The British Embassy in Ashgabat is part of a worldwide diplomatic network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and is now looking to recruit a Corporate Services Manager.
The Corporate Services team is responsible for the efficient and cost-effective running of the Embassy, in line with the policies and practices of the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the laws of Turkmenistan.
The Corporate Services Manager (CSM) is team leader, providing direction and support to ensure that all aspects of the Embassy’s administration - finance, human resources, estates and other functions – are carried out in good time and to FCDO standards.
What does this role involve?
The CSM is responsible for the overall delivery of corporate services to the Embassy, working closely with specialist staff in FCDO, external contractors and suppliers, and counterparts in other missions. The job is varied: as well as the specific areas of responsibility below, the CSM plays a key role in advising the Deputy Head of Mission and Ambassador on any issue that might affect the Embassy’s working practices or staff. The successful candidate will therefore be someone who can demonstrate adaptability, as well as high levels of initiative and integrity.
The CSM is also the British Embassy’s Pro Consul, providing consular assistance and services to British people living and visiting Turkmenistan.
The CSM reports directly to the Deputy Head of Mission (DHM), who is Consul.
Main Responsibilities:
Finance 30%
Responsibility for managing the Embassy’s budget, including forecasting and monitoring spend within monthly and quarterly deadlines, and end of financial year reconciliation. Ensure that the Embassy has appropriate contract and payment arrangements with Embassy suppliers, reviewing value for money and service standards regularly. Ensure compliance with all FCDO financial controls, including credit card use and cash payments. Line management of the Embassy’s Finance Officer.
Human Resources 25%Ensure that the terms and conditions of staff employment are consistent with FCDO standards and Turkmen law and are reviewed regularly. Champion best practice in the recruitment and induction of new staff, and the regular performance management process followed by staff and their line managers. Promote learning and development, wellbeing and other initiatives that foster a positive working culture for all staff
Estates 15%Oversee works that ensure the Embassy is a safe environment and sufficiently equipped for staff to operate effectively. Manage arrangements for the residential accommodation of diplomatic staff, including leases, maintenance and record-keeping.
Consular Assistance 10%
Provide advice or practical assistance to British citizens who are in Turkmenistan and seek consular support from the Embassy. Support the DHM/Consul in the Embassy’s preparedness for any crisis situation that might occur in Turkmenistan or a neighbouring country.
Other 20%
Lead the corporate services team, supporting the development of staff to carry out their responsibilities to the highest FCDO standards. Support senior leaders in the corporate services aspects of the Embassy’s business planning and governance processes. Maintain the Embassy’s relationships with all government and private institutions whose cooperation is vital to the smooth running of the Embassy.
Working patterns:
This is a full-time, permanent contract. The position is based at the Embassy. Home working is not possible.
The Embassy’s hours of operation are 09:00-17:30 Monday to Thursday; 09:00-15:30 Friday.
In case there is the need for staff to work outside these hours (with their consent) the Embassy offers Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) as compensation.
The successful candidate will receive a comprehensive induction into the Embassy and FCDO and will participate in job-specific training for CSM’s and consular staff.
The British Embassy in Ashgabat is a small but energetic team. We offer our locally-recuited staff a high level of independent working and individual responsibility. We value learning and encourage all staff to make time for their professional development.
All applicants should have the right to live and work in Turkmenistan. The British Embassy does not sponsor permits to work.
The successful candidate will be subject to a professional background check and security clearance, and satisfactory completion of a probationary period of 6 months.
Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to local Terms and Conditions of service. They are also responsible for paying any income tax required by local tax authorities.
Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”.
We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application, since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered.
Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.
*Please note, Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment indicates Level C1 as Mastery or proficiency Level which comprehends that a person can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read; can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation; can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations. For more information please click on the following link CEFR. Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your languages skills are going to be assessed.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
