View Vacancy - Accountant, Corporate Services Manager and Consular Officer (02/22 CKY)

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.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Operations and Corporate Services)
Corporate Services Support

Main purpose of job:

The main purpose of the job is to run the Embassy’s financial accounts, lead on management of the Embassy’s estate, and provide consular advice and assistance to British Nationals in Guinea. 
This role is critical to ensuring effective use of Embassy funding – helping the Ambassador and other staff to deliver on overall Embassy objectives – and ensuring a good operating environment for staff to work and live in.  It is also a key role in terms of delivery of professional and high quality front line services to British Nationals in Guinea, with a particular focus on the most vulnerable. It will require empathy in dealing with distressed people, as well as the determination to seek solutions to difficult situations. The Embassy team is small and every member of staff has a critical role to play, both in their own position and in helping others.

Roles and responsibilities:

Accounts:

  • Management of the Embassy accounts including payroll processing.
  • Action to ensure value for money in all purchasing.
  • Forecasting and monitoring of expenditure to ensure effective management of Embassy budget. Identifying and highlighting pressures. 

Corporate Services Manager:

  • Management of maintenance and upkeep of the Embassy/Residence and the Deputy Head of Mission’s accommodation to ensure the smooth operation of Embassy work.
  • Anticipation of maintenance requirements before problems arise.
  • Procurement of equipment and goods needed for the Embassy estate.
  • Liaising with the landlord and with the Regional Technical Works Supervisor (based in Freetown). Ensuring Embassy accommodation meets UK health and safety standards.
  • Overseeing all Health and Safety checks including fire and water.
  • Travel bookings.
  • Establishing a network of suppliers and doing market research to ensure best value for money. 

Consular Officer:

  • Ensuring delivery of professional and high quality front line services to British Nationals in line with FCDO guidance.
  • Meeting consular business targets and ensuring cases are updated promptly on the management system.
  • Establishing a network of key consular contacts in Guinea such as government agencies, NGOs and other Embassies to assist British Nationals when needed and prevent complex cases, such as rape and sexual assault and hospitalisations.
  • Contributing to the Embassy's crisis planning and management for Guinea and the region.
  • Liaising with the UK's consular network in Sub Saharan Africa and the UK.
  • With support of colleagues, publishing information on UK government websites to ensure British visitors can access advice whilst in Guinea. 

Support to all other Embassy work: 

  • As and when needed, including Protocol, Events, IT support, writing of official letters and communication from the Embassy, and translation of documents between English and French.

Representation of the UK:

  • Representation of the United Kingdom at external meetings and events when needed.

Management of staff:

  • Line management of three support staff (drivers and Post Security Manager).
  • University (Bachelors) degree in a relevant subject (e.g. Accounting/ Finance)
  • Numerical and budget management abilities
  • Excellent and proven organisational skills
  • Excellent and proven interpersonal skills
  • Fluent French; English to a very high standard (oral, listening, reading and writing – this will be tested)
  • Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, Power Point
  • Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Excel
  • Ability to work  effectively  under tight deadlines
  • Resourcefulness in solving problems
  • Superior professionalism and judgement
  • Strong work ethic
  • Experience in a position similar to that advertised
Changing and Improving, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace, Developing Self and Others
16 December 2022
Executive Officer (EO)
Fixed term, with possibility of renewal
Africa
Guinea
Conakry
British Embassy
GNF 9,649,909
2 January 2023

Learning and development opportunities:

  • The position offers much opportunity for learning and development on the job, including through contact with colleagues, relevant contacts and attendance at events.
  • Online learning programmes are available through our UK and regional Learning & Development teams.
  • There may be an opportunity to attend training in the UK or other countries in the region.

Working patterns:

Presence at the Embassy is needed during Embassy opening hours as the Embassy team is small and the position involves line management of multiple staff. Occasional remote working can be accommodated subject to business needs.

  • 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.
  • The British Embassy will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position.
  • Employees recruited locally by the British in Conakry are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Guinea.
  • All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in Guinea with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit.
  • The responsibility lies on the successful candidate to;
  1. Obtain the relevant permit
  2. Pay fees for the permit
  3. Make arrangements to relocate
  4. Meet the costs to relocation 

The British Embassy do not sponsor visas/work permits except where it may be local practice to do so.

  • Employees who are not eligible to pay local income tax: e.g. certain third-country nationals and spouses/partners of UK diplomats will have their salaries abated by an equivalent 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.
  • Any other post specifics – like information on the application form that is not include on the system. 
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.