View Vacancy - Executive Assistant to the Ambassador; External Representation Co-ordinator EO (07/23 ABI)
Main purpose of job: The British Embassy in Abidjan is growing! The Embassy in Abidjan is part of the worldwide UK diplomatic network representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. This is a fantastic new role that has been created to provide effective and efficient administrative and logistical support to His Majesty’s Ambassador (HMA) at an exciting time for the UK in Côte d’Ivoire. The jobholder will be the one of the first ports of call for people engaging with the British Embassy. They will lead on the coordination and management of the Ambassador’s agenda and the Embassy’s external representation, including management of the official Residence, external events, guest lists and related budgets. They will oversee outward-facing service delivery and engagement, including with Ministerial and senior stakeholder offices, customers, visitors and invitees to ensure the UK is projected in an appropriate and professional way. They will also offer telephony and general administration support for the Embassy. The successful candidate will have good judgement, strong interpersonal skills, tact and discretion, and they will be well-organised with the ability to forward plan and to work well independently. The Embassy offers the opportunity to work in a supportive, empowering, inclusive, English-speaking working environment, as well as a good work-life balance, and a fantastic L&D offer. |
Roles and responsibilities: HMA (or Chargé d’affaires) support (60%)
Representational space oversight and line management (15%)
Overseeing external representation of His Majesty’s Government (15%)
Resource Management (5%)
Corporate (5%) · Contribute to the Embassy’s wellbeing and effective functioning (e.g. surprise checks, committee membership, corporate role.) |
Resources managed (staff and expenditure): Line management of Residence Senior Steward, Residence Steward, Residence Steward/Gardener and receptionist/PA/Deputy Ambassador. HMA budgets including travel and business hospitality |
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Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):
The British Embassy in Abidjan prides itself on its strong learning and development culture. We offer fantastic opportunities to our team, and encourage an environment of continuous development and improvement. We provide on-the-job learning, online courses, formal training, mentoring, and the opportunity to learn from colleagues in the region through shadowing, conference attendance and job swaps. British Embassy colleagues can also bid for resources to undertake professional qualifications that will help them deliver effectively in their job.
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Working patterns:
If the job is suitable for flexible working patterns, please provide details:
The job is office-based. Occasional working from home will be permitted with the advance agreement of the Ambassador.
34 per week: Monday - Thursday 08:30 – 16:30, and Fri 08:30-14.30. There is an hour lunch break every day except Friday. Evening or weekend work will occasionally be required – Time Off In Lieu is given for those hours.
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Any other information (or specific local Post requirements):
The British Embassy Abidjan team is growing quickly at the moment, given the UK government’s increasing focus on Côte d’Ivoire. It is a small and friendly team of around 25 colleagues. The embassy comprises trade, political, development, corporate services and consular teams. This role will report to the Ambassador but will work closely with colleagues across the Embassy. The jobholder is a focal point for colleagues and contacts inside and outside the Embassy and it is a pivotal role – enthusiasm, flexibility, organisation and good judgement are essential!
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- Please complete the application form in full as the information provided is used during screening.
- Please check your application carefully before you submit, as no changes can be made once submitted.
- Employees recruited locally by the British Embassy in Abidjan are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Côte d’Ivoire .
- 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;
- Obtain the relevant permit
- Pay fees for the permit
- Make arrangements to relocate
- Meet the costs to relocation
- The British Embassy/High Commission does not sponsor visas/work permits
- 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 Foreign and Commonwealth Office Competency Framework can be found on this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-competency-framework 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 Embassy 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 12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.
This opportunity is closed to applications.