Political Economy Adviser

Main purpose of job:

The role of the Political Economy Adviser involves facilitating, advising and steering high-level political engagement of senior HMG stakeholders. This is a role ideally suited for those with expertise, experience and a passion for India, its politics, society, and culture and who are motivated to continue to grow on the job.

The holder of this position will help senior HMG stakeholders understand Karnataka, its politics, economy and society and its role in Indian national politics, in support of both UK-India bilateral and UK global priorities. The jobholder shall proactively analyse and report on state politics, its implications for both Karnataka’s and Indian economy and society, as well as its impact on UK interests in India.

The jobholder will identify and secure funding for projects and lead on delivering them

The job holder reports to the Deputy Head of Mission in Bengaluru and works closely with the British Deputy High Commissioner in Bengaluru and Head of the India Bilateral team in the Political Department in the British High Commission, New Delhi, as well as the network of Political Economy Advisers across India.

We reserve the right to review, revise or amend the roles and responsibilities from time to time reflecting the changing needs of business.

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve:

Reporting, Analysis and Relationship Management (50%)

Political & Economic Reporting and Analysis:

• Timely analysis of key political and economic developments (eg. state Budget, economic survey, major policy announcements etc), and analysis of longer-term trends in Karnataka and India, and their impact on UK interests.
• Nurture and develop a wide network of contacts, particularly within government, political, legislative, and parliamentary, think-tanks, and media in Karnataka.
• Advise on targeted engagement with key stakeholders and lead on strategic relationship management.

Chevening Programme & Projects (30%)

• Contribute to the Living Bridge agenda by leading on the Chevening programme and University outreach activities in the region. Effectively promote the Chevening programme in the region; strengthen the existing alumni network to enhance UK soft power; promote the UK education offer; and foster collaboration between educational institutions in UK and India to further strengthen people to people links.
• Identify projects and implementing partners in support of UK objectives; work up project proposals and secure funding; oversee projects, ensure delivery of objectives and follow up as required.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure): (10%)

• Line management responsibility of one member of staff

Cross-department support and Corporate contribution: (10%)

• The job holder shall be expected to collaborate with colleagues across our seven Deputy High Commissions, especially at times of high volume of work, developing ideas for visit and event programmes and support and sometimes lead on implementing them. This necessarily requires the ability to work collaboratively. We also expect the jobholder to voluntarily take on a corporate objective.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

Line Manage EO, Press and Communications

Learning and development opportunities:

The FCDO offer a wide range of learning and development opportunities throughout the year.

Essential on arrival:

• Bachelor’s/Post graduate Degree
• The successful candidate should be able to produce written work that is concise, timely, and reflects a clear understanding of a UK audience’s needs. Deliver briefings and presentations in a confident and professional manner.
• The successful candidate would have at least 5-6 years of relevant working experience, knowledge of and familiarity with Indian politics, society, governance structures, and institutions.
• Demonstrate you bring with you a broad-based political contact network and can leverage BHC contacts in support of the UK’s policy objectives in India.
• Understand the needs of a diverse range of customers both within the High Commission, and at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in London

Language Requirements:

• Language: Written and oral English and Kannada
• Level of language required: Expert
• Knowledge of Hindi is desirable

Application Deadline - 9th October 2025 - 23:55 hrs IST