Policy Advisor & Translator

Policy Adviser and Translator, New Zealand Embassy Cairo

• Are you good at conducting high-quality political, trade and economic research in Arabic and English, and synthesising key information into written and spoken English
• Do you have a good network of contacts or able to build them in the government, parliament, private sector, academia and civil society
• Do you have experience accompanying visiting delegations and supporting visit preparation and delivery
• Do you enjoy crafting social media content and delivering public diplomacy initiatives
• Would you like to be part of a small and close-knit Embassy team, delivering for New Zealand in North Africa and the Middle East

If this sounds like you.

• The New Zealand Embassy in Cairo is recruiting a full-time Policy Adviser and Translator (English Arabic).
• The focus of this role is Egypt and North Africa political and economic analysis, promotion of NewZealand trade, regulatory analysis, and in-market engagement with visiting New Zealand officials and businesses.
• The role is also responsible for managing the Embassy's social media and leading delivery of NewZealand's scholarship offerings (Manaaki Scholarships).

Who are we looking for

This is a busy and stimulating job which offers the scope to learn more about New Zealand's foreign and trade policy and build your research and policy expertise. The Embassy is a small and friendly team, comprising three NewZealand diplomatic staff and nine Egyptian staff.

We are looking for an openminded, curious, flexible and organised person, skilled at diving into substantive policy detail one minute, and then switching to an operational task the next. In this role you will be expected to think independently, have a good sense of initiative, engage proactively, and offer informed opinions. You'll need a positive outlook and a good sense of humour! Part of being a small team is that we need team players who work collaboratively and collegially under pressure and are happy take on different tasks and responsibilities as circumstances require.

The Embassy is accredited to Egypt, Algeria, Palestine, Lebanon, Tunisia and Libya. The Embassy is part of the NewZealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (www.mfat.govt.nz).

Your work each day could include:

• Desk-based or external in-person meetings for trade and economic research and analysis, drafting policy reports, and providing advice or recommendations.
• Building networks with government officials, the private sector, academics, civil society, think tanks, NGOs or other embassies, directly or in support of the diplomatic staff.
• Drafting visit and event objectives and programmes, preparing participant lists, specifying protocols required during the visit.
• Creating social media content and managing the Embassy's social media channels.
• Communicating with and hosting our Manaaki Scholarships recipients or alumni.
• Translating official documents and interpreting in meetings between Arabic English.
• Drafting official correspondence, including diplomatic notes.
• The role may from time-to-time involve domestic travel (e.g. Alexandria), and there is a remote possibility of international travel (to countries of accreditation or for internal professional development).

What we offer

• We offer a welcoming and professional working environment in Nile City Towers, and an attractive package of terms and conditions.
• The salary range for this role is determined based on skills and qualifications. The starting annual gross salary is USD$15,095. Payment in USD is subject to review by July 2025 more information available on request.
• The Embassy provides medical and social insurance coverage.
• We encourage a happy, healthy and inclusive working environment and enjoy a positive and supportive team culture.

How to apply

Please email [Confidential Information] with the subject Job Application: Policy Adviser and Translator and include the following information:

• A Cover Letter in English (no more than two pages) setting out:
• Why you are applying for the position.
• Examples of how you meet the job criteria.
• Your levels of English, Arabic and French language skills.
• Why you want to work for the New Zealand Embassy in particular.
• A CV outlining your skills and experience.
• The names and contact details of two referees.

The deadline for applications is 12pm, Sunday 25 August 2024 (Egypt time).

• Shortlisted applicants will be invited to complete an interview and a short written assessment (likely in the week of 1-5 September).
• The commencement date is expected to be from Sunday 15 September 2024 (to be confirmed with successful applicant).

Please note:

• This is a position subject to Egyptian local employment law. You need to have the right to work in Egypt to be eligible to apply for this position.
• LinkedIn applications will not be accepted.
• Please note that no telephone enquiries will be answered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Job Description

The Policy Adviser and Translator is responsible for contributing to the advancement of New Zealand's interests by supporting the Embassy's engagement with government officials, local contacts, non-governmental organisations, and the business sector. This includes building relationships with key stakeholders, conducting research and analysis and preparing reports, briefings and other documentation, as well as providing support to relevant visits and events. The position will also provide occasional back up and support on other issues of interest within the remit of the Embassy's work.

Key accountabilities

The position has the following key accountabilities:

Policy research and development

In coordination with Head of Mission (HOM) and Deputy Head of Mission (DHOM),

• Research key trade and economic trends in countries of accreditation as well as political, social, and defence current events.
• Cultivate a strong network of contacts across policy areas of responsibility to inform and promote New Zealand's interests in Egypt and North Africa.
• Monitor, analyse and summarise media sources and websites on key issues of relevance to New Zealand and the bilateral relationship.
• Propose and develop meeting and visit objectives for visits and events, programme logistics, participant lists, and advise on protocols and security needs.
• Effectively use and contribute to the Embassy's map of relationships that matter: decision-makers, policy-makers, thinkers and influencers. Identify new contacts of interest/relevance to NewZealand.
• Respond to general policy and or trade-related enquiries from the public and from local government agencies.
• Support HOM, DHOM and other staff as required on official calls and travel, including preparing briefings for meetings.

Communications and public diplomacy

• Lead the Embassy's social media and communications, including content creation, implementation, and monitoring.
• Assist in identifying and organising public diplomacy and events that promote New Zealand's interests.
• Develop and maintain contacts with appropriate Government agencies, the private sector and businesses, research/academic institutions, media, and other organisations of interest.
• Proactively build a network with counterparts in other diplomatic missions and other New Zealand Government departments and agencies.
• Provide accurate and timely two-way translation for official correspondence, documents, media and other publications.
• Manage the Embassy's modest development projects, including evaluating submissions and project reports, and making recommendations to the Head of Mission.
• Provide accurate interpretation at official meetings and functions with the Head of Mission, DHOM and other staff, Ministers and officials.

The job holder is expected to perform other such duties as can reasonably be regarded as incidental to the position description and such other duties reasonably within their experience and capabilities as may be required from time to time. The job holder may occasionally be required to work extended hours and weekends to meet the needs of the Embassy work programme (e.g. during high-level visits or emergencies).

Skill and qualifications

Applicants must have the following skills and experience:

• Post graduate tertiary qualification.
• Strong research and analysis skills.
• Personal integrity and an honest and ethical approach.
• Experience in developing policy advice and recommendations.
• Ability to work autonomously and within guidelines, demonstrating the use of sound judgement.
• Ability to think critically and analytically, to anticipate issues and problems, and propose creative and effective solutions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Fluency in English and Arabic (and preferably in French).
• Experience in translating official documents between Egyptian Arabic/Modern Standard Arabic and English.
• Experience in interpreting between Arabic and English.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to contribute to a positive team culture and work within a team.
• Competence in Microsoft Office Suite, including strong skills in Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Strong planning and organisational skills, including the ability to prioritise tasks effectively and work under pressure.
• The ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people.
• Strong achievement and delivery focus with high standards of accuracy and attention to detail.