PA to the Deputy High Commissioner at the British High Commission (BHC) Nigeria

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, 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.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: PA to the Deputy High Commissioner AO (06/23 ABJ)

Location: Abuja
Grade: Administrative Officer (AO)
Type of Position: Permanent
Working hours per week: 35 hours
Start Date: 1 May 2023
Job Category: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Operations and Corporate Services)
Job Subcategory: Private Office

Main Purpose of Job

• This is a busy and varied job, working in the Private Office Team in the heart of the British High Commission.
• The main role is to provide excellent administrative support to the Deputy High Commissioner (DHC) and, in collaboration with the High Commissioner’s Chief of Staff and the rest of the team, to support the effective and efficient running of the Private Office.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Managing the Deputy High Commissioner’s diary and daily programme (including practicalities such as transport).
• Receiving, dealing with and prioritising (in conjunction with the DHC) meeting and public appearance requests from internal and external stakeholders.
• Managing official correspondence and drafting replies.
• Ensuring briefing packs are collated for official meetings and appearances
• Planning and organising receptions and dinners hosted by the DHC
• Taking and circulating minutes for meetings chaired by the DHC
• Collaborating with the High Commissioner and Development Director’s PA’s to ensure co-ordinated use of their time.
• Support other seniors during their staff’s leave.
• The job holder is encouraged to support wider BHC delivery by playing a full role in the mission and ensuring Private Office procedures are as efficient as possible

Resources Managed (Staff and Expenditure):

• Nil, although keeping track of DHC’s travel and entertainment budget.

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience  

• At least 2 years previous experience in a large office.
• Strong English language skills with the ability to both speak and write clearly and fluently.

Desirable Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• First Degree 2:2 or Higher. 
• A strong track record as PA to a busy senior executive.

Required Behaviours:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together

Salary  
USD$1,576.87 monthly

Other Benefits and Conditions of Employment:
Learning and Development Opportunities: 

• The BHC provides good learning and development opportunities, both formal and informal.  If official travel is undertaken in Nigeria appropriate training is given, including first aid and travel planning.

Working Patterns:

• This is a full time Mon-Fri office based job although there is some flexibility to work from home on occasion. Occasional evening and or/weekend work is required e.g. to support DHC and wider High Commission functions.
• The post holder must have confidence in dealing with a wider range of stakeholders, including senior staff in the High Commission, the Nigerian MFA and the FCDO in London.

Application Closing Date
20th March, 2023.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Additional Information  

• Please check your application carefully before you submit, as no changes can be made once submitted.
• Employees recruited locally by the British High Commission in Abuja are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Nigeria.
• 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 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
• Please note:  AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5
• Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted on successful candidates.
• The British High Commission will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position.
• Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 6 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate”.