Defence and Political Assistant (MLT24.087)

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: Other British Government Departments (Partners across Government, including UK Visas)

Job Subcategory: MOD (Ministry of Defence)

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities) 

The British High Commission (BHC) in Malta is part of a worldwide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and is now looking for a Defence and Political Assistant to administrative and logistical support to the British High Commission Political Team, and the UK Defence Adviser to Malta (based in Rome).

Roles and responsibilities:

Defence Duties:

• Process Diplomatic clearances for British military training activities in Malta. This includes Adventure Training, Battlefield Tours and Sports Activities;
• Process British military aircraft overflight and landing requests through Malta;
• Process clearance requests for British Royal Navy and military vessel visits to Malta;
• Assist in the management of defence activities by assisting the Defence Adviser and High Commission in the planning, liaising and execution of military/defence events. Lead on engagement with Veterans’ groups and relevant Associations;
• Assist the Non-Resident Defence Adviser in coordinating his visits to Malta, including booking his accommodation, flights, meetings and appointments; 
• Attend and represent the BHC, on occasion, outside of normal working hours.

Political Duties:

• Manage the High Commission’s General Mailbox, one of the public facing channels through which we communicate;
• Support delivery of official senior/VIP visits to Malta by coordinating programmes making logistical arrangements;
• Provide ad hoc support, including contribution to events planning, issuing of invitations and administrative tasks as necessary;
• Participate in High Commission corporate activities at post.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience:

• Proficiency in English (Oral and written), minimum C1 level under the CEFR or equivalent;
• Excellent administrative and organisational skills;
• Good communication and problem solving skills;
• Strong and flexible team player; IT Literacy, especially on MS Office;
• Agility and flexibility to meet changing demands;
• Self-starter with the ability to work well in a team as well as independently.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience:

• Knowledge of Malta;
• Experience of working in an embassy or international organisation;
• Professional experience of working in a similar type of role;
• Familiarity with the FCDO structure and experience of dealing with senior people would be an advantage.

Required behaviours:

• Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace, Communicating and Influencing, Working Together

Application deadline: 11 March 2024

Grade: Administrative Officer (AO)

Type of Position: Full-time, Fixed term, with possibility of renewal

Working hours per week: 35hrs

Region: Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia

Country: Malta

Salary: €2,376.53 (gross)

Start Date: 8 April 2024

Other benefits and conditions of employment:

• This is a full-time 12 months contract with possibility of extension.
• The successful candidate will be subject to confirmation of a background check and security clearance.
• All applicants should have the right to live and work in Malta. The British High Commission does not sponsor work permits.
• Staff recruited locally by the British High Commission in Malta are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Maltese employment law.
• Visa/Passport requirements: candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Malta and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract. The successful candidate will be subject to professional background and security clearance.

Additional information:

• When completing the motivation field please make sure you present clearly and concisely why are you applying for the position.
• We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application, since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered.
• Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”. 
• FCDO does not pay for travel related expense incurred in interviews (including Security Check) or accept any financial risk, including cancelation or reschedule costs. The FCDO will not meet the costs connected with relocation if offered a position.

* Please note Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment indicates Level B1as an Independent User that can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. For more information please click on the following link CEFR. Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your languages skills are going to be assessed.

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