Executive Assistant To Counsellor And Deputy Head, Foreign, Security And Development Section And Assistant To His Majesty’s Ambassador/Deputy

Main purpose of job:

This is an exciting EA role which supports the work of the some of the Embassy’s most senior diplomats – namely, the Ambassador and Deputy Ambassador, and the Foreign Policy team’s senior leadership. Your time will be split between these principles:

You will be Executive Assistant to the Counsellor, and to the Deputy Head of the British Embassy’s Foreign Security and Development Section (FSDS). You will provide diary support, liaise with internal and external contacts/their offices to arrange meetings (virtual and in-person), provide general administrative duties and logistical support and enable the smooth running of the wider Section.

You will provide similar support to the Executive Office (Private Office as it is known in Embassy), which supports the work of the Ambassador and Deputy Head of Mission. Private Office is a team of four, led by the Ambassador’s Chief of Staff. You will be expected to cover a variety of roles within the team, including during team absences.

This is a busy and interesting Executive Assistant position, working with a wide variety of stakeholders, including: the Ambassador’s Private Office, colleagues across the Embassy, Consul Generals (CGs) (and their teams) across the US Network, the staff at the Ambassador’s residence and the offices of external Embassy, Administration and contacts (e.g. State Dept., NSC, Think Tanks and other DC embassies).

FSDS is one of the largest sections in the Embassy and leads work on the UK’s top foreign, security and development issues. Private Office is at the heart of all Embassy activity and offers unique insight into the highest priorities of British Government, and a wealth of opportunities for professional development. The ideal candidate for this position will be a reliable self-starter with strong organisational and communication skills and who takes a pro-active and flexible approach to their work. Tact, good judgement, and discretion are essential to the role.

The US Network offers a unique career enhancing opportunity and is committed to supporting its staff through a variety of benefits including generous leave, insurance packages and a highly competitive 401k programme. It also promotes a culture of flexibility, which enables people to better maintain wellness through an excellent work/life balance approach that encompasses hybrid working, including working from home and flexible hours, where possible. In this role you would be working in a diverse international environment - UK diplomats, armed forces personnel and other country based staff operating across the British Government’s network of Consulates and Government Offices in the United States. This network provides a platform for approximately 30 Government departments and agencies to conduct their work in the United States and is made up of over 900 staff with a rich and diverse background, skill sets, and experiences.

The ideal candidate will be a team player, a clear/effective communicator, with strong attention to detail, and an ability to shift focus to meet changing priorities/work demands. A background in team work and /or as an EA would be useful.

Learning and Development Opportunities:

The British Embassy and its US Network is committed to all employee’s ongoing learning and development needs. We offer a comprehensive platform for personalised learning for everything from soft skill development (communciating with impact, handling difficult conversations, time management) to more technical or professional skills necessary to complete your job (software training, formal qualifications etc.).