View Vacancy - PA to the Deputy High Commissioner AO (06/23 ABJ)

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

Main purpose of job:

This is a busy and varied job, working in the Private Office Team in the heart of the British High Commission.  The main role is to provide excellent administrative support to the Deputy High Commissioner (DHC) and, in collaboration with the High Commissioner’s Chief of Staff and the rest of the team, to support the effective and efficient running of the Private Office.

Roles and responsibilities:

  • Managing the Deputy High Commissioner’s diary and daily programme (including practicalities such as transport)
  • Receiving, dealing with and prioritising (in conjunction with the DHC) meeting and public appearance requests from internal and external stakeholders.
  • Managing official correspondence and drafting replies
  • Ensuring briefing packs are collated for official meetings and appearances
  • Planning and organising receptions and dinners hosted by the DHC
  • Taking and circulating minutes for meetings chaired by the DHC
  • Collaborating with the High Commissioner and Development Director’s PA’s to ensure co-ordinated use of their time
  • Support other seniors during their staff’s leave
  • The job holder is encouraged to support wider BHC delivery by playing a full role in the mission and ensuring Private Office procedures are as efficient as possible

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

Nil, although keeping track of DHC’s travel and entertainment budget.

  • At least 2 years previous experience in a large office.
  • Strong English language skills with the ability to both speak and write clearly and fluently.
  • First Degree 2:2 or higher. 
  • A strong track record as PA to a busy senior executive.
Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace, Working Together
20 March 2023
Administrative Officer (AO)
Permanent
35
Africa
Nigeria
Abuja
British High Commission
USD 1,576.87
1 May 2023

Learning and development opportunities: 

The BHC provides good learning and development opportunities, both formal and informal.  If official travel is undertaken in Nigeria appropriate training is given, including first aid and travel planning.

Working patterns:

This is a full time Mon-Fri office based job although there is some flexibility to work from home on occasion. Occasional evening and or/weekend work is required e.g. to support DHC and wider High Commission functions.

The post holder must have confidence in dealing with a wider range of stakeholders, including senior staff in the High Commission, the Nigerian MFA and the FCDO in London.

  • Please check your application carefully before you submit, as no changes can be made once submitted.
  • 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;
  1. Obtain the relevant permit
  2. Pay fees for the permit
  3. Make arrangements to relocate
  4. Meet the costs to relocation
  • Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount.  
  • Information about the Civil Service Success Profiles can be found on this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/success-profiles
  • Please note:  AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5
  • Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted on successful candidates.
  • The British High Commission will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position.
  • Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 6 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate”.
Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

This opportunity is closed to applications.