Main purpose of job:
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a committed and customer focused individual to join the British Forces Post Office (BFPO) team as a Post Office Counter Clerk. This key role supports the delivery of high-quality postal services to the Defence community and reports directly to Head of BFPO 2.
The BFPO provides a comprehensive counter facility offering a wide range of services. These include:
These services are delivered in line with BFPO standards, ensuring secure, efficient and customer focused support.
This is a part time position.
The US Network offers a unique career enhancing opportunity and is committed to supporting its staff through a variety of benefits including generous leave, insurance packages and a highly competitive 401k programme. It also promotes a culture of flexibility which enables people to better maintain wellness through an excellent work/life balance approach that encompasses hybrid working, including working from home and flexible hours, where possible. In this role you would be working in a diverse international environment to support UK diplomats, armed forces personnel and other country-based staff operating across the British Government’s network of Consulates and Government Offices in the United States. This network provides a platform for approximately 30 Government departments and agencies to conduct their work in the United States and is made up of over 900 staff with a rich and diverse background, skill sets, and experiences.
This is a chance to directly contribute to the way in which both Governments collaborate and negotiate. The British Forces Post Office provides customer support to the wider British Defence Staff based at the British Embassy, Washington DC and US sites across North America, providing a high-quality counter service.
The ideal candidate will be a team player and able to work independently, clear/effective communicator, strong attention to detail, with the ability to shift focus with Making Effective Decisions, Communicating & Influencing, Managing a Quality Service, and Delivering at Pace.
Roles and responsibilities:
The Post Office Counter Clerk is responsible for:
Essential on arrival:
Resources managed:
Language requirements:
Language: English
Level of language required: Fluent
Desirable:
US State Department requirements, the UK Government in the US has restrictions on the type of visas our non-diplomatic staff may hold. If you are not a US Citizen or a US Permanent Resident, or the dependent of a diplomat (with an EAD card), you may not be eligible for employment with the UK government. We cannot accept student Visas (J1, F or M) nor other forms of work Visas (I, H, P). If you hold a work visa it is best to check on your eligibility to work for a foreign government before applying for a position.
You may refer to our website for additional information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-the-usa.
All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work.
The British Embassy and its US Network embraces hybrid working. We are an organization that also recognises the critical value of team work and we embrace and endorse collaboration by ensuring that all staff attend the office flexibly yet regularly.
Please note: The British Embassy and its US Network is committed to all employee’s ongoing learning and development needs. 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.).
For open-ended positions only: The UK Government operating in the US offers a substantial benefits package including generous leave, a choice of medical insurance, 401(k) matching up to 7%, extensive learning opportunities and a great work/life balance.
Please note that the tax arrangements imposed by the US on staff working for foreign governments, as well as those imposed by the UK Treasury on British and dual nationals working for the UK Government overseas, are atypical. The UK Government cannot withhold taxes (including FICA) on behalf of a US taxpayer. Instead, a US taxpayer is required to file taxes as if they are self-employed, and a FICA allowance is granted for those required to pay the employer contribution. Certain categories of staff (for example dual UK-US nationals and some visa holders) who work at Consulates General are not subject to US taxes. For those not subject to US taxes the UK Government reduces gross pay to a level broadly equivalent to taxed net pay. There are also social security implications for dual UK-US nationals. Please keep all this in mind when looking at the salary and the benefits package. If you are offered a job with the UK’s US Network you will be given further tax and social security information relevant to your personal circumstances and place of work; you are advised to consider this information and its impact on your circumstances carefully – potentially with the advice of a tax professional - before accepting a job.
Working patterns:
The counter operates from 0830-1300, Tuesday through Thursday. Prior to the counter opening to customers at 0830, there is a requirement to carry out accounts related tasks.
This is a part time position, offering 18 hours per week. The successful applicant will be expected to work Tuesday to Thursday, from 0800 to 1400 each day.
Staff recruited locally are subject to terms and conditions of service in accordance with US, state, and/or local employment law.
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, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or any other criterion protected by law.
Closing date of receiving applications is before 23:55 (Local Time) on 11 July 2025
All applicants must fully complete the online application form, including the sections for employment and educational details, experience, and behaviour-based questions. Only those applications that contain all required information will be considered. To ensure the sift process remains anonymous, please do not include any personally identifiable information in your application form.
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.
Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.
Internal candidates must inform their supervisor before they apply to a different position.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
