Political and Policy Adviser, British Consulate Rio de Janeiro

About the role

The British Consulate in Rio de Janeiro is looking for a Political and Policy Adviser to join its Political team. The role supports the team in developing the UK's political engagement, analysis and reporting in Rio de Janeiro state and city, and acts as the Consulate's policy adviser on UK policy interests at local level. It advises the Consul General and bridges Rio's political, academic and civil society networks with UK objectives.

Key responsibilities

• Rio Political (45%): support the Rio political strategy; monitor and report on politics in Rio de Janeiro state and city; identify relationships with state government, City Hall, ALERJ, the City Council, Congress and Senators, parties, the judiciary and the legal community; advise the Consul General and lead political programming for senior visits; support FCDO ministerial visits; contribute to national political reporting and election coverage.
• Policy coverage (35%): act as the focal point for priority UK policies at local level; work with Foreign Policy leads in Brasilia to connect with think tanks, research centres and universities and report on Brazilian foreign policy debate; adapt to changing priorities such as visits, events and busy periods.
• Cross-network and partnership delivery (20%): support the Consul General's soft power and cultural engagement; coordinate with the Political Adviser in São Paulo and colleagues in Brasilia; represent the Consulate at official functions, academic events and meetings.
• Manage resources including staff and expenditure, and line manage 1 intern.

Required profile

• 3 years of experience in politics, public policy, international relations, public affairs or a closely related field.
• Excellent spoken and written English and Portuguese.
• Legal right to live and work in Brazil.
• Desirable: experience in a multidisciplinary mission and confidence with digital tools for analysis, tracking and data visualisation.

Required skills

• Clear, evidenced political and policy analysis for senior readers.
• Building and sustaining a network of external contacts across the political spectrum.
• Prioritising across a wide range of policy issues with limited supervision.
• Sound judgement on politically sensitive information and relationships.

What we offer

• Permanent full-time position (36 hours per week) starting 1 April 2027, with a monthly salary of BRL 11,480.38.
• Health and dental care, life insurance, bus transportation allowance and meal vouchers.
• Flexible working, a generous leave package and learning and development, including the FCDO International Academy.
• Reserve list for unsuccessful appointees; salary abatement for staff not liable to pay local income tax.