Have you got what it takes to explain economics to foreign policy makers? The FCO recruits economists who can apply their skills to policy issues in international macroeconomics, financial markets and trade and development. If you are recruited as an economics graduate, you could spend two years in London working on global economic policy or EU issues. Soon after, you'll head overseas to a key G8 or EU partner or to a major emerging or developing market. There you could be the UK’s eyes and ears on key economic issues, and promote the government’s international priorities.
Afterwards, you would have a range of economic jobs to choose from in London and overseas.
Economists with professional experience are also recruited from time to time, when vacancies arise. All appointments are made by fair and open competition. For information about vacancies and applications, see the Government Economic Service website.
Research Analyst roles provide an excellent opportunity to become one of Whitehall's leading experts on an area of foreign policy. To illustrate, there have been recent recruitment campaigns in the fields of International Terrorism, Africa, the EU, South Asia and the Middle East Peace Process. Research Analysts provide the FCO with value-added research and analysis of political, social and economic developments.
They provide historical and forward-looking perspectives, challenge received wisdom where necessary and ensure that FCO and wider-Whitehall customers are aware of what outside experts are saying about the subject. Research Analysts undertake research visits and participate in relevant academic events both in the UK and overseas.
Applicants should have a broad and extensive understanding of their field. Those without a postgraduate degree in a related subject and/or directly related work experience are unlikely to be considered.
For some vacancies, candidates will be required to have good operational language skills – this will be identified in the advert. Successful Research Analysts are strong team players with good interpersonal skills and self-motivation. IT skills and experience in data storage and retrieval are desirable.
Research Analysts are recruited based strictly upon operational need. Adverts for these roles are placed throughout the national and specialist media. Our current vacancies page is the best method of keeping informed of any Research Analyst vacancies.
The safety and security of our overseas staff and Embassy / High Commission buildings are of the utmost importance to us. Overseas Security Managers (OSMs) play an important role in making this happen. A career as an OSM in the Diplomatic Service offers you a chance to see the world while doing work that makes a difference to Britain and British people.
OSMs spend most of their time working in our Embassies and High Commissions overseas and could be responsible for everything from operating electronic security systems to organising the special security needs of VIPs. Management is an important part of the job; OSMs may be asked to manage a guard force in countries where the guard's knowledge of English cannot be assured. Training is provided throughout an OSM's career to help learn new skills and develop existing ones, including foreign languages. In order to become an OSM, you should possess previous experience in security professions and/or the armed forces as well as three GCSEs or equivalent (including both Maths and English).
OSM positions are recruited for only when the operational need arises. All available positions will be advertised on the current vacancies page.