AUH/DXB - Events and Residence Officer (AO)

at  Foreign Commonwealth Office

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)
The British Embassies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are looking for an Events and Residence Officer(s), job grade Administrative Officer (AO) on a fixed-term contract for two (2) years.
The jobholder(s) will be responsible for the design and delivery of a wide range of events hosted by the Embassy in their respective Post, and for the management of the Residence of His Majesty’s Ambassador (HMA) in Abu Dhabi, or HM Consul General (HMCG) in Dubai, respectively.
This is a challenging and rewarding role at the heart of the Embassies’ external-facing activity as a member of the UAE Central Events, Residence and Engagement Team (joint FCDO and Department for Business and Trade - DBT). It requires flexibility and creativity to deliver events with diverse themes, varying from small discussion events and official entertainment over a meal, to large-scale outdoor events which may have several hundred guests.
The role requires excellent organisational skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders inside and outside the Embassy to achieve highly professional and efficient delivery of events and a positive experience for all guests, who may include very senior guests from the UK and the UAE.
The successful candidate(s) will ideally have prior experience in events management and business hospitality. They will also need effective line management skills and attention to detail in order to assure a high-quality service in the Residence(s).
Due to the nature of the role, the jobholder will be required to be flexible in their approach to hours worked as these will be dictated by operational needs and will involve frequently working out of hours (evening and/ or weekends) during events and ministerial visits.
The jobholder will also assist with wider administrative duties, including support to the Embassy’s Senior Leadership Team.
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 promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.

KEY BEHAVIOURS REQUIRED:

• Changing and Improving - Seek out opportunities to create effective change and suggest innovative ideas for improvement. Review ways of working, including seeking and providing feedback.
• Working Together - Form effective partnerships and relationships with people both internally and externally, from a range of diverse backgrounds, sharing information, resources, and support.
• Delivering at Pace - Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.
• Managing a Quality Service - Deliver service objectives with professional excellence, expertise, and efficiency, taking account of diverse customer needs.
• Communicating and Influencing - Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity, and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses, and opinions of others.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

• Fluency in English, both oral and written. Candidates shortlisted for interview will have their level of spoken, written and reading English assessed.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Experience in event management.
• Exceptional planning and organisational skills, the ability to work independently, apply initiative, problem solve and work under pressure to meet multiple and changing priorities, deadlines and objectives.
• Experience in working in large, complex environments.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to engage at all levels internally and with external contacts, and collaborate effectively across Embassy teams.
• Proven record of organisational ability. Ability to prioritise and organise own workload and meet deadlines, while maintaining attention to detail and without compromising the quality of the work.
• Strong work ethic and demonstrates high level of professionalism.
• Resourcefulness in solving problems and demonstrates good judgement.
• Excellent customer service skills. Demonstrates courtesy and consideration in dealing with customers and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrates ability to communicate fluently and effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
• Strong IT computer skills and in using MS Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Ms Teams).

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

• Experience of working in a similar role in either the public or private sector in the UK or the UAE.

Required behaviours
Changing and Improving, Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together
Application deadline
14 July 2024
Grade
Administrative Officer (AO)
Type of Position
Full-time, Fixed Term
Working hours per week
40
Duration of Post
24 months
Region
Middle East & North Africa
Country/Territory
United Arab Emirates
Location (City)
Abu Dhabi, Dubai
Type of Post
British Embassy
Number of vacancies
2
Salary Currency