Other British Government Departments (Partners across Government, including UK Visas)
MOD (Ministry of Defence)
Main purpose of job:
The British Embassy Bangkok is a large diplomatic mission of around 140 staff delivering a dynamic and rapidly expanding programme of activity in support of the UK’s objectives including on prosperity, trade, defence and security, open societies, consular services and law enforcement. The Embassy is a modern, diverse and inclusive employer where everyone contributes to the Embassy’s CORE Values of Generosity, Ambition and Courage.
This is an exciting opportunity to join our Defence Section. You will be expected to provide technical advice and administrative support to the Defence Attaché on Defence Engagement activities and also conduct military and political research to contribute to Section and Embassy understanding of the political-military landscape.
Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:
- Liaise and collaborate with Thai military and civilian officials to facilitate UK-Thai defence engagement at all levels.
- Advise the Defence Attaché in the production and review of an effective Defence Engagement strategy.
- Carry out pre-briefing, notetaking and preparation of minutes/summaries.
- Design and deliver events for Defence Section that maximises UK influence and impact, utilising technologies to reach our audiences, and providing good value for money.
- Provide administrative and logistic support to the Defence Section: programme development and protocol guidance, and transport, hotel and restaurant bookings.
- Maintain and extend Defence Section’s network of contacts; use that network creatively to access people we need to speak to quickly and effectively; to include maintaining contacts and alumni databases and other given tasks.
- Manage the Defence Attaché’s diary and official correspondence.
- Provide impartial analysis, reporting and advice on Thai military affairs, domestic politics, foreign policy, regional affairs and aspects of the bilateral relationship.
- Manage the Defence Section’s social media account across various platforms; to re-tweet appropriate material and produce local media content in English and Thai.
- Work with, and in support of, teams across the mission to help deliver wider Embassy objectives; high level visits; and senior engagements.
- Contribute to the wider Embassy in support of corporate and crisis management objectives.
- Provide support to seminars and workshops, to include working with external partners.
- Manage the Defence Section driver in accordance with OneHMG policy and ensure use and maintenance of Defence Section vehicle in accordance with MOD policy.
- Manage temporary civilian staff where appropriate.
In terms of peak operation demand, work flexibly within the Section and within the Embassy
Resources managed (staff and expenditure):
- Responsibility for line-managing the Defence Driver.
- Responsibility for management of ad-hoc work experience, local secondments and interns where delegated.
- Active listener, able to communicate clearly verbally and in writing.
- Understanding UK strategic political objectives in Thailand, and identifying key stakeholders for Defence Engagement.
- At least 2 years’ professional experience in a field closely linked to Thai domestic politics, foreign policy, and/or defence and security; an established range of contacts in these fields.
- Confidence and credibility to engage with Defence Section senior external contacts
- Ability to work proactively with limited supervision, prioritise competing tasks, and to deliver under pressure
- Track record of delivering through working effectively as part of a team; and of collaborating with other teams to deliver organisational objectives
- Willingness to give and receive constructive feedback on behaviours and competences
- Discretion and an ability to maintain political impartiality in official dealings
- Ability and readiness to combine short, sharp reporting on fast-moving issues and in-depth analysis of longer term trends
- Ability and readiness to produce accurate, concise records of office calls.
- Possess excellent organisational skills to include time and space management.
- IT competent and ready to adapt to new office technologies.
Language requirements:
Language: Thai / English
Level of language required:
- English: Advanced: excellent command of spoken and written English, equivalent to IELTS 7.5 or above. Offers of employment may be made conditional on a recent IELTS test but this is not required ahead of application / interview.
- Thai: Advanced: excellent command of spoken and written Thai, equivalent to C1 CEFR level or above. (Political Thai not required).
- Understand lessons learned process to ensure improved delivery against objectives.
- Knowledge of, and interest in, the UK, its political system and place in the world.
- Thai military background.
- Experience working in an international role or context.
- Experience of visit planning and / or event management.
- Hold a valid driving licence.
- Commercial acumen, ensuring deliverables and/or services are delivered to the required level of quality or standard and ensure value for money.
Seeing the Big Picture, Changing and Improving, Collaborating and Partnering, Delivering at Pace, Engaging Internationally, Demonstrating Resilience
21 December 2021
B3 (L)
Full-time, Permanent
36
Asia Pacific
Thailand
Bangkok
British Embassy
1
THB
THB 65,152 per month
15 January 2022
The British Embassy offers a competitive compensation package including a guaranteed 13th month pay, 20 days paid annual leave (calculated on a pro-rata basis if you join after 1 January), extensive medical insurance and access to a guaranteed 5 days of learning opportunities a year.
Job specifications and descriptions within the Embassy may be subject to change in the coming months as the Embassy undergoes wider structural changes.
Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):
We encourage all staff to develop their capabilities, through both formal training courses and informal opportunities such as job-shadowing, coaching and on-the-job training. All staff are encouraged to share their skills and experience with colleagues, through informal training sessions or coaching/mentoring. We have an active L&D committee who organise a varied programme of learning for all staff.
All staff are eligible for 5 Learning and Development days a year.
Working patterns:
This is a full time role – 36 hours/week, Monday to Friday. There may be some out of hours work and there may be the possibility of travelling.
We are currently piloting hybrid working (some time working in the office, some time working from home) as we transition back to normal working practices, while ensuring the health and safety of our staff. You will be expected to spend some time out of the office, engaging with partners and stakeholders; some time in the office; and will be able to have the flexibility to work from home. If the context of the pandemic changes, the proportion of time spent at home / in office / in external engagements may change.
The Embassy has a smarter working policy and is committed to offering flexible working patterns balanced with the operational requirements of the role. In crisis/emergency situations you may need to work as required to support the Embassy response, sometimes on a shift pattern working which may result in unsociable hours and/or weekend working.
As an inclusive employer we are happy to discuss alternative working patterns at interivew or at the point of any job offer.
Other conditions:
Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment and security checks. Staff who are locally recruited by the British Embassy are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law.
No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position. 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. Any costs related to obtaining or renewing permits and visas are the responsibility of the successful applicant.
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.
Please note that your application must be submitted before 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”. Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.
Incomplete application forms will not be taken into consideration, so please ensure you provide the information requested. Only shortlisted candidates for interview will be contacted. Interviewees will be assessed on the core competencies listed above. Unsuccessful candidates will be notified via the system in due time.
Indicated start date is provisional and subject to successful completion of reference and security checks.
To those applicants not short-listed, we extend our appreciation for considering the British Government as a potential employer.
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.
British Embassy Bangkok’s Vision and Values:
VISION: What do we want to build?
A better, safer, more prosperous world for Britons and Thais alike.
MISSION: How will we achieve this?
By championing UK values and delivering tangible benefits to individuals, businesses and society: through quality service, effective partnerships and local expertise.
VALUES: that underpin our work
Courage: In our approach to our work: supporting innovation, creativity and taking calculated risks in solving problems; encouraging challenge and welcoming diverse perspectives; honesty in acknowledging and learning from mistakes.
Ambition: In the challenge we set ourselves: Striving to be excellent in the quality of service we deliver; inspiring our teams, colleagues, customers and stakeholders; passionate about our purpose.
Generosity: Of spirit: kindness in our daily actions and conversations; openness to differing cultures, ideas and opinions; understanding of differing styles and honest mistakes to build a culture of support.
To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate on the application form /in your cover letter where (ngotenders.net) you saw this job posting.