High Commissioner's Social Secretary (17/21 NR) Maternity Cover

 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  

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)

Job Subcategory  

Political

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)  

Main purpose of job:

This is an exciting opportunity to work in one of Nairobi’s biggest missions, to develop and manage the High Commissioner’s events which is essential in delivery of her core diplomacy. This will involve working closely with the High Commissioner, her PA and Residence Manager to deliver events of a high standard.

The individual will need to be extremely efficient in managing events in a high pressured environment. S/he should have the ability to prioritise work and identify and apply new systems where needed.

S/he will also be required to be flexible with their working hours and have an enthusiastic, energetic and creative personality.

Should also demonstrate skills in working well with others and the ability to engage with the High Commissioner’s high profile contacts.

Roles and responsibilities:

Main duties:

Ensure the administration of all events is carried out to the highest standard

• Liaise with the Residence Manager and various section leads of the High Commission as well as external contacts to develop plans for events to be hosted by the High Commissioner. This will also involve offering the necessary guidance on the protocol to be followed for any events that she will host. 
• Co-ordinate and develop guest lists and programmes for the HC’s events.  This will involve advising the High Commissioner and section leads on the feasibility of proposed events, provide guidance on preparation of guest lists and programmes.
• Issue invitations on behalf of the High Commissioner and manage responses.
• Prepare up to date event schedules. You will use these to update the High Commissioner on the status of upcoming events.
• Prepare and maintain records of the Head of Mission’s representational activities and events.
• Brief the Internal Communications team on upcoming events to ensure appropriate media coverage where necessary.

 Other duties:

• Back office support for HC’s office, including occasionally assisting the PA to High Commissioner to manage correspondence and the HC’s travel and other routine requests from the Cabinet team.
• Cultivate and maintain good working relationships and networks of contacts in government, other diplomatic missions and private sectors.
• Maintain an up to date database of the High Commissioner’s contacts.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

•  Manage the High Commissioner’s spending budget

Essential qualifications, skills and experience  

·       Strong interpersonal, communication and organisation skills

·       Proven planning/event management skills

·       Ability to prioritise and execute multiple tasks to a high standard

·       Attention to detail

·       Must be able to demonstrate their ability to use personal initiative to deliver results and meet tight deadlines

·       Ability to work with senior individuals, both internal and external to the organisation

·       Excellent IT skills (a working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word is essential)

·       Ability to work flexibly under minimum supervision

Required competencies  

Making Effective Decisions, Collaborating and Partnering, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace

Application deadline  

21 July 2021

Grade  

A2 (L)

Type of Position  

Fixed Term, Temporary

Duration of Post  

6 months

Region  

Africa

Country/Territory  

Kenya

Location (City)  

Nairobi

Type of Post  

British High Commission

Salary  

Kshs.144,401 (before tax)

Start Date  

1 September 2021

Other benefits and conditions of employment  

Learning & Development

The British High Commission provides in-house training courses through the year.

Working patterns:  Monday to Thursday 07H15-16H00 and Friday 07H45-13H00.

Remote working is possible; some evening working for events will be required, depending on the COVID situation

Additional information  

• Due to COVID 19, you may experience some delay in the progress of this recruitment campaign.  We are working hard to minimize any disruption.
• Please complete the application form in full as the information provided is used during screening.
• Please check your application carefully before you submit, as no changes can be made once submitted.
• The British High Commission will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position.
• Employees recruited locally by the British High Commission in Nairobi are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Kenya.
• It is essential that the applicants already have the right to live and work in Kenya without the need to apply for a work permit
• 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 Foreign and Commonwealth Office Competency Framework can be found on this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-competency-framework Please note: Job grade AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5
• Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted on successful candidates.
• Please log into your profile on the application system on a regular basis to review the status of your application

To apply click here