Job Description
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. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require.
Job Category
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
Job Subcategory
Political
Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)
Who are we?
The British Government in Germany is based at the British Embassy in Berlin and our consulates in Duesseldorf and Munich. We are part of a worldwide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. We are looking for an Operations Officer (Foreign, Security and Development Section) to lead on administrative and organisational support to the British Embassy's Foreign, Security and Development Section.
This is a role at the centre of the Embassy in Berlin, which gives the jobholder an excellent overview of British engagement with Germany. The Foreign, Security and Development Section includes teams leading on Euro-Atlantic security; Asia, Middle East, Africa and development; Iran and sanctions; and justice, security and migration. The jobholder will lead on operational and administrative support across the section and coordination of the UK's attendance at major events such as Munich Security Conference, and will support work on the section's culture and development.
Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:
- Operational support: Support the wider team in ensuring that the FSD section is resourced, capable and motivated to deliver. This includes supporting programmes and logistics for external visitors, providing administrative support for specified projects, meetings or events, and maintaining a contacts database.
- Event coordination: Lead on coordination and operational delivery for major set-piece events. This includes Munich Security Conference, Hamburg Sustainability Conference, and flexible support to other events.
- Executive Assistant to the Political Counsellor: Arrange meetings and appointments for the Political Counsellor and receive visitors to the Embassy; provide timely and efficient secretarial support to the Political Counsellor.
- Team collaboration and effectiveness: Advising the Political Counsellor to shape organisational and team culture; supporting well-being, L&D and team-building initiatives; improving internal systems for better operational effectiveness and ensuring good functioning of the section as a whole.
- Corporate and policy: Participate in wider Embassy initiatives as required, including engaging in a corporate role. Potential for the role to include some policy responsibilities if desired.
Our ideal candidate shows:
- Proficiency in English and German (both written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*)
- Excellent organisational, prioritisation and communication skills;
- Ability to deliver high quality work within deadlines and under pressure;
- The ability to work collaboratively across the section and wider teams;
- Excellent IT skills, especially standard MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams and Outlook);
Desirable qualifications, skills and experience
Nice to have:
- Previous administrative or diary management experience;
- Previous experience working in an international environment or in the German political system.
Required behaviours
- Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Working Together
Fluency in German and English is essential. To support the Embassy's positive working environment, the successful candidate will be encouraged to play an active role in the Embassy's corporate life and contribute to the wider objectives of the Germany network. A range of learning and development opportunities will also be offered and encouraged.
This is a full time, fixed-term 2 year contract with the possibility of a permanent contract subject to performance and funding. Salary €51,564.- rising to a maximum of approx. €57,922.- gross per annum after a qualifying period in addition to performance related pay (salary is not negotiable).
The successful candidate will be subject to professional background check and security clearance. The successful candidate must have pre-existing work authorisation in Germany in order to apply.
Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local German employment law.
Visa/work permit requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Germany and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract.
Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements to live and work in this country.
Equal employment
We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or gender identity. We particularly encourage applications from candidates with protected characteristics. DBT Europe and the FCDO Germany Network want to maximise the potential of everyone who chooses to work for us, regardless of their background.
Learning & Development
The British Embassy in Berlin has a strong ethos of Learning and Development, including our Learning and Development Week. In addition, there will be many opportunities to attend external seminars and events on relevant issues. This is in addition to the induction programme offered to all Embassy staff.
The Embassy offers learning and development opportunities throughout the year and invites you to join committee led forums where you may have an interest and can help shape the organisations objectives.
The successful applicant will be encouraged to be actively involved in the corporate life of the Embassy, contributing to the wider objectives of the British Government's Germany network and supporting the Embassy's positive working environment.
The Germany Network is a rewarding and exciting place to work, offering:
- Much scope for personal and professional development: excellent networks and opportunities for support, including mentoring, coaching and dedicated Learning and Development days;
- Opportunities to take on ownership and responsibility;
- An equal, diverse and engaged workplace;
- Work-life balance;
- Flexible working;
- National and international remote working policy - Up to 30 days working remotely from a third location, subject to business and operational requirements;
- Performance related bonus.