Job Overview
The British Embassy Baghdad currently has a vacancy for a Corporate Services Assistant – Protocol, Logistics and Security, job grade Administrative Officer (AO).
Working closely with the Corporate Services and Security Managers and the Protocol and Logistics lead, to deliver the full range of administration duties relating to protocol, logistics, customs and security issues predominantly for Baghdad within the Iraq Network. The role will also involve working with the British Consulate General in Erbil. The role sits within the Iraq Network Corporate Services Team based in Baghdad.
Duties and responsibilities:
- Ensure the timely delivery and despatch of goods for the Iraq Network. This will include local handling and distribution of mail bags/pallets/containers. Manual work including light lifting will be required at times. Efficient maintenance of database to retain paperwork and track progress of missing items.
- Lead on registration and deregistration of diplomatic vehicles. Build a clear understanding of the Iraqi authorities’ processes. Establish, build and maintain government contacts. Liaise with local security contractors on the disposal and return systems for excess stock. Oversee vehicle insurance requirements, Ministry of Interior inspections requests and number plate allocations. Maintain detailed records for audit.
- Establish an efficient process for managing International Zone (IZ) badges to ensure Embassy staff, visitors and contacts have access to the IZ at all times.
- Develop a full understanding of National Operations Centre (NOC) clearances processes. Ensure timely delivery of paperwork for the smooth movement of goods and supplies. Where appropriate, represent the Embassy at Ministry of Government agency meetings on this topic.
- Manage the Network’s day to day relationship at junior working level with Protocol officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, working with Erbil colleagues where necessary.
- Lead on Embassy airside access requests, airport passes and liaison with Meet & Greet services contacts. Establish, build and maintain a relationship with key contacts at Baghdad International Airport in support of this.
- Purchase small value items and make travel bookings where needed. Manage security travel spend.
- Support with Embassy security clearance processes, including translation to English of documents as requested by the Security Team.
- Support Procurement Manager; setting-up supplier days, clearances and security access for contractors. Ensure all contract documentation is recorded and stored. Ensure all compliance controls are followed.
- Any other duties, which may be required by management from time to time
The above list is not exhaustive and the jobholder will be required to be flexible and take on other ad hoc tasks as required.
Key behaviours required:
- Managing a Quality Service – Deliver service objectives with professional excellence, expertise and efficiency, taking account of diverse customer needs.
- Delivering at Pace – Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.
- Making Effective Decisions – Use evidence and knowledge to support accurate, expert decisions and advice. Carefully consider alternative options, implications and risks of decisions.
- Communicating and Influencing – Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses and opinions of others.
Eligibility:
If you are selected for this position, we will be able to employ you as long as:
- We can obtain the appropriate level of local and UK security clearance for you.
- You have (or be willing to obtain) the right to live and work in Iraq. Candidate’s residence permit and work permit, and the expense to obtain them, will be their own responsibility – the Embassy does not provide residence or work permits. If you have any questions about residency and/ or visa requirements, you should contact the relevant Iraqi Government Ministry.
- Experience working in a busy administrative office environment for at least two years.
- Fluency in Arabic language (both spoken and written
- A confident communicator with excellent communication skills in English, both orally and in written communication. Able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely. Ability to write reports for English speaking audience.
- Proven ability to organise and prioritise workload (including organise records) and meet deadlines, whilst paying close attention to detail and without compromising the quality of work.
- Flexible, resilient, decisive and calm under pressure. Ability to handle competing priorities and make judgement calls on when to use own initiative and when to consult with managers;
- Strong problem solving skills. Ability to anticipate and take initiative.
- Demonstrates a strong collaborative, considerate and courteous approach to colleagues and stakeholders. Proven ability to engage at all levels internally and externally. Able to show discretion in handling sensitive matters.
- Excellent numeric skills and MS Excel skills to deal with a high and fast moving budget expenditure.
- Strong IT skills and proficiency in using Microsoft Office applications such as Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Teams.
- Knowledge of Iraqi government processes, systems and policies, particularly with Customs and MoI.
- Previous experience working for other Embassies
- Ability to work out of hours on occasion
Working hours and remuneration:
The Embassy aims to offer an attractive working environment and remuneration package for this role, including up to 20 days of annual leave.
The role grade is Administrative Officer (AO), with a base salary of USD 1,724 per month. This base salary is paid 13 times a year. In addition, there is a security allowance of USD 300 per month payable as part of this package. The allowance is subject to review and may be altered or withdrawn at any time. No accommodation nor relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position.
This position is for a full-time employment on a permanent contract basis and is subject to a 90-day probationary period.
Conditioned working hours are 38 hours per week. Normal working hours are Sunday to Wednesday from 08:00 to 16:00 and Thursday from 08:00-14:00. There may be flexibility for starting and leaving times as long as conditioned hours are completed. The jobholder should also be flexible in their approach to hours worked as these will also be dictated by operational needs and may involve working out of hours (evenings/ weekends), including assisting with the arrival of staff/ VIPs or other protocol duties. Some travel opportunities may arise for training and logistical purposes, and the jobholder will be required to hold a current and valid passport.
The Embassy encourages a culture of continuous learning. Relevant training will be provided to the jobholder. All staff also have access to the Civil Service-Learning platform, which gives access to training to improve job specific skills. Staff are entitled to a minimum number of annual training days.
Application process:
Interested candidates must include to their online application form.
1) an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
2) a covering letter/ motivation essay stating how you meet the requirements of the role; and
3) specific examples in the relevant sections of the online application form of how you meet the key behaviours and skills required.
Applications that do not include these this information will not be considered.
All applications must be received before 23:55 Iraq local time on 21 September 2023.
Applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered.
Due to the large number of applications, we receive, only those shortlisted for the next step in the recruitment process will be contacted.
Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful at interview may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of six (6) months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.
The start date mentioned in the advert is a tentative start date and the successful candidate will be required to undergo security-vetting procedures. Any offer of employment will be subject to the candidate achieving suitable clearances and reference checks.
The recruitment process, including security clearance, is expected to take around 2-3 months. The security clearance process includes checks available in country and in the UK, dependant on the security level required for the role and the candidates profile and UK footprint. You may experience some delay in the progress of this recruitment campaign, and we are working hard to minimise any disruption.
The British Embassy Baghdad is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference. Staff recruited locally are subject to Terms and Conditions of service according to local employment law.