View Vacancy - Congressional Support Officer

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.
Other British Government Departments (Partners across Government, including UK Visas)
MOD (Ministry of Defence)

Main purpose of job:


As Congressional Support Officer, you will provide administrative support and database management for meetings and visits between senior UK Defence officials and congressional contacts. You will work flexibly with Embassy colleagues to arrange meetings, organise visit programmes, develop briefings, and keep records. You will understand goals and objectives and plan events and meetings that work towards these objectives.

This role would suit a highly motivated individual who enjoys being busy, has excellent organisation skills, and who is flexible and willing to take on new opportunities as they arise. The role would be well suited to an individual with an interest in US politics, specifically in defence and congressional affairs and would report to the Congressional Advisor for Defence Policy, working to deliver the aims of the British Defence Staff and the wider Congressional team. The post holder may be expected as part of their duties to use an embassy vehicle in order to assist in the running of a programme to visit locations in the DC area.



Roles and responsibilities:

 

  • Providing database and administrative support for high level visits by Defence Ministers and senior officials coming to Washington DC to engage with a multitude of counterparts, particularly Members of Congress and/or their staff. This will include owning visit logistics for certain incoming visitors, preparing and collating briefing information, setting up meetings for visitors, and ensuring the agreed programme runs smoothly. Organise social engagements for visitors and their Congressional contacts as required.
  • Be responsible for scheduling, managing, and controlling the database of information on the Hill engagement for Her Majesty’s Ambassador/ The British Defence Attaché/ Minister for Defence Material/ Deputy Head of Mission and others as required.
  • Research, establish and maintain a list of congressional contacts, under the guidance of the Congressional Advisor, in order to support arranging meetings.
  • Manage the sustainment of multiple organizational and filing systems and be responsible for the management of information flow in line with the UK government electronic ways of working.
  • Be responsible for ensuring that teams in both the defence and political sections meet their legal obligations in regards to document records and Data Protection.

  • Be the focal point for control and management of diaries and logistics for external meetings for the team.   Ensuring that there are no date or time conflicts. Where required provide management direction on resolution of conflict issues.   Authorise logistic expenditure in support of external meetings within authorised limits. 

  • Track and report on congressional hearings or meetings 

  • Tasking briefs, collating, preparing and clearing with Senior Line Managers for internal and external meetings.

  • Creative event planning and management, identifying and pursing engagement opportunities, leveraging available budgets and working with teams to deliver Hill engagement goals, in accordance with financial guidelines. 

  • When required, represent the congressional team at external meetings, take minutes and write records of the meeting.

  • Provide Administrative and coordination support to the British Defence Staff Reputation Group, including organising the meeting, planning the agenda, preparing papers, and writing minutes. 

  • Liaise with think tank and media strategy holders to assist with identifying and executing engagement opportunities in order to enhance the objectives of the FCO/MOD mission and objectives. 

  • Flexibility to contribute to wider Defence and Embassy goals, as appropriate. 

  • Deputise for the BDS Congressional Advisor  


Requires 3-5 years related work experience. Congressional work a plus. Excellent administrative and organisational skills, with proven management experience with an ability to plan and prioritise tasks, ensuring team goals are achieved.

High degree of knowledge of Microsoft Office Applications especially excel and including Microsoft outlook

Proven skills in delivering results under pressure, excellent organisational ability and a proactive results-driven approach to problem solving.

Knowledge of how the US government, specifically Congress, operates.


Existing network to relevant Congressional Contacts.

Interest in UK and EU politics and policy.

Understanding of the US Defence policy.

Ability to think strategically to spot opportunities;


20 May 2019
Administrative Officer (AO)
Permanent
40
Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
United States
Washington
British Embassy
USD
25.58
1 July 2019
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.