Executive Assistant To The Regional Director (Part-Time)

Main purpose of job:

Be part of the Department for Business and Trade’s (DBT) mission to drive more trade and investment between North America and the UK. With a mature, high spending consumer market and an open, liberal economy, world-class talent and a business-friendly regulatory environment, the UK is the leading destination for foreign investment in Europe, and the second highest investment destination in the world. The UK is also the world’s sixth largest exporter and the second largest services exporter.

We employ over 150 people across North America, all united by our vision of a future where we champion open and fair global trading that drives growth, creates better jobs and higher wages, and improves living standards in the UK and around the world. We seek talented team members with the passion and drive to help us in our mission to build a global appetite for British goods and services; drive investment; negotiate trade deals and open up markets; improve international trading standards and fight unfair trading practices (see www.gov.uk/DBT).

Based at the British Consulate-General Boston, the part-time Executive Assistant provides high-level administrative support to the Regional Director - New England in their work to foster economic opportunities for the UK. You will be required to work flexibly across a range of areas and to cover for colleagues as needed. You will be part of the North America team while working closely with colleagues based around the UK. This is a fascinating and engaging role allowing someone interested in international affairs and business development to work in an exciting diplomatic mission.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Support for DBT and Consulate events to foster economic opportunities for the UK.
• Assist with reporting on team management targets and support the Regional Director on client relationship management needs.
• Support high-profile visits, including UK Ministerial and VIP delegations through scheduling high-level meetings, organising activities, and preparing briefing materials.
• Support forging positive relationships with US and UK business leaders, trade associations, and other key partners.
• Consult with stakeholders to manage and coordinate events (both in person activities and virtual).
• Support cross-team projects to advance UK prosperity and trade policy goals.
• Undertake occasional travel in both North America and the UK.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Arrange client meetings, prepare meeting briefs and attend client meetings as needed.
• Attend key business events occasionally in the evening or early mornings.
• Support the Regional Director with running of local trade and investment team by providing operational and administrative support including arranging travel, managing schedules, report writing, maintaining client and project databases, and assisting with budget management and procurement for the Boston team.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience:

• Experience managing relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to use a variety of online and social media tools.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Teams.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to undertake topical research.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a professional and helpful manner.
• Right to live and work in the US from time of application.
• Must be able to attend events outside of office hours and undertake travel within the North America and the UK up to 10% of your time.
• Fluency in English.
• Demonstrated experience/skills in an Executive Assistant role, or similar coordination role.

Please note: 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 Defence Staff (BDS) outposts accept A or NATO visas.

Required behaviours:

Changing and Improving, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace, Communicating and Influencing, Working Together, Developing Self and Others

Learning and development opportunities:

The British Embassy and its US Network is committed to all employee’s ongoing learning and development needs. We actively encourage learning & development, and as a valued member of our team, will develop a specific plan in collaboration with the successful candidate. We offer a comprehensive platform for personalised learning for everything from soft skill development (communicating with impact, handling difficult conversations, time management) to more technical or professional skills necessary to complete your job (software training, formal qualifications etc.).

Working patterns:

This is a part-time role at 20 hours a week, with the option for flexible hours. The British Embassy and its US Network embraces hybrid working, allowing its staff to typically work from home 2 or 3 times a week. We are an organization that also recognises the critical value of teamwork, and we embrace and endorse collaboration by ensuring that all staff attend the office flexibly yet regularly.

Please note:

Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 6-12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.

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

Internal candidates must inform their supervisor before they apply to a different position.

Only successful candidates will be contacted. Please no phone calls. Due to the high volume of resumes we receive; we cannot guarantee consideration of your application if the submission instructions are not properly followed.

The British Embassy is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and to creating a diverse working environment, free from discrimination, where everyone is included and treated fairly, based on merit alone. We are an equal opportunity employer, making all employment decisions without regard to race, gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or any other criterion protected by law.

Application deadline:

4 September 2023

Grade:

Executive Officer (EO)

Type of Position:

Part-Time, Permanent

Working hours per week:

20

Job Category:

Department for Business and Trade roles (DBT)

Job Subcategory:

Department for Business and Trade (DBT)

Type of Post:

British Consulate General

Region:

Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories

Country/Territory:

United States

Location (City):

Boston

Number of vacancies:

1

Salary:

$28.13 USD/hour

Start Date:

23 October 2023