View Vacancy - Executive Assistant to the Defence Attaché (BEL20.023)
The British Bilateral Embassy in Belgium is part of a worldwide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. We are seeking to recruit an Executive Assistant to the Defence Attaché. The Executive Assistant will provide a wide range of administrative, representational and driving support to the Defence Attaché.
Main responsibilities:
- Manage the Defence Attaché (DA)’s schedule of events to maximise effect;
- Coordinate and advise on UK representation at Defence and ceremonial events;
- Respond to all invitations in an appropriate and timely manner and prepare/brief DA for events;
- Undertake some driving duties to and from events across Belgium and Luxembourg;
- Be responsible for route planning and timing to ensure safe and timely arrival (some weekend and overnight trips necessary, mobile IT provided to enable remote working);
- Initiate and monitor Diplomatic Clearances for UK military presence/activity in country.
- Act as point of contact with the Belgian and Luxembourg authorities; process the necessary administrative documents; maintain contact with UK military units;
- Maintain Defence Section accounts and documentation;
- Support the DA as required;
- Act as first point of contact when dealing with public enquiries.
Working patterns:
Subject to the demands of the job, certain flexible working arrangements may be possible.
Some days will require travel for specific events when flexible working will not be possible; however at times and on days when only administrative support is required, it will be possible to make arrangements for either home working or for changed working patterns.
The DA’s diary can change at short notice and so any flexible working arrangements will need to be agreed on a weekly basis.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills;
- Ability to multi-task, plan ahead, and prioritise;
- Ability to work in a high-speed environment
- Ability to drive to a high standard, safely;
- Ability to cope with stress and tight deadlines;
- Ability to deal with foreign authorities;
- Ability to work well within a small team and within the wider Embassy team;
- Abiliityto work with flexible schedules and last minute plannings;
- Desire to work within an international environment.
- Fluency in English
- Fluency in Dutch and/or French;
- Strong inter-personal skills;
- Excellent communication skills;
- Good IT skills, particularly in the use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel;
- Willingness to take initiative, particularly in DA’s absence.
This position will not be affected by the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union
This is a full-time, for 5 working days (36.25 hours net) per week.The monthly gross salary for this position is €3,334.47 A2(L) level.
In addition, we offer an extensive salary package, which includes a 13 month, luncheon vouchers, pension scheme, hospitalisation insurance, reimbursement of public transport and a lot more. We offer more days of annual leave than the Belgian requirements.
Please note that Belgian nationals will be paid their salary gross and are expected to comply with their tax obligations through completion of a tax return to the Belgian authorities. Non-Belgian nationals will receive their salary net, minus the deduction of an equivalent level of Belgian tax retained at source. Further information on this will be given to candidates during the recruitment process.
Staff recruited locally by the British Diplomatic Missions in Belgium are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Belgian employment law.
The successful candidates will be subject to professional background checks and security clearance.
Visa/passport requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Belgium and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract. Additional requirements may become necessary pending EU Exit. If requirements change additional eligibility information will be shared during the recruitment process.
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.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
