View Vacancy – Defence Relation Officer (ARM21.361)

The British Embassy in Yerevan is part of a worldwide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and is currently looking for a Defence Relations Officer (DRO).

The Defence Relations Officer will be responsible for the Defence Attaché (DA), who is based in Tbilisi. The DRO works under the routine supervision of the Assistant Defence Attaché (ADA) for all duties. Duties completed by the DRO are divided into 2 categories, Defence Relations and Administration.  

Roles and Responsibilities:

Defence Relations

• Act as the DA’s representative in his absence;
• Liaise regularly with in-country and UK MOD defence contacts to continue and develop close working relationships;
• Have a full understanding of all courses offered through the Enhanced Security Cooperation. Activity Plan Application for Defence Engagement (ESCAPADE).  Provide guidance and advice to the host nation on all course related queries;
• Become familiar with International Defence Training (IDT) courses available in the UK for international students;
• Produce a monthly open source report, to include feedback, comment and thought on international and other local media products, utilising local knowledge and contacts as appropriate;
• Produce and update a Forecast of Events, projected up to one year ahead highlighting the key events and activities planned within your country. Including all courses, DA Association activities and host nation unit visits, ceremonies or memorable dates;
• From the information provided within the Forecast of Events, produce a forward plan spreadsheet, aimed at confirming the events the DA will be required to visit and the dates the DA and ADA is scheduled to visit.  Additional information on visits from other MoD departments should be included;
• Attend official events, receptions and briefings on behalf of the DA and complete a brief report for the DA after each event;
• Complete any other Defence Relations tasks as directed;
• Maintain a database of alumni of UK courses and sporadic contact with these alumni.

Administration 

• Plan, book and organise all visits to, from and involving the Defence Section;
• Arrange meetings with host nation agencies, through the relevant Protocol Departments;
• When required, provide interpretation and translation support;
• Act as the contact point on all courses, to ensure Joining Instructions, travel plans, NATO Travel Orders and/or visa arrangements are completed for candidates selected to attend ESCAPADE events;
• Maintain a database of all contacts within the defence departments and agencies of your country;
• Co-ordinate diplomatic clearances for UK overflight /landing requests to the MFA and Civil Aviation Authority as required;
• Produce basic letters/Diplomatic Correspondence as and when required;
• Ensure all invoices produced by the Defence Section are authorised, endorsed and forwarded to the Embassy Accountant.  At the beginning of each month check the FCO Prism report to confirm payments have been made correctly;
• Update and administer the following reports: ESCAPADE Report; Alumni Tracking Database; Bio/CV of key personalities from across government; Complete confirmation check of FCO PRISM Report
• Complete any other administrative tasks as directed.

• Effective communication, including written and spoken fluency in English and Armenian (C1 Level *) and ability to adapt communication style to different situations;
• Good contacts in the defence and security institutions of Armenia;
• A solid grasp of regional affairs, the political situation in country and how that influences Defence and UK HMG objectives;
• Relevant work experience, including engaging with stakeholders, customers and partners at all levels;
• Excellent organisational skills;
• The ability to work quickly and reliably with limited supervision;
• Able to be proactive and demonstrate initiative;
• Ability to influence;
• Strong IT skills, including familiarity with MS Office suite of programs;
• Ability and willingness to work effectively and flexibly including out of office hours; to travel within Armenia and overseas occasionally and to contribute to special events/occasions in the Embassy calendar;