Defence and Foreign Policy Officer

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office; Ciudad de México; Presencial; MXN 400,000 - 600,000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

A governmental organization is seeking a skilled individual to lead engagements with Mexican defence bodies. The role requires fluency in English and Spanish, along with a degree in relevant fields. Candidates should have at least 3 years of experience in strategic analysis and a proven ability to build networks. This position is based in Mexico City with a monthly salary of approximately $33,751 MXN and offers a permanent contract.

Formación

• Degree level in relevant subjects such as Law, International Relations, Political Sciences.
• At least 3 years work experience in strategic analysis and reporting.
• Ability to influence and understand diverse positions creatively.

Responsabilidades

• Lead engagement with Mexican defence institutions.
• Monitor and report on Mexico’s defence and foreign policies.
• Coordinate with embassies to enhance international efforts.

Conocimientos

Strategic analysis

Network building

Empathy and influencing

Team collaboration

Bilingual (English & Spanish)

Educación

Degree in Law, International Relations, Political Sciences

Descripción del empleo

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require. Job Category Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles) Job Subcategory MOD (Ministry of Defence) Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

Main purpose of job

Roles and responsibilities

• Lead the Embassy’s engagement with the Mexican Secretariat of National Defence (SEDENA), Secretariat of the Navy (SEMAR), and other relevant defence and security institutions. This includes protocol issues, such as drafting Note Verbales, and ensuring relevant agreements and permissions are in place.
• Monitor and analyse Mexico’s defence and foreign policies, regional dynamics (including the Mexico-US relationship) and international cooperation, and report on what they mean for the UK. This will include using AI tools to produce concise, accurate and timely reports.
• Explore cooperation, training and exchanges with Mexico’s defence and foreign policy institutions that will provide mutual benefit.
• Coordinate with like-minded embassies to increase our effect and to ensure continuity in international defence and foreign policy efforts in Mexico.
• Coordinate closely with Department of Business and Trade colleagues to facilitate defence sales, including providing analysis of the domestic political‑military context and providing introductions.
• Create and maintain a network of contacts to inform your analysis and to influence Mexico’s stance.
• Support the political section’s Head of Foreign Policy in lobbying efforts related to Mexico’s position in multilateral forums. This might include lobbying on diverse topics such as international conflicts, nuclear‑disarmament, disinformation and human rights.
• Organise relevant visits from UK defence and foreign policy stakeholders, including regular visits from the non‑resident defence attaché.

Language requirements

English & Spanish

Level of language required: Expert

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

Essential on arrival:

• Degree level in relevant subjects such as Law, International Relations, Political Sciences, etc.
• At least 3 years work experience in a professional environment related to strategic analysis and reporting on political issues.
• A proven ability to create and maintain a network of contacts and to use those contacts to maximum effect.
• The ability to influence, using empathy to understand others’ positions and incentives and thinking creatively about how to construct common ground.
• Being able to grasp diverse issues quickly, with little prior knowledge, and then presenting those issues coherently and confidently.
• Working as part of a team, treating others with respect and contributing to a positive working atmosphere.
• Fluent written and oral English and Spanish.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

Desirable skills / experience / qualifications:

• Previous experience working with Mexico’s security or foreign policy institutions.
• Experience working with international organisations.

Required behaviours

Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Managing a Quality Service, Seeing the Big Picture

Application deadline 19 January 2026 Grade Executive Officer (EO) Type of Position Permanent Working hours per week 38 Region Latin America and Spanish speaking Caribbean Country/Territory Mexico Location (City) Mexico City Type of Post British Embassy Number of vacancies 1 Salary Currency MXN Salary $ 33,751.00 Type of Salary monthly Start Date 2 March 2025 Other benefits and conditions of employment

Candidates must be able to live and work in Mexico in their own right at time of application.

The successful candidate will be subject to a security clearance and professional reference checks.

Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary, eg some non-local national staff and some spouses or partners of UK diplomatic staff, will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.

Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.