View Vacancy – AUH – Government Relations Officer A2(L)

The British Embassy Abu Dhabi has a vacancy for a Government Relations Officer (GRO).

The Protocol & Government Relations Department is vital to the efficient running of the British Diplomatic missions in the UAE. The Department’s role is to coordinate with the local UAE authorities to enable the British Embassy and the UK government to conduct business in the UAE.

The jobholder must have excellent interpersonal and customer service skills and work closely with the teams in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. You will be required to work out of hours, including support during VIP visits, and this will involve work in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Act as a point of contact between the Embassy and the UAE authorities in addition to other foreign diplomatic missions to advance Embassy operations.
• Coordinate with the UAE authorities to facilitate the arrival/ departure of UK-based staff and officials.
• Support the Visits Team in organising VIP visits to the UAE and arranging meetings with UAE authorities and act as translator.
• Prepare and submit correspondence in English and Arabic to UAE authorities and other missions for various matters, including but not limited to: visas, work permits, IDs, licences, clearances, etc.
• Provide translation between English and Arabic for letters, circulars, and other official documents for the Government Relations Team.
• Use online systems to create and submit applications to different UAE authorities: MoFAIC, ICA, Traffic, etc.
• Provide guidance about UAE processes and procedures to staff and senior management.
• Create and maintain a list of internal and external contacts to facilitate the work of the Embassy.
• Manage the Protocol & Government Relations email inbox, replying to requests and inquiries following Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Track and monitor relevant expiry dates and ensure that all time-sensitive documents are renewed ahead of the deadline to ensure full compliance.
• Be up to date with any changes or amendments to UAE laws, rules, and regulations, as well as changes in forms, formats, and other procedures and keep the Embassy advised of such changes.
• Take part in Embassy’s emergency planning and response to a crisis affecting UK citizens.

Key competencies required:

• Managing a Quality Service – Effectively planning, organising and managing time and activities to deliver a high quality and efficient service. Being organised to deliver service objectives and striving to improve the quality of service, taking account of diverse customer needs and requirements.
• Collaborating and Partnering – Creating and maintaining positive, professional, and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people within and outside the organisation to help get business done. Working collaboratively, sharing information and building supportive, responsive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, whilst having the confidence to challenge assumptions.
• Delivering at Pace – Focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes. Working to agreed goals and activities and dealing with challenges in a responsive and constructive way.
• Leading and Communicating – Leading from the front and communicating with clarity, conviction and enthusiasm. Managing and engaging with people with honesty and integrity, and upholding the reputation of the organisation.

• Excellent Arabic and English skills, both in writing and speaking to be able to provide translation. An English and Arabic test (written and verbal) will be conducted as part of the recruitment process.
• Experience of working in or dealing with the UAE Government: Immigration, Customs, MOI, and other UAE authorities, or working as a PRO for a minimum of one (1) year.
• A confident communicator with excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to engage at all levels internally and with external contacts.
• Excellent customer service skills. Demonstrates courtesy and consideration in dealing with internal and external contacts.
• Resourcefulness in solving problems and demonstrates good judgement.
• Ability to multi-task and respond quickly and flexibly to meet multiple and changing priorities.
• Proven record of organisational and prioritisation ability in order to manage workload and meet deadlines, while maintaining attention to detail.
• Good IT skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, particularly MS Excel.
• Holds a valid and clean UAE driving licence.