View Vacancy - Visits Officer, British Embassy Washington
Main purpose of job:
The Visits Officer is one of two employees supporting the Senior Visits Officer in organizing all visits to Washington by British Government Ministers, Parliamentary Committees, former Prime Ministers, Members of the Royal Family, and senior officials. The position offers unique exposure to UK and US Government leaders and procedures.
The work of the Visits Section spans the broad spectrum of the Embassy’s activity. The Visits Section is part of the Ambassador’s Executive Office and the Ambassador takes a keen interest in the work of the Visits Section.
Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:
• Take responsibility for all aspects of the organisation of individual visits to include scheduling meetings, arranging transportation and accommodation, coordinating security clearances and more.
• Accompany some visitors, meet some visitors on arrival, and see some visitors off on departure (this involves occasional work in the evenings or weekends).
• Maintain useful contacts among hotels, airlines, transport companies and other vendors.
• Arrange security clearances for visiting Protection Officers, diplomatic overflight clearances, and port clearances for VIPs.
• Produce and maintain the Visits Section databases (e.g., statistical reports, clearance details).
• Arrange payment of invoices.
• Provide administrative support to the Senior Visits Officer, including filing electronic and paper visits documents.
• Cover for the Senior Visits Officer and other team members during their vacation leave.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Essential on arrival:
• A minimum of 2 years' relevant experience in a busy office environment is required. A previous role in meeting and event planning, logistics and / or executive assistance is preferred.
• The successful candidate must be very organized, detail-oriented, personable, and able to work under his/her own initiative. Additionally, the successful candidate must be a strong team player with excellent problem solving and judgement.
• A degree in Political Science or International Relations.
Under US State Department requirements, the UK Government in the US may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Permanent Residents or A visa holders with EAD cards*. If you hold a visa other than an A visa you are not currently eligible to work at our office. Please refer to our website for information on exceptions to this policy at www.gov.uk/government/world/usa. All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work.
*A visas are acceptable at the Embassy and Consulates. The UK Mission to the UN (UKMIS) accepts G visas, and British Defense Staff (BDS) outposts accept A or NATO visas.
• Previous experience dealing with VIPs is highly desirable.
• The ideal candidate would have some knowledge of the British civil service, British culture and protocol, Congress and US Administration.
Scheduling flexibility is required as the position can require overtime, evening, and / or weekend hours. Vacation and leave must be co-ordinated with others in the section and may not always be possible during busy periods.
The UK Government operating in the US offers a substantial benefits package including generous leave, a choice of medical insurance, 401(k) matching up to 7%, extensive learning opportunities and a great work/life balance.
Staff recruited locally are subject to terms and conditions of service in accordance with US, state, and/or local employment law.
Individuals who are not a US taxpaying citizen will be paid a net salary based on a simulated US tax status.
Internal candidates must inform their supervisor before they apply to a different position.
Only successful candidates will be contacted. Please no phone calls. Due to the high volume of resumes we receive, we cannot guarantee consideration of your application if the submission instructions are not properly followed.
The British Embassy is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and to creating a diverse working environment, free from discrimination, where everyone is included and treated fairly, based on merit alone. We are an equal opportunity employer, making all employment decisions without regard to race, gender, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or any other criterion protected by law.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
