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.

Job Category  

• Other British Government Departments (Partners across Government, including UK Visas)

Job Subcategory  

• Private Office

Main purpose of job:

The British Office Khartoum is seeking an Personal Assistant to support the work of the Senior Leadership Team: HM Ambassador (HMA), Deputy Head of Mission (DHM), and Development Director. This is a busy position and vital to the smooth and effective operation of the new British Office Sudan (BOS). The successful candidate will need to build effective relationships with the offices of senior Sudanese figures in Sudan and the region, as well as work closely with colleagues in Nairobi and Addis Ababa. The PA also plays a crucial role in internal coordination within the British Office. S/he will need resilience and common sense, be proactive and able to use their initiative and judgement and have strong organisational skills. Skills in Arabic will be helpful. A new Ambassador, Richard Crowder, will also arrive in September 2024.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Managing Diaries for His Majesty’s Ambassador (HMA), the Deputy Head of Mission (DHM), and Development Director including booking appointments, transport and liaising with the Residence Manager.

• Organising official entertainment & social commitments for HMA and Development Director (& less frequently DHM), including dinners and other events.

• Organising occasional large events.

• Acting as central point of information and coordination between HMA/DHM/DD’s office and the rest of the British Office Sudan, British Embassy Addis, British Council, and the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office in London.

• Provide ad hoc support to other team priorities and events.

• Work with the Vice Consul and DHM to ensure crisis plan documents, including contact lists, are as up to date as possible.

• Other ad hoc tasks and office management, including circulating monthly check rosters, issuing reminders, and stationery supplies.

Language requirements: 

Language: English. Knowledge of Arabic desirable

Level of language required: Fluent written and spoken English

Job Requirements

Essential qualifications, skills and experience  

• IT literate

• Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills

• Able to work to tight deadlines

• Well organised to be able to regularly deal with competing priorities

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience  

• Previous experience of working for senior manager (CEO level)

Required behaviours  

Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Making Effective Decisions, Working Together

Application deadline:12 September 2024

Grade: Executive Officer (EO)

Type of Position: Fixed Term

Duration of Post: 12 months

Region: Africa

Country/Territory: Ethiopia

Location (City): Addis Ababa

Type of Post: British Embassy

Salary: USD 635.75

Start Date: 1 December 2024

Other benefits and conditions of employment  

Learning and development opportunities:

The successful candidate will have access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities in FCO e-learning and opportunities for on-the-job learning and mentoring.
Working at the British Office Sudan in Addis Ababa presents an exciting opportunity to be part of a dedicated team working to deliver UK objectives in Sudan. The officer will have access to a lively community of colleagues and Embassy facilities.

The following are some of training courses to be completed:
•    Security induction.
•    Basic Fire Awareness for All Staff.
•    IT Induction.
•    Counter Fraud, Bribery and Corruption: All staff.
•    Unconscious Bias.
•    Diversity at workplace.

Working patterns:

Please note that occasional evening work is required including for events.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified applicants can apply online using THIS LINK

Additional information  

This position is a fixed term contract with possibility of extension

• All applicants must be able to work in Ethiopia with the correct visa/status or work permit.

• The British Office Sudan in Addis is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference. Nonetheless reference checking and security clearances will be conducted, and the job requires UK security clearance.

• Staff members recruited locally by the British Office Sudan are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Ethiopian employment law.

• All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit.

• The responsibility lies on the successful candidate to;
  Obtain the relevant permit
  Pay the fees for the permit
  Make arrangements to relocate
  Meet the costs to relocation

• Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount

• Information about the Civil Service Success Profiles can be found on this link:
  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/success-profiles

• Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a reserve list. If during the reserve period of 6/12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate

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.