View Vacancy - Executive Assistant to the Counsellor for Foreign Policy, Security and Migration (FRA25.369)

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. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
Political

Who are we?

The British Embassy in Paris is part of a worldwide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and is currently recruiting an Executive Assistant to the Counsellor for Foreign Policy, Security and Migration.

Main purpose of the role:

This is a unique and fast-paced role within the Embassy. The team is a dynamic and high-performing unit that handles some of the most pressing priorities across the FCDO, Home Office, and wider Whitehall. Its remit spans a wide range of high-profile and sensitive issues, including foreign policy, counter-terrorism, national security, justice, and migration.

Main responsibilities:

Diary Management (60%)

  • Proactively manage the Counsellor’s diary and inbox: scheduling internal and external meetings, advising on priorities, flagging deadlines, following up on actions, preparing meeting materials, and taking notes as needed.
  • Liaise with contacts in key French and UK government departments to coordinate logistics for meetings and events. Share relevant information with Embassy teams and UK departments in a timely and accurate manner to support planning.

Event Coordination and Travel Planning (10%)

  • Support the successful delivery of events, working closely with the wider team, Residence, and wider Embassy colleagues
  • Manage travel arrangements and itineraries for the Counsellor’s external visits and for incoming visitors to the Embassy.

Team Support (20%)

  • Provide administrative support to the Foreign and Security Policy Counsellor in their role as Chair of different committees, including the Joint Serious and Organised Crime (JSOC) partners meetings.
  • Assist in ensuring the smooth operation of the wider team

Office Management (10%)

  • Support budget-related tasks for the Counsellor and wider team, including forecasting, tracking/chasing deadlines, and advising on under/overspend and reallocations.
  • Manage practical office needs such as ordering supplies and catering, escorting visitors, processing expense claims, and maintaining accurate records of business expenses and hospitality for quarterly publication.
  • Fluency in written and spoken French and English (C1 level according to CEFR), with the ability to translate and proofread accurately
  • Significant administrative experience, including experience in office and budget management
  • Previous experience in a similar role as Executive Assistant/Personal Assistant
  • Experience in office and budget management
  • Strong organisational skills and proficiency in IT tools (MS Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
  • Experience engaging with senior and external stakeholders
  • Attention to detail and a proactive approach
  • Confidence and ease in initiating contact with new stakeholders and persistence in achieving objectives
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
  • Demonstrated adaptability under tight timelines and changing circumstances
  • Proven problem-solving abilities and capacity to perform well under pressure
  • Experience in event management
  • Previous experience working in an international organisation
Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Making Effective Decisions, Working Together
23 November 2025
Administrative Officer (AO)
Full-time, Permanent
35
Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia
France
Paris
British Embassy
1
EUR
3,872 gross
monthly
12 January 2026

This is a full time, permanent contract. The position is based on a 35/h week. The monthly salary is 3,872 € (gross). In addition, staff receive meal contribution.

All appointments are subject to professional background check satisfactory security clearance. The successful applicant will be required to provide a copy of his/her passport or national identity card for all nationalities held, an up-to-date criminal record (casier judiciaire) for recent countries of residence (which can be obtained online at https://www.cjn.justice.gouv.fr/cjn/b3/eje20), two written proofs of address (utility invoices and/or bank statements) and two references.

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in Paris are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local French employment law and FCO guidance for Local Staff. The posts we offer are not an entry point into the UK’s Diplomatic Service.

Your application will only be considered if you follow the guidance below:

  • Your application must be sent in English only.
  • Your application must clearly indicate all nationalities you hold.

The successful candidates will be subject to professional background checks and security clearance.

The start date mentioned in the advert is just an expected start date. The appointment can start earlier or later depending on several factors.

Visa/work permit requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in France and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements to live and work in this country.

Learning and Development opportunities: The France Network puts a very strong emphasis on L&D and the jobholder will be able to benefit from opportunities offered by the Diplomatic Academy and civil service learning, as well as informal opportunities within the Embassy on topics.
The successful applicant will be encouraged to be actively involved in the corporate life of the British Embassy, contributing to the wider objectives of the British Government’s through the France network and supporting the British Embassy’s positive working environment.

Working Pattern: The position is based on a 35 hour working week.

This is a full-time position. Our team works flexibly, including some time working remotely. However, in line with current policy, the job holder will be expected to be in the office at least 60% of the week – and more often when required e.g. during events or when filming is required.

Equal employment
We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or gender identity. We particularly encourage applications from candidates with protected characteristics. The FCDO France Network want to maximise the potential of everyone who chooses to work for us, regardless of their background.

Further information
Our recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of appointment on the basis of fair and open competition and appointment on merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles.

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 note for more information on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment  levels  please click on the following link CEFR. Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your language skill is going to be assessed.

The British Embassy Paris wants to create a diverse, inclusive and friendly environment in which people can perform at their best because they feel supported; are able to be themselves in the workplace; and have opportunities to develop and grow. We want all our colleagues, regardless of grade, background or experience, to share our strong sense of purpose and ambition to deliver the best possible outcomes.  

We know that diversity of background, experience and thought will help us achieve our goals. We actively encourage applications from colleagues from Minority Ethnic and underrepresented backgrounds and from groups with protected characteristics.

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.