Executive Assistant to the Ambassador

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.

Job Category

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Operations and Corporate Services)

Job Subcategory

Private Office

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

Main purpose of job:

The successful candidate will provide administrative, secretarial and ad hoc policy support to the Ambassador. As Office Manager, they will ensure the smooth running of the Ambassador’s Executive Office.

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

This is a busy and interesting role at the heart of a large Embassy, and offers exposure to some of the most important and high profile issues in the US/UK relationship. The job holder will be a key member of a friendly and approachable team led by the Ambassador’s Chief of Staff. They will work closely with a variety of staff across the Embassy, Ambassador’s Residence, the Consulate General network across the US, as well as with colleagues in London.

Core duties include effective office administration, quality control of written products that reach the Ambassador, hospitality and travel arrangements, fielding telephone calls and enquiries, and managing the Ambassador’s correspondence. Each day varies and the job holder will need to demonstrate flexibility. The right candidate will find plentiful opportunities to expand the role and develop a wide variety of experience.

The jobholder will manage the Ambassador’s personal administration, working closely with the Diary Secretary, and will also provide support to the Deputy Ambassador’s Assistant on an ad-hoc basis (ie as leave cover). As Office Manager, the job holder will ensure the smooth running of the Executive Office, including everything from greeting high profile visitors to ensuring the office is clean and tidy. A proactive attitude is a must.

The job holder may also be required provide support to the Deputy Ambassador and his Executive Assistant when the Ambassador is travelling. There may also be opportunities to travel with the Ambassador, as well as attending and minuting meetings in and around DC.

This is a full time job, and typically 9-5, but as we are largely subject to the Ambassador’s diary, the job holder will need to be flexible should support be required outside of these hours (overtime applies).

Duties and Responsibilities:

Typing and dictation of letters, speeches and emails to screen.
Collating and coordinating comments and input from across the Embassy where needed. Quality control and proof-reading of documents before they are issued.
Managing all incoming and outgoing correspondence, producing drafts for the Ambassador where appropriate.
Making travel arrangements for the Ambassador’s visits to the UK and US domestic travel.
Support the Chief of Staff in budget monitoring and administration.
Deputise for colleagues as required.
Act as first point of contact for phone calls and general queries.
Proactive archiving of the Ambassador’s correspondence (email etc).
General office management including logging the Ambassador’s travel, leave, gifts and monthly activities; stationery orders, shredding, data management, maintaining the Ambassador’s contact lists.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

Minimum Qualifications/Experience:

2-3 years substantive experience in relevant positions is preferred.
Excellent secretarial skills, including touch and/or speed typing and proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite.
Excellent organisational skills and a keen eye for detail.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to multi-task and work as a team player.
Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to be professional, courteous and deal directly with senior level contacts both inside and outside the Embassy.

Under US State Department requirements, the UK Government in the US may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Permanent Residents or A visa holders with EAD cards*. If you hold a visa other than an A visa you are not currently eligible to work at our office. Please refer to our website for information on exceptions to this policy at www.gov.uk/government/world/usa.

All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work. *A visas are acceptable at the Embassy and Consulates. The UK Mission to the UN (UKMIS) accepts G visas, and British Defense Staff (BDS) outposts accept A or NATO visas.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

Desirable:

Congressional experience

Required competencies

Seeing the Big Picture, Collaborating and Partnering, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace

Application deadline

15 March 2022

Grade

A2 (L)

Type of Position

Full-time, Permanent

Working hours per week

Region

Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories

Country/Territory

United States

Location (City)

Washington

Type of Post

British Embassy

Number of vacancies

Salary Currency

USD

Salary

$26.35

Start Date

9 May 2022