The British High Commission (BHC) is hiring a Social Secretary to assist in planning and delivering events for the High Commissioner. The majority of these will take place at the High Commissioner’s residence, Eden Hall, a historic building and host to dozens of high level visits and events each year. It plays a key role as a showcase for the UK in Singapore, and as such contributes directly to deepening our strategic partnership with Singapore.  

This role will be part of Private Office team, which is responsible for delivering on the High Commissioner’s priorities and managing effective workflow across a large diplomatic mission. The jobholder will report to the High Commissioner’s Private Secretary and interact with teams across the High Commission. They will work most closely with the Residence team, Bilateral Communications team and Private Office. The jobholder will assist in all aspects of event planning and delivery, including sending and tracking invitations, procurement and managing external stakeholders, logistics, tracking expenditure and coordinating and communicating with High Commission teams.

The ideal candidate will be collaborative, professional and flexible, with a can-do attitude and will have experience in either managing or supporting events.  The Social Secretary will be required to attend occasional out of hours events.

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve:

• Act as Secretariat the Events Committee: draft agendas, take minutes, track actions, review requests for the use of Eden Hall for events, ensuring they are in line with our UK-Singapore strategic priorities and liaise with stakeholders on meeting outcomes.
• Maintain comprehensive records and databases, including the Residence Events Tracker and Calendar.
• Act as first point of contact in BHC Singapore for the Eden Hall team.
• In partnership with the Residence Manager, plan and manage externally and internally funded events from kick off call to delivery, including:
  • Budgeting and ensuring value for money for the High Commission.
  • Administer invitations and guestlists for Private Office or High Commissioner led events
  • Stakeholder coordination including with the British Chamber of Commerce as event delivery partners and the High Commission.
  • Ensuring compliance with security and risk requirements
  • Identifying suppliers and organising site visit
  • Attending and delivering events, including some evening events.

• Provide annual leave cover when necessary for the Residence Manager and members of Private Office.
• Provide ad hoc support on wider Private Office work during busy periods.

• A minimum of 4 years work experience, including some events management or delivery experience;
• Excellent IT skills, particularly with Excel, Word and internet use ;
• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to interact confidently and professionally with both internal and external stakeholders at all levels;
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral;  
• Candidate must be a team-player and willing to learn and adapt;
• Must be able to work flexibly, with demonstrated ability to adapt quickly to incoming tasks and changes.
• Delivery experience.

Language requirement:

Expertise in English