DETAILS OF THE POSITION

Applications are invited from interested and suitably qualified nationals of Member States and Associate Member States to fill the following position at the Association of the Caribbean States.

Job Title:    Political Adviser

Level:         Senior Professional
Reporting to:  Secretary General 

Type of appointment:   Full time

Duration of appointment:  Three years (with an option of renewal for two years)  

FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

Under the general guidance of the Secretary General, the incumbent is responsible for monitoring and assessing political developments, cross-cutting issues, current trends and emerging issues with a view to providing early advice to the Secretariat as well as planning and organising all statutory and official meetings.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Serve as the focal point for all matters related to the political environment and activities of the ACS by identifying,  analysing and monitoring political developments, current trends and emerging issues which may affect the political situation and the political impact of intra-regional issues and make recommendations on possible strategies and measures to be taken;
2. Maintain intra-ACS dynamics and serve as central coordinator for all matters and activities related to the Secretariat and Executive Board of the Ministerial Council and the general membership, including organization and coordination of meetings of the  Ministerial Council, the Executive Board of the Council, the Annual Inter-Sessional Preparatory Meeting of the Council, Summits of the Heads of State and Government, official events including interfacing with focal points and Officials as appropriate;
3. Develop, maintain and strengthen external ACS dynamics and serve as central coordinator for all relations with other intergovernmental organisations, both, at the regional and international levels; including, but not limited to United Nations, and all its relevant institutions (UNCTAD, COP, IMO, ILO, UNDP, WBG, UNWTO, ECLAC), OAS, CARICOM, SELA, SICA, OECS, CELAC.  
4. Prepare correspondence including but not limited to agendas, summary reports, declarations in two (2) official languages of the ACS – Spanish, English and French (where applicable);
5. Prepare technical and analytical briefing notes, talking points, speeches or statements for the Secretary General;
6. Support the Secretary General in the development and maintenance of intra ACS political dialogue, including through the proposal of strategy and policy options  that take into account emerging issues, trends and challenges;
7. Manage the calendar and timing of statutory meetings of the ACS and diplomatic missions of the Secretary General in close coordination with Directors and the Conference and Protocol Unit;  
8. Represent the Secretary General or ACS at official meetings, events, workshops and conferences as designated;
9. Provide guidance and, as assigned, oversight regarding portfolios under the responsibility of the Secretary General notably culture, education and crosscutting issues such as the mainstreaming of gender, youth and vulnerable groups and the Sustainable Development Goals;
10. Offer advice and conduct analyses to coordinate, in conjunction with the Directors, the work of the Association and implementation of the work programmes;
11. Prepare reports on activities, programmes and projects undertaken by the Unit in accordance with established guidelines;
12. Submit Official Travel Reports to the Secretary General upon return from official missions;
13. Offer direction  to the Communications Unit as it relates to maintaining awareness and visibility of the ACS and its contribution to Greater Caribbean regional cooperation, to design and implement a Communications Strategy aimed at improving ACS Brand, and improving the visibility of ACS’s presence in the political arena;
14. Participate and follow up on meetings/decisions of the ACS membership bodies under the purview of the Unit; 
15. Perform the function of Chargé d’affaires, a.i. in the absence of the Secretary General and Directors as designated.

KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCIES

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in two (2) of the official languages of the ACS;
• Strong interpersonal skills;
• Excellent organisational, planning and time management skills;
• Tact and diplomatic acumen;
• Accountability;
• Leadership;
• High degree of professionalism;
• Ability to establish and maintain contacts as well as interface with local, regional and international delegates, officials within the Member States, Associate Members and Observers as well as other agencies related to his/her responsibilities;
• Ability to collaborate with persons from different cultures;
• Detail-oriented;
• Ability to plan, organise and supervise the work of support staff;
• Ability to work under pressure in a multi-cultural environment;
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• A Post Graduate degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in fields related to International Relations, Political Science, Public Administration, International Politics, International Economics or other relevant areas;

• At least ten (10) years’ experience at international or regional levels in areas such as political affairs; political analysis, advice and reporting; international relations as well as drafting briefings and speeches for a Senior Official.  

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent is responsible for co-ordinating, managing and overseeing the work of a Unit Assistant. Other duties include training and evaluation; planning and assigning responsibilities.  The incumbent is also responsible for co-ordinating, managing and overseeing the work of the Protocol and Conference Officer, as it relates to statutory and official meetings, official missions, and coordination with Member States focal points.  

TRAVEL

The incumbent is required to travel in the course of his/her duties.

REMUNERATION PACKAGE:

• Monthly Remuneration: US$4,579.80 (tax exempted);

• Purchase of airline ticket to and from Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago for the professional and up to four dependents from the point of origin;

• Repatriation allowance (one-time payment corresponding to basic monthly salary) upon arrival in Trinidad and Tobago;

• Shipping of personal effects from and to point of origin in keeping with relevant guidelines; 

• Group Health Insurance for the Professional and dependants (if applicable).
• Participation in the ACS International Staff Fund (employee - 7% and employer – 14%);          Annual paid vacation entitlement of 25 working days (2.08 per month).

ASSESSMENT:

Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position will include a Competency/based Interview, a Language Proficiency Assessment and an Assessment Exercise.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

Candidates must present the following documents for consideration:

1.Full Curriculum vitae;

2.University degree certificate;

3.Language Proficiency certificates (not native tongue);

4.Names of three (3) referees and contact information.

Applicants must complete the Applicant Job Profile Summary Form included with the website vacancy. Failure to complete the Applicant Job Profile Summary Form will result in automatic rejection of the application. This form must be completed using either Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. Do not attempt to complete this document using any web browser. 

Applications must be addressed to: 

Mr. Rodolfo Sabonge

Secretary General

   Association of Caribbean States

5-7 Sweet Briar Road, St. Clair

PO Box 660, PORT OF SPAIN

Tel: 868-622-9575

Fax: 868-622-1653

And sent by email to: hrcontact@acs-aec.org 

The details stated above outline the nature and level of the tasks normally assigned to this position.  It does not constitute an exhaustive list of these tasks.  Additional related duties may be assigned as necessary for the effective functioning of the Association.

Only electronic applications will be acknowledged. All your submissions via email must not exceed 5MB in size. 

Due to the high volume of applications received, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.  These candidates will also receive notice of the final outcome of the selection process.