Political Officer

British Embassy Riga is part of a world-wide network of 230 Diplomatic Posts, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. British Embassy Riga is a dynamic, welcoming international working environment with staff from a range of backgrounds and experience. 

We are looking for a Political Officer who will work with the UK Head of the Political Section at the British Embassy Riga. The role will require a self-motivated, politically aware jobholder who can take ownership of key strands of the Embassy’s political reporting, policy engagement and programme work across domestic politics, EU and justice and home affairs, migration/citizens’ rights, Women, Peace and Security, and wider UK-Latvia bilateral priorities.

The jobholder will provide timely, high-quality advice and analysis for the Ambassador and senior leaders both in Riga and London They will build and maintain productive contacts across Latvian ministries, parliament, political parties, civil society, international partners and other key stakeholders, using those relationships and analysis of media and social media to support accurate reporting, effective engagement and delivery of priority visits, events and programme activity. The post sits in a small, busy team and will require flexibility, sound judgement and the ability to deliver at pace.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Political reporting and analysis (35%): Monitor and analyse Latvian domestic politics, including election developments, party politics, parliamentary activity and wider political trends. Work closely with the head of Political to produce concise, impactful reporting and advice for HMA and colleagues in London.

EU, JHA, migration and citizens’ rights engagement (20%): Lead Embassy engagement on justice and home affairs, migration, equality and citizens’ rights issues, liaising with UK departments and Latvian counterparts.

Women Peace and Security and civil society programming (20%): Support development and delivery of Embassy activity on Women, Peace and Security, gender equality, Violence Against Women and Girls and other priorities, including work with civil society, Latvian institutions and implementing partners.

Programme and project delivery (15%): Help manage small projects and programme activity, including due diligence, partner engagement, delivery monitoring and reporting, ensuring activity supports Embassy and Country Business Plan priorities.

Visits, events and corporate contribution (10%): Support priority Embassy visits, HMA engagements, events and wider team tasks, including coordination, briefing, stakeholder handling and follow-up.

Essential on arrival:

• Fluency in English and Latvian, both written and spoken, at minimum of a C1 level according to CEFR*.
• Expert knowledge of Latvia’s political system, institutions and political parties.
• Proven ability to produce concise, high-quality political analysis and reporting.
• Sound judgement, strong political awareness and the ability to handle sensitive issues appropriately.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to deliver high-quality work at pace.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, work flexibly and contribute effectively within a small team.  

This is a full-time, permanent position. Working time is 37.5 hours per week (net).

Embassy provides all its employees the following benefits:

• Two additional annual leave days on top of those mandated by law.
• A combination of Latvian and UK public holidays - 14 working days-off per year.
• Comprehensive Health Insurance that among others also includes dental care and sports.

The British Embassy has an active learning and development culture and there will be opportunities for informal training and shadowing. We offer a wide range of learning and development opportunities, including contract and programme management training, and broader learning linked to our International Academy. 

The Embassy offers: job-specific training; job-shadowing/learning from more experienced colleagues in the network; five development days per year; a wealth of learning & development opportunities provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

The British Embassy takes learning and development seriously.  We have an active L&D Committee which promotes different ways of learning, as well as offering Diplomatic Academy sessions and bringing in formal courses.  In this role in particular you will continue to develop your media engagement experience; develop (or acquire) diplomatic skills; enhance your leadership, policy, and problem-solving skills; and strengthen your team leadership.  

The successful candidate will be subject to professional background and security clearance. 

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in Riga are subject to terms and conditions of service that are in line with the employment laws in Latvia.

Visa/work permit requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Latvia and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract.

Nice to have:

• Experience working with government, parliament, civil society and/or international organisations in Latvia.
• Knowledge of EU, Justice and Home Affairs (JHA), migration, human rights and/or Women, Peace and Security (WPS) issues.
• Experience supporting the delivery of programmes, projects, high-level visits and/or events.
• Knowledge and understanding of the UK and its political and institutional context.

Required behaviours  

Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Seeing the Big Picture, Working Together

Application deadline  15 September 2026

Grade  Executive Officer (EO)

Working hours per week  37.5 hours net per week

Region  Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia

Country/Territory  Latvia

Location (City)  Riga

Type of Post  British Embassy

Salary  EUR 2,651.12 (gross)

Start Date  1 November 2026

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements to live and work in this country.

Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”.

We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application, since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered.

Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.

Please be advised that the British Embassy will not be able to meet the travel costs incurred when travelling to the interview, nor the costs connected with relocation if offered a position.

*Please note for more information on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment levels  please click on the following link CEFR. Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your language skill is going to be assessed.

The start date mentioned in the advert is only indicative. The date is flexible subject to the successful candidate clearing the Security checks and also based on their availability to join at the earliest.

Please ensure that your application is authentically written based on your own experiences. If AI tools are used, their usage must only be limited to specific tasks such as ensuring formatting consistency and keyword relevance. The core content, personal narratives, and responses to behaviour and skill-based questions must genuinely reflect your professional journey, experiences, and achievements. We place great importance on originality and individual effort throughout the application process. Any form of plagiarism will result in immediate disqualification.