View Vacancy - Political Assistant
The British Embassy Doha is part of a worldwide network that represents political, economic, security and consular interests overseas and is now looking for a Political Assistant grade A2 (L) to start as soon as possible.
Main Purpose of the Job:
The Political Assistant will provide administrative, protocol, secretarial and logistical support to the Embassy’s political team, and serve as assistant to the Deputy Head of Mission (DHM). He/she will be responsible for: coordinating and issuing diplomatic notes; diary management and administrative support for the DHM; handling some visa requests; correspondence; information management for political team; and help with organising Embassy visits and events.
The successful candidate will have strong organisation and communication skills, will be able to prioritise flexibly and use their own initiative to deliver to deadlines. He/she will have strong people skills with the ability to work collaboratively within a busy team.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
General administration of Political Section (70%)
- Administrative support for the Head of Political Section;
- Drafting and issuing diplomatic notes;
- Working with Embassy teams to assist in the delivery of Embassy events;
- Handling visa requests sensitively;
- Responsible for Political Section information management;
- Logistical support for external meetings;
- Maintaining and updating contacts for the team;
- Assisting the team with general administrative tasks; and
- Flexibility to respond to Political Section team requirements as they arise.
Personal assistance and secretarial support to the Deputy Head of Mission (DHM) (30%)
- Take on responsibility for administration of the DHM’s office including diary management;
- Correspondence and note-taking; and general logistical support to the running of a busy Embassy.
The above list is not exhaustive and the jobholder will be required to be flexible and take on other ad hoc tasks as required.
Key Competencies:
- Delivering at Pace: Effectiveness in this area means focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes.
- Collaborating and Partnering: People skilled in this area create and maintain positive, professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people within and outside the Civil Service to help get business done.
- Managing a Quality Service: Effectiveness in this area is about being organised to deliver service objectives and striving to improve the quality of service, taking account of diverse customer needs and requirements.
- Changing and Improving: People who are effective in this area are responsive, innovative and seek out opportunities to create effective change.
- High standard of spoken and written English (IELTS score of at least 7 or equivalent);
- Educated to degree level;
- Confident communication and accurate drafting and writing ability;
- Strong organisational skills;
- Previous secretarial or administrative experience;
- Strong people skills with the ability to work collaboratively within a busy team;
- Good customer service skills;
- Ability to work independently, prioritise flexibly and use own initiative to deliver to tight deadlines;
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
- Bilingual level of spoken and written Arabic;
- Experience of interpreting for official meetings.
Working Hours and Remuneration:
The British Embassy offers a competitive remuneration package, including non-negotiable salary of QR 11,785 per calendar month and transportation allowance of QR 800 per calendar month, paid in arrears. A leave entitlement of 25 working days rising to 30 working days; and access to trainings. The contract will be a full time, fixed term for 2 years subject to 6 months’ probation period.
No accommodation and relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position.
Conditioned working hours are 38 hours per week. Embassy working hours are 7.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. Sunday to Wednesday and 7.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. on Thursday. Due to the nature of the work, the successful candidate may be required to work outside normal working hours.
The British Embassy in Doha has an active Continuous Professional Development Committee, and the whole of Post is committed to providing the time and resources for staff to develop professionally. Opportunities to enhance skills during employment may include:
- Digital learning platforms with a range of courses covering economics, international policy and project management
- Job shadowing
- International Academy seminars and presentations by FCDO regional experts
- Informal internal knowledge-sharing sessions (Lunch & Learns)
Further specific development opportunities will depend on the jobholder’s interests and experience.
The successful candidate will need to commence security clearance procedures through the Embassy and will be required to have or obtain the appropriate security clearance before employment commences and maintain this throughout period of employment.
Eligibility:
Applicants must already reside in Qatar and hold the right to live and work there, including those either under spouse sponsorship or be able to transfer an existing sponsorship to the British Embassy.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates must complete the online application form and answer the motivation for applying and competency questions.
** (Your application must include examples of when you have demonstrated the competencies outlined above in your online application form. Applications that are not complete will be rejected).
The closing date for applications will be 10 February 2021 by 23:55 Doha local time. Applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered.
Process:
The recruitment process, including security clearance, is expected to take around two months.
Due to the large amount of applications, the Embassy receives only those shortlisted for interview will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. Applicants selected for interview will be required to complete a translation test as part of the interview process.
The successful candidate will be required to undergo security-vetting procedures. Any offer of employment will be subject to the candidate achieving suitable clearances, medical clearance and reference checks.
The British Embassy Doha is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference. Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy is subject to Terms and Conditions of service according to local Qatari employment law.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
