Britain, strengthening our partnerships and the rules-based international system. Support good governance, democracy, rule of law and human rights; prevent and resolve conflict; and build stability overseas. Promote our Prosperity Promote our prosperity by opening markets, driving economic reform, championing British business, and supporting free trade and sustainable global growth. Further information about the FCO may be found on our website: 2

3 Job Description Job Title: Research Analyst - India Grade: C5 Type of Role: Permanent Location: London, KCS Hours: Full Time The role is business critical and has been exempted from the Civil Service recruitment freeze. Main Purpose of Job This is a specialist role with the South Asia and Afghanistan Research Group (SAARG), a small, highly motivated team of all-source analysts with deep experience of the region, within the FCO Research Analysts Cadre. We are looking for someone with an excellent, relevant in-depth knowledge of India. Expertise on Indian domestic politics and foreign policy is essential. Applicants would be expected to have acquired such expertise through appropriate academic study (preferably at higher degree level) and/or through extensive work experience on relevant issues. India is the world s fastest growing major economy and provides stability in a troubled region in which the UK has considerable equities. The UK is committed to enhancing its partnership with India but there are numerous obstacles to fulfilling this ambition and expert knowledge is required to help overcome these. This role offers the chance to make a real difference to the formulation of the FCO s policy agenda towards India, a high-priority area of focus for the FCO. Developing the FCO s understanding of how India operates, its relations with the rest of the world (including us), and how to overcome existing obstacles to closer co-operation, will continue to command the close interest of Ministers and senior officials. As the successful candidate you will be uniquely placed to inform and shape that understanding. Roles and Responsibilities You will provide timely, high quality, well-evidenced and cogently written research and analysis on India (eg. India s history, politics, economics, security) to senior customers in the FCO, both in London and abroad. Frequently, you will provide your expertise in the form of oral briefings to ministers, senior FCO and HMG officials and allies. This job provides an excellent opportunity to become Whitehall s leading expert on India and to deploy these skills in a front-line capacity. You will already have an excellent and relevant in-depth knowledge of India and keep abreast of important policy developments to be in a position to identify future trends. You will demonstrate a strong ability to build and maintain co-operative and productive relationships with a range of external contacts and will represent the FCO in the Cabinet Office and other bilateral, and multilateral, expert-level meetings. You will act as a gateway for the FCO in developing and consolidating contacts with external stakeholders (in particular allies, academics and think tanks) and you will attend external seminars and conferences, organise high-quality in-house discussions and seminars, etc. to challenge and to help develop policy. 3

4 You will have opportunities to augment your existing expertise whilst developing skills in problem solving and judgement, strategic thinking and communication. You will have the opportunity to travel to the region and to lead in engaging wider academic communities working on India and may have opportunities to spend short periods working on a policy desk as part of your learning and development. You will work collaboratively with other members of the Group and the Research Analysts Cadre and will maintain and develop the electronic archive of India-related material. You will contribute to the effective management of SAARG and help deliver Directorate objectives to promote expertise on South Asia through the FCO s Diplomatic Academy. In the event of changing government priorities you may be expected to adjust your portfolio. 4

5 Person Specification You must be a British Citizen. Satisfactory security clearance to a high level (Developed Vetting) is a condition of appointment. For more information about this process, click here. You must have been resident in the UK for two out of the last ten years immediately prior to your application. (Please note: at least one year of which must have been a consecutive twelve-month period, unless you have served overseas with HM Forces or in some other official capacity as a representative of Her Majesty s Government, or have lived overseas as a result of your parents or partner s Government employment.) It is essential in your application that you provide evidence and proven examples in each of the following minimum criteria as far as you are able to do so. These responses will be further developed and discussed with those candidates invited for interview. Minimum Criteria A relevant post-graduate degree plus experience working on or in India, e.g. in a multilateral organisation, a non-governmental or private sector organisation, think-tank or academic institution OR a relevant undergraduate degree plus substantial experience working on or in India. Expertise on Indian domestic politics and foreign and security policy is essential. Proven research and analytical skills; sound judgement; and the capability to think strategically. The ability to master large amounts of information quickly and to tight deadlines whilst drawing sound, accurate and salient conclusions. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Meeting the minimum standard of the competences listed below. Competences The competences you will be assessed on at the application stage and during the interview are as follows: Making Effective Decisions Leading & Collaborating Seeing the Big Picture Engaging Internationally Please see the Civil Service Competency Framework for more information about these. Please see below for more information about the FCO Engaging Internationally competency. 5

6 Engaging Internationally Effectiveness in this area is about leading internationally, engaging our staff, contacts and international partners to help deliver UK Government objectives, while living the Civil Service values and serving the UK public. For all staff it s about understanding UK Government aims in the wider UK and international context and developing productive relationships with those external contacts and partners to help deliver UK objectives. All staff are aware of cultural sensitivities in their area of responsibility. Staff build up negotiating expertise through the grades and champion and use language skills where appropriate to deepen impact. Staff value and model professional excellence and expertise. Senior leaders use the same behaviours but operate at higher levels of sensitivity and complexity. Managers have to inspire and empower teams in an international context, being visible and approachable and welcoming challenge, however uncomfortable. Effective Behaviour People who are effective are likely to Represent and advance UK interests and policies. Use knowledge of UK governance, political culture and HMG context to add to credibility. Build and maintain cooperative and productive relationships with an effective range of external contacts. Use the network professionally and sensitively to the benefit of the UK. Have a working knowledge of country context and local sensitivities and invest in capabilities of staff to develop this knowledge. Value and model professional expertise When appropriate, can speak and use a language/s with a high level of proficiency. Negotiate effectively combining logic and reason with interpersonal sensitivity. Seek to create solutions offering mutual benefits. Anticipate problems and be able to respond to the unexpected. Set a good example by working positively in diverse teams, valuing both difference and external experience, showing pride in and passion for our work. Ineffective Behaviour People who are less effective are likely to Lose credibility and ability to influence due to lack of knowledge of UK agenda and context. Be passive in identifying and engaging effective wider stakeholder groups and Not take account of and weigh up changes which may impact on their role and staff. Be reluctant to develop appropriate language skills to increase impact. Unconvincing in negotiation or when challenged. Overly dominant or diffident in discussions. Not model a positive approach in a very diverse environment. Ignore UK Government values. It is imperative that your application form provides evidence of the competences contained in the Person Specification. You will be tested on two of the four competences for this role on the application form. These are Making Effective Decisions and Engaging Internationally. The other two competences will be tested at the interview stage. The Specialist Question will be awarded extra credit as part of the initial assessment of your application. Please note that the FCO carries out name-blind (anonymised) recruitment to help build a more diverse and inclusive workforce. The personal information on your Application form and/or CV will be concealed during the sifting phase and only the names of those who are being invited for Interviews will be made known to the Panel. 6

7 Recruitment Process The FCO has appointed Capita Resourcing, a recruitment agency, to manage the process. Please see the timetable below for indicative dates: Closing date for completed applications Midnight on Monday 6 th November 2017 Panel Interview Week commencing 11 th December 2017 If you are successful at the application stage, you will be invited to attend a panel interview (in person) at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in London. There may be the option to conduct the interview via Skype for overseas candidates. If this is preferred, you must make this clear at the application stage. Candidates will be required to give a Presentation at the Interview and the topic will be given to you 30 minutes before your Interview. Please note that the FCO will not reimburse any travel costs or expenses incurred as part of the selection process. Current FCO staff members are advised that this is an external campaign and, as such, you will be required to go through the same process as all other candidates. If you have any questions or wish to discuss the role or the process further please candidateenquiries@capitaras.co.uk 7

8 Terms & Conditions Salary The total package for this role at C5 is circa 40,000 per annum, depending on demonstration of skills, competence and experience. This figure includes a non-pensionable, non-consolidated Location Allowance of 4,520 (plus a pensionable, non-consolidated Market Forces Allowance (MFA) of 2,052. Please note that existing Civil Servants do not qualify for MFA but should refer to the paragraph below. Future pay awards will be performance related, linked to the annual appraisal process, and may also include a non-consolidated Performance Related Payment (PRP) dependant on the level of performance. All future awards are subject to guidance issued annually by HM Treasury and the Cabinet Office. Existing Civil Servants For existing Civil Servants, the usual FCO rules on starting pay on level transfer or progression/promotion will apply. On level transfer your current salary, excluding any allowances, will be transferred to FCO payroll, subject to the FCO grade maximum. Progression applies if you are being promoted from AA to AO, HEO to SEO or Grade 7 to Grade 6. This attracts a 7.5% increase in current salary or the higher grade minimum, whichever is the greater. Promotion applies if you are being promoted from AA/AO to EO, from EO to HEO/SEO or from HEO/SEO to Grade7/6. This attracts a 10% increase in current salary or the higher grade minimum, whichever is the greater. Terms of Appointment This is a permanent appointment. It is graded at FCO Pay band C5. This role is in the Diplomatic Service of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO). The probation period for this role will be six months. Provided the period of probation is completed successfully the appointment will be confirmed. However, if the standard required for confirmation of appointment is not met then the appointment may be terminated. Former members of the Home Service/Diplomatic Service who are re-instated or re-employed as substantive civil servants after a period of five years or more will be required to serve another period of probation. You will also be required to serve a period of probation if you are re-employed at a band higher than that at which you left the FCO. Hours You will normally work a 5-day week of 42 hours including a daily lunch break of one hour. Pension If you are transferring from another employer who offers the Civil Service pension arrangements you will continue to be covered by those arrangements for the duration of this appointment. Appointees may choose to join the alpha or Partnership schemes offered by the Civil Service Pension Scheme: 8

9 If you join alpha, an occupational pension scheme which provides a defined benefit worked out on a Career Average basis, details of the contributions you will pay are shown below. Employer pension contributions cover the rest of the cost of the scheme. alpha contribution rates from 1 April 2017 Employee contributions Annualised rate of pensionable earnings Contribution rate Employer contributions Annualised rate of pensionable earnings Contribution rate Up to 21,422pa 4.6% 23,000 and under 20.0% 21,423 51, % 23,001 to 45, % 51, , % 45,501 to 76, % Over 150, % 76,001 and over 24.5% Partnership is a stakeholder pension. Members do not have to make contributions. We pay a contribution, as employers, related to a member s age. If a member does make a contribution, we make an additional contribution to match it (up to a ceiling of 3% of annual earnings). Further details of pension options will be provided on appointment. Appointees who are already members of the Civil Service Pension Scheme may have the option to remain within their existing scheme. For further information please see Civil Service Pensions. Leave The paid leave allowance for this post will be pro-rated against an annual allowance of 25 days (5 weeks) rising to a maximum of 30 days leave after 5 years of service. You will also receive 9 days public and privilege holidays per year (pro-rated). The leave year runs from 1 January to 31 December. Nationality and Residency You will be eligible for appointment only if: 1. You are a British citizen; and 2. You have been resident in the UK for at least two of the previous ten years, at least one year of which must have been a consecutive twelve-month period, unless you have served overseas with HM Forces or in some other official capacity as a representative of Her Majesty s Government, or have lived overseas as a result of your parent s or partner s Government employment. Furthermore, to enable the appropriate security checks to be carried out you must have resided for at least three consecutive years in one country. You should be aware that a lack of sufficient background information may preclude you from being granted security clearance. 9

10 Developed Vetting and Other Checks This job requires Developed Vetting security clearance as a condition of employment. If you are successful at interview you will be asked to complete a number of security questionnaires. Employment references will also be obtained. There will be checks on your nationality and other matters, before a formal offer of appointment can be made. Conflict of Interest If you or your spouse/partner has any business interest or conflict of interest with the activities of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office you will be expected to declare this at a later stage. You will also be asked to inform us of any indirect conflict in interest you may have through any other family member or partnerships. Confidentiality You will be subject to the provisions of the Official Secrets Act. Equal Opportunity The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) is committed to equal opportunities. Our officers are recruited on merit through fair and open competition. We seek our strength through diversity and appoint suitably qualified individuals regardless of ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, social backgrounds, age or disability. To help us ensure that our recruitment activity reflects the diversity of British society, we should be grateful if you could complete the equal opportunities section of the application form. However, you are under no obligation to provide these details. The Recruitment Section of the FCO, those administering testing processes and the interview panel will not have access to the information you provide at any point during the recruitment process, nor will it be used as a selection tool. Disability Confident Scheme for Disabled Persons The FCO is an accredited Disability Confident Employer under the government's Disability Confident Scheme, which denotes organisations which have a positive commitment towards disabled people. We guarantee to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role as outlined in the Person Specification in this pack. By minimum criteria we mean you must provide us with evidence in your application form which demonstrates that you generally meet the level of competency required for each competence, as well as meeting any of the qualifications, skills, or experience defined as essential. If you wish to claim a guaranteed interview under the Disability Confident commitment, you should attach a statement to this effect to your application. It is not necessary to state the nature of your disability. Data Protection The FCO takes its obligations under the Data Protection Act seriously. Any data about you will be held in secure conditions with access restricted to those who need it in connection with dealing with your application and the selection process. Data may also be used for the purposes of monitoring the effectiveness of the recruitment process, but in these circumstances, all data will be kept 10

11 anonymous. The ethnic monitoring form is used for monitoring the selection process only. If you do not wish to have these details recorded please return the form uncompleted. If you are unsuccessful, your personal data relating to your application will be destroyed after two years. If you are successful, data will be passed to the FCO personnel team. Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles The FCO s recruitment processes are underpinned by the principle of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should, in the first instance, contact HR Recruitment, Corporate Services Centre, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, PO Box 6108, Milton Keynes, MK10 1PX. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the FCO you can contact the Office of the Civil Service Commissioners. The Civil Service Code Information about Civil Service values can be found in the Civil Service Code. 11

12 Benefits for staff General Benefits for all staff Pay in the Delegated Grades (staff below the SCS) Unlike many Whitehall Departments, the FCO has one unified pay scale for its entire staff, whether you work in London, Hanslope Park or overseas. In-Year Performance Awards Scheme Staff in the Delegated Grades are eligible to receive a bonus and/or non-cash award as an individual or as a member of a team. Awards under the scheme vary from 10-2,000. Special Paid Leave This may be granted when getting married, for paternity, or for compassionate reasons and in some circumstances, for study and exams. Career Breaks and Special Unpaid Leave Subject to operational requirements, these may be granted for a variety of circumstances such as voluntary work, study, nursing a relative etc. Time off in Lieu (TOIL) and Official Travel Time These can be taken if you work in excess of your conditioned hours, with prior agreement of your line manager. Learning and Development The FCO is an organisation that recognises that workplace learning is vital to success and needs to be accessible to all. We strive to create the right environment to empower staff to take responsibility for their own learning and developing both personally and professionally. You will have access to formal and informal learning opportunities to help you develop the right skills, competences and knowledge at the right time. The Diplomatic Academy provides a first class learning facility, ensuring that all staff have the knowledge and expertise needed to represent the UK and pursue the national interest. Free Annual Eye Test These are available up to 25. There may also be a contribution of up to 100 for frames/prescriptions. Flexible Benefits Staff discounts and savings (including cash back options) are available at retailers such as Sainsbury s, Marks & Spencer etc. Give as You Earn You can make a donation to charities that are tax/ni free through Payroll. This is particularly attractive to higher tax earners as this cannot be done through direct donations. Employee Assistance Programme This provides a 24/7 confidential counselling service on such matters as financial problems, childcare, social security benefits, elder residential care etc. 12

13 Pre-Retirement Help Officers considering retirement have access to a one-day workshop and online support offered through Civil Service Learning (CSL) to help consider the financial and life changing aspects of this important event. If pre-retirement is connected with an early exit scheme, access is also given to commercially provided outplacement support. Benefits for staff in the UK Interest Free Loans These can be for a season travel ticket, station car parking or bicycle purchase to travel to work. Childcare Support This is through onsite subsidised nurseries in London and Hanslope Park. Childcare vouchers are available through a salary sacrifice scheme. The maximum value is 243 per month. However, higher rate tax payers who join the scheme will be able to receive 124 a month tax and NI exempt and those paying the additional rate of tax will have the tax and NI exempt amount restricted to 97 a month. Cycle to Work A salary sacrifice scheme whereby employers provide cycles and safety equipment to employees as a tax and National Insurance free benefit. The maximum value is 1,000. Gym Gym facilities are available in London and Hanslope Park with a monthly subscription. Restaurant There are staff restaurants in London and Hanslope Park. 13