Who are we?

The British Embassy in Pristina, Kosovo, is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas, and is looking to recruit a UK Defence Adviser Assistant.

This role underpins the smooth, professional and effective management of the UK–Kosovo bilateral defence relationship. It delivers essential administrative and financial support to defence activity, ensuring visits, training, courses and official engagements are well planned, properly resourced and executed to a high standard. By coordinating logistics, visas, finance and communications, the post holder enables senior defence engagement to operate efficiently and credibly. The role also provides continuity, local knowledge and practical support that strengthens trust, cooperation and day to day defence partnership between the UK and Kosovo.

The post holder will need to build a deep understanding of the Kosovo MOD and Kosovo Security Force (KSF) and a general understanding of Kosovo political and governmental processes. It is advantageous for the incumbent to personally know the majority of the high-ranking Officers in the KSF as well as most of the middle-ranking Officers, Warrant Officers and Senior NCOs, especially those in command appointments and other positions of authority.

For the administrative elements of the role it is essential to have complete the HMG EPC training and have a good working knowledge of the HMG International Security Fund (formerly CSSF) procedures. 

The post holder should also complete basic first aid training within their first 12 months. 

Do you want a role where you help keep the UK–Kosovo defence partnership running smoothly by organising visits, sorting logistics and supporting day‑to‑day coordination? And are you up for being the go‑to person who keeps everything moving and helps both sides work better together?

Main duties and responsibilities:

Administration (80%)

• Coordinate the booking of flights, accommodation and car hire in support of visits.
• Assist with the production of visit programmes ensuring that any meetings with senior KSF are coordinated.
• Coordinate transport plans to meet visit needs ensuring appropriate vehicles are acquired to support any activities.
• Ensure visit activities are photographed, recorded and promoted via Embassy social media.
• Provide local knowledge and translation where required to support inward visits.
• Assist with the selection of personnel for courses, in particular ensuring that those selected by the KSF meet the minimum requirements and are medically fit to attend.
• Ensure students complete any pre-deployment administration prior to deployment including assisting them in accessing additional kit and equipment from the KSF.
• Assist Kosovan personnel with their applications for visas/exempt vignettes, ensuring that these are applied for within required time frames.
• Liaise with the VAC to progress visas where required and resolve any issues with applications.
• Maintain contact with students on course and provide advice and guidance to them when required.
• Act as the UK’s point of contact in the Kosovan MOD, based in the Defence Adviser’s Office.
• Support the Embassy Defence Section MOD Officer with other activities as required. This may, for example, include support to Remembrance or KSF UK alumni events. 

Finance (20%)

• Support the UK Defence Adviser and MOD Officer with bookings and reconciliation of expenses, e.g.. For flights, accommodation, and other costs relating to Defence activities. 

Our ideal candidate shows:

• Full professional proficiency in English and Albanian (written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework* or equivalent).
• Previous experience in an administrative, coordination or support role (e.g., administrative assistant, office manager, corporate assistant), especially where this involved organising activities, managing travel or logistics, or supporting visits, events or training.
• Financial awareness, with experience of expense booking, reconciliation and basic budgeting.
• Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities.
• Excellent administrative skills, including attention to detail and accurate record keeping.
• Confident coordination and liaison skills, particularly when dealing with senior military and civilian stakeholders.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to work discreetly with sensitive information.
• Problem‑solving skills and the ability to respond calmly to changing demands or short‑notice requirements.
• Proficiency in MS Office and other standard office systems, including online Application portals.