Senior Political Analyst

Location:  Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Deadline: 06 May 2026

Job Description

Main purpose of job:

British Embassy Addis Ababa is one of the UK’s largest posts in Africa. Its work covers a raft of issues spanning security and conflict, managing a complex bilateral relationship, humanitarian aid and access, and stopping illegal migration.

You will lead on synthesising HMG’s understanding, influencing and reporting on Ethiopia’s complex internal politics. This role will work to the Head of Political, covering the closely linked issues of Ethiopian internal politics and conflict dynamics.

Your job would be to connect Ethiopian priorities with HMG approaches in Ethiopia, getting under the skin of Ethiopian politics and understanding the UK’s role in delivery.  Building and maintaining networks with contacts across the country is essential. You will also need to work closely with external political and conflict colleagues given the cross-border linkages and national security interests.

This is an exciting, challenging role in which the job holder will have the opportunity to develop political skills and apply analysis to delivery. The successful candidate will gain experience linking up policy from London and at Post, producing effective reporting on high priority topics, leading a policy area as well as some travel in the country.

This is a perfect role to hone key analysis and diplomacy skills including developing relationships with senior interlocutors, producing timely reporting, and developing policy/strategy on key issues. There will be opportunities – and encouragement – to take forward your own initiatives.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Lead advisor in the British Embassy on political developments within Ethiopia and in the Horn of Africa.
• Provide written reporting and oral briefing in English to senior stakeholders including the Ambassador and senior officials in London.
• Work with political team colleagues and teams across the British Embassy to advise on the political implications of development and cultural programmes.
• Lead political analysis of Ethiopian and Horn of Africa politics; to identify trends and developments as well as communicate.
• Engaging with colleagues from across the Embassy to advise on the political implications of their work on a range of issues.
• Building a range of networks within Ethiopian and Horn of Africa politics through effective engagement, visits and events.
• Take on various corporate responsibility roles.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

• Fluent Amharic and English.
• Experience of working with challenging stakeholders’
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Experience of building networks outside your organisation
• An interest in conflict dynamics, and the politics of Ethiopia and neighbouring states
• A proactive approach and a ‘can do’ attitude
• A proven track record of professional, high-quality reporting and analysis.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

• Experience of political reporting in Embassies based in Addis Ababa is desirable.
• Knowledge of other Ethiopian languages such as Afan Oromo or Tigrigna would be an advantage.

Required behaviours

• Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Seeing the Big Picture.

Other benefits and conditions of employment

• BE Addis offers L&D opportunities to all staff, providing opportunities to develop job and career skills.

Additional information

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