View Vacancy - Defence Relations Officer (ITA19.374)

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.
Other British Government Departments (Partners across Government, including UK Visas)
MOD (Ministry of Defence)

The British Embassy in Rome is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and is now looking for a Defence Relations Officer to work in the Defence Section to provide a focal point in Defence Section for pol-mil issues and UK-Italy defence relations: to act as an interface between Italy and UK Defence Ministries. Support Attachés in delivery of deepening bilateral Defence relationship: to lead and manage the Italy based members of the Defence Section.  

Main duties and responsibilities:

1. To report, to advise and reply to enquiries/requests from Ministry of Defence (MOD) UK (incl EEUX, DE&S, FMC & Outer Offices), DIT DSO and MOD Italy, attachés and wider Embassy staff;

2. To monitor, analyse and assess trends in Italian defence matters, including defence reform, restructuring and spending, and keep MODUK, FCO, Italy Political Network and Defence Section informed of these trends by:

a) Producing an annual report on the Italian defence budget, with assessment and comment;

b) Providing input, especially on budget matters, as required for: Defence Section reports; for scene-setters for visiting VIPs and delegations; for the Structured Dialogue; for 5-Power NAD Briefings; for diptels; for reporting by the Embassy Political Section;

c) Producing updated Italy Defence Fact Sheets with political, economic and defence/military details, every 3/4 months, and a version for public consumption for DSO DIT Milan;

d) Reporting on any significant developments in defence reform and restructuring as they occur;

e) Maintaining a CV Folder on Italian defence personalities.

3. To contribute to the bilateral relationship and interoperability between UK & Italy MODs and Armed Forces by:

a) Setting up high-level, official visits to Italy by senior MOD visitors together with the DA (briefing material, detailed arrangements and programme);

b) Creating and maintaining good working relationships with contacts in the Italian MOD, in particular with the Defence Minister’s Outer Office, SEGREDIFESA/National Armaments Directorate and Stato Maggiore Difesa;

c) Supporting, maintaining contact and exchanging information with the UK Exchange Officer in the Italian Defence Staff;

d) Facilitating attendance of MODUK defence courses by Italian personnel and keeping track of Alumni with promising careers;

e) Advising on/overseeing support for all UK EOs as regards status and NATO SOFA entitlements;

f) Advising on, and maintaining record of, Italy-UK Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to the Defence relationship.

4. To support and process clearance for British military personnel for their sports activities or charity/cycle rides in Italy and transits through Italy with biathlon rifles during the military ski competition season;

5. To process request For Visits for visitors from Ministry of Defence and defence industry to Italian Defence/ Joint organisations;

6. To contribute to Section team effort to produce guest lists for annual Defence Reception and Queen's Birthday Party;

7. To lead on/coordinate appropriate participation in World War 1 and World War 2 commemorations in Italy (by HM Ambassador, Defence Section Attachés, UK Exchange Officers or others, as appropriate).

8. To advise and support the Italy Star Association, the Monte Cassino Society, the Royal British Legion and other UK veterans’ organizations in their commemorative activities in Italy;

9. To filter enquiries from the Italian public and authorities on a wide range of defence and military matters especially as regards World War 2 and coordinate/write replies, including on behalf of HM Ambassador;

10. To undertake Defence Section Duty Officer responsibilities on a regular basis. Involves out of hours working (conducting by phone/laptop);

11. To provide cover for a specified member of the Defence Section (to be agreed with the Defence Attaché) to ensure business continuity during routine periods of absence, including leave periods.

Learning and development opportunities:

  • Annual visit to Minister of Defence in London for training and updates;
  • Line Management course;
  • British Embassy Rome is a Learning and Development focused organisation.  The job holder will be expected to have a Personal Development Plan and undertake training courses.

Applications will be considered from nationals holding a valid passport from the following countries :United Kingdom, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia.

  • Language: Very high level of oral and written Italian and English is required (C1 equivalent or higher in both English and Italian);
  • Effective line manager;
  • Ability to work independently and make effective decisions;
  • Ability to prioritise effectively and to work at pace;
  • Ability in logical planning with accuracy and attention to detail;
  • Good oral and written communication skills;
  • Strong organizational skills;
  • Ability to create a network of useful contacts in the Italian Defence sector;
  • Knowledge of and interest in political affairs, defence and security issues;
  • Knowledge of MS Windows programmes/IT skills.

  • Proven record of inclusive leadership and team working;
  • Experience of working in a high tempo workplace;
  • Degree;
  • Work experience in the Defence/ Security Sector;
  • Work experience in International organisations/ Embassies;
  • Basic accounting experience.

16 July 2019
Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Full-time, Fixed Term
35
12 months
Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia
Italy
Rome
British Embassy
1
EUR
4,008
30 August 2019

This is a full-time temporary position with a contract of 12 months with possibility of renewal, graded C4 according to the FCO grading structure.

The monthly gross salary is € 4,008.28 The salary is paid monthly 14 times per year including € 10.33 EDR paid 13 times per year, with double salary payments in June and December. If working less than a full calendar year, the additional salary payments will be pro-rata.

Working hours are 35 hrs per week with some flexibility allowed.

The interviews will take place in the week commecing on the 22nd July.

The appointment is subject to security clearance and the successful completion of a 4-month probationary period.

All staff employed by the British Embassy are subject to Italian income tax rate deductions (IRPEF). However, the administration of these tax payments will vary depending on nationality.

The successful candidate will be enrolled in the Italian State Social Security Scheme.

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in Rome are subject to terms and conditions of service according to local Italian employment law.

Applicants must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Italy and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract. The British Embassy does not sponsor for work permits.

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 be advised that the British Diplomatic Missions will not be able to meet the travel costs incurred when travelling to the interview, nor the costs connected with relocation if offered a job.

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.