Recruitment For Personal Assistant at the British High Commission, March 2019

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, 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. We are recruiting to fill the vacant position below:     Job Title: Personal Assistant to the Deputy High Commissioner Ref Id: 05/19 ABJ Location: Abuja Grade: A2 (L) Start Date: 1 May 2019 Type of Position: Permanent Job Subcategory: Private Office Type of Post: British High Commission Job Category: Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Policy & Political roles) Main Purpose of Job

• This is an interesting and varied job working in the Executive Office in the heart of the British High Commission.
• The main focus is to provide an excellent level of administrative support to the Deputy High Commissioner (DHM) and, in collaboration with the High Commissioner’s PA and admin assistant, to support the effective and efficient running of the Private Office.

• Managing DHC’s inbox, sending messages and emails on behalf of the Deputy High Commissioner
• Receiving, dealing with and prioritising meeting requests from internal and external stakeholders
• Receiving official correspondence and drafting replies
• Preparing briefing notes and packs for meetings
• Planning and organising receptions and dinners hosted by the Deputy High Commissioner.
• Managing the Deputy High Commissioner’s diary and daily itinerary

• Collaborating with the High Commissioner’s EA to manage the combined activity and output of the HC and DHC, including diary coordination, internal communications and liaising with Residence Manager
• Support EA/HC during busy periods and leave
• Takes an interest in continually developing administrative processes in their area to improve efficiency
• In addition, the job holder is encouraged to support wider BHC delivery through involvement in, planning and delivery of cross-mission meetings covering both corporate and political issues.

• Previous office experience, with strong IT skills including Microsoft office.
• The ability to write in clear, correct, jargon-free English is essential.
• Experience of dealing with senior stakeholders on a regular basis
• Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written)
• Highly organised, proactive, self-starter, strong initiative

• The High Commission is looking for a candidate with previous office experience, with strong IT and PA skills.
• The successful PA needs to be organised and have strong attention to detail.
• The ability to speak and write in clear, correct, jargon-free English is essential.

• Demonstrate the ability to prioritise well, working between teams and be able to assume responsibility for tasks with minimum supervision;
• Be comfortable in possession of sensitive or personal information, and the associated need for discretion;
• Observe the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s diversity and equality policies.

• Project management experience

• Making Effective Decisions, Collaborating and Partnering, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace

• Please complete the application form in full as the information provided is used during screening.
• Please check your application carefully before you submit, as no changes can be made once submitted.
• The British High Commission will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position.
• Employees recruited locally by the British High Commission in Abuja are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Nigeria.
• All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit.
• The responsibility lies on the successful candidate to:
  • Obtain the relevant permit
  • Pay fees for the permit
  • Make arrangements to relocate
  • Meet the costs to relocation
• The British High Commission does not sponsor visas/work permits except where it may be local practice to do so.
• Employees who are not eligible to pay local income tax: e.g. certain third-country nationals and spouses/partners of UK diplomats will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.
• Information about the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Competency Framework can be found on this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-competency-framework Please note: AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5
• Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted on successful candidates.
• Please log into your profile on the application system on a regular basis to review the status of your application.