Are you an innovative, self-starter? Do you thrive on challenge, have the drive and resilience to see a job through, and set and observe high standards of customer service? If so, we are looking for a Press and Public Affairs / Protocol / Consular Officer to join our small, busy and dynamic team at a time of rapid change.
Background
The British Embassy in Bamako is part of a world-wide network of 230 Posts, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. The Press and Public Affairs / Protocol / Consular Officer will report directly to the Deputy Head of Mission (DHM) and will serve as a key member of the Embassy team and work closely with colleagues in London.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Press:
• Review local press daily, summarising and providing analysis to inform political staff, policy-makers and other stakeholders, exploring specific issues in response to focussed interest.
• Build and sustain a wide network of informed reporters and commentators on current affairs from across Malian civil society.
Protocol:
• Lead on Protocol issues and formalities to ensure the Embassy follows correct procedure in all areas.
• Establish a network of contacts in the relevant Malian authorities to quickly and efficiently resolve arising issues.
• Liaison with local authorities on the issuance of Malian visas for visiting officials.
Consular:
• Lead on all consular affairs under oversight of DHM/Corporate Service Manager (CSM), liaising with regional consular experts and UK Consular Directorate as necessary.
• Courteously and efficiently deal with all consular enquiries at the Embassy.
Visits and Admin:
• Organise visit programmes and handle arrangements for visiting staff.
• Provide administrative support in coordination with the CSM
• Other duties as assigned.
Skills Required:
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a strong customer focus
• Ability to work with contacts and colleagues at all levels
• Personal drive and the ability to be a self-starter as well as a team player
• Strong organizational, analytical and time management skills, with very good attention to detail
• The ability to plan ahead, think strategically and act on own initiative.
• Flexible, resilient under pressure and decisive with a proven track record of delivering results to a high standard within tight deadlines
• Willingness to work additional hours as necessary.
• Previous experience in an administrative role.
• A proven ability to deliver results in a fast-moving, busy high profile environment.
• A high level of discretion
• Fluent in English, orally and in writing, required; additional fluency in French required.
• Strong IT computer skills using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Office, and Internet
The British Embassy offers a competitive remuneration package, including salary, benefits, a leave entitlement and training package. Specific training and mentoring for the role will be provided for the successful candidate. This may include training in London and the region. The successful candidate is expected to commence employment by 1st September 2013
The successful candidate will be subject to confirmation of a background and security clearance and references will be sought. You must have pre-existing work authorisation for Mali in order to apply.
To Apply
Please send your CV with covering letter explaining why you are applying for the position by midday on Friday 19th July 2013 to Sue West at sue.west@fco.gov.uk. Only applications received electronically, in English and by the closing date will be considered. Only those candidates who are successful in the initial sift of applications will be contacted and invited to attend an interview, which will be conducted in English and sit a written assessment. These will be held on 30th or 31st July. Feedback will not be provided to applicants who were unsuccessful in the initial sift.
The British Embassy is an equal opportunities employer and does not discriminate on grounds of ethnic origin, race, religious beliefs, age, disability, gender or sexual orientation