View Vacancy - Policy and Corporate Officer, Tortola

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)
Policy

Main purpose of job:

  • To lead on Environment policy for the office;
  • To lead on Chevening Scholarship scheme;
  • To lead on royal and related matters;
  • To deliver corporate services;
  • To lead on small projects.

Roles and responsibilities:

 

Environment policy (40%)

  • To be the expert and to lead on all Environment related matters for the office.
  • Liaise and build relationships with Government of the Virgin Islands counterparts, and represent the Governor’s Office in external meetings.
  • To build relations and work closely with relevant colleagues in DEFRA / FCDO / UK government, Darwin, programme implementation partners, and others as necessary.
  • To have holistic oversight of all Environment policy and programme matters which impact on BVI, maximising opportunities and bridging gaps.

 

Corporate services and executive support (45%)

  • Work with Corporate Service Manager on a range of corporate matters including e.g. annual returns, post gift registers, logistics for nationality applications, and other tasks;
  • HR administration, working with FCDO HR hub in Washington DC;
  • Post accountant;
  • Support delivery of Governor’s Office priorities by providing support to the Governor and Senior Leadership Team;
  • Ad-hoc corporate and admin matters as required, such as mail, ordering stationery, updating intranet etc.
  • Handle public enquiries on the telephone, face-to-face, and managing the Governor’s Office email account. Signpost the public to HMG services as required to e.g. Emergency Travel Documents, visas;
  • Provide consulate-type and immigration assistance to visitors from the UK, signposting to relevant local services wherever possible.

 

 Royal matters (5%)

  • Lead on Remembrance, Jubilee and other veteran commemorative events, including drafting statements and coordinating publication of orders of service;
  • Localise centrally issued plans for deaths of senior royals, work with colleagues to implement;
  • Lead on coordinating with relevant BVI government and FCDO departments for e.g. commemorative coins and stamps, and centenary cards;
  • Lead on all other royal matters as they arise.

 

Chevening scholarships (5%)

  • Lead on the UK’s prestigious Chevening scholarship scheme;
  • Work with comms colleagues and Chevening secretariat to publicise the application process to potential scholars, review and sift applicants, and liaise with successful scholars;
  • Coordinate receptions and media for successful applicants with the Governor.

 

Projects (5%)

  • Apply for and manage small FCDO project funding as opportunities arise, working with colleagues in BVI to identify worthwhile causes and liaising with relevant FCDO teams in London as appropriate to implement;
  • Ensure projects deliver maximum impact and value for money, support Governor’s Office objectives, and all monitoring and reporting obligations are complied with.

 

Resources managed:

None

 

Essential on arrival:

  • Excellent standards of written and spoken English.
  • Good organisational skills.
  • Proactive approach to problem solving.
  • Ability to complete multiple tasks to deadline.
  • Ability to work effectively both as part of a team and with autonomy.
  • Experience of dealing with the public and stakeholders.
  • Excellent attention to detail.
  • Time management skills.
  • Strong administrative skills with excellent working knowledge of Windows and MS Office, especially Outlook, Word and Excel.
  • Flexibility, patience, and ability to deal with difficult situations, including working unsocial hours for official events or in a crisis.

Desirable:

  • Previous experience of a similar position;
  • Experience in project management;
  • Previous knowledge of the British Government and Overseas Territories.
Changing and Improving, Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace, Working Together, Developing Self and Others
9 February 2023
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time
37
Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
British Virgin Islands
Tortola
Governor
1
USD
US $ 61,613.84
23 March 2023

Learning and development opportunities:

The FCDO is a supportive inclusive organisation that offers significant learning and development opportunities, including access to a range of internationally recognised qualifications. 

Some mandatory courses will be required to enable access to systems and to understand the FCDO. 

The job holder will gain access to the FCDO’s International Academy, through which they will be able to undertake a range of learning to develop knowledge and professional skills, including policy, leadership skills, programme management and project delivery.

Working patterns: 

This is a full-time position of 5 working days, 37 hours net per week. Jobholder may need to work unsocial hours in an emergency or crisis or as directed by senior management. Potential to work from home one day a week in agreement with the line manager and in line with business requirements.

The British Virgin Islands are an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom.  Every 3-4 years a Governor representing His Majesty the King is appointed. The Constitution gives the Governor certain responsibilities which include oversight for external affairs, defence and internal security, administration of the courts and terms and conditions of public officers. The Governor is supported by a team consisting of both BVI Government staff and FCDO staff who support the Governor in the execution of his/her responsibilities and enables him/her to carry out their programme of public functions.

Important - Please note:

  • We require a copy of the applicant’s CV and a cover letter.
  • This position is work permit exempt and does not require a pre-existing legal status to live and work in the British Virgin Islands. However, non-British passport holders may require entry clearance and preference will be given to suitably qualified BVI nationals, belongers and residents. Particularly in current times, work is hard to find in the private and public sector and protective legislation ensures expatriates are only employed when no local person is available to fill the job.
  • The Governor’s Office offers a competitive remuneration package including salary, generous leave entitlement, medical package for staff and opportunities for learning and development. Staff recruited locally by the Governor’s Office are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local British Virgin Islands employment law and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office guidance for Local Staff.
  • The posts we offer are not an entry point into the UK’s Diplomatic Service. 
  • The Governor’s Office will not be able to meet the costs connected with relocation if offered a position.
  • Candidates for this role will need to go through security clearances and the offer of a role will be conditional on passing this.
  • A driving licence is vital as there is very limited public transport in the Territory. 


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.