View Vacancy – Border Force Liaison & Support officer (MNE21.246)

Due to COVID-19, you may experience some delay in the progress of this recruitment campaign. We are working hard to minimise any disruption. You may find more information in the Additional Information section below.

The British Embassy in Podgorica is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and is looking to recruit a Border Force Liaison & Support officer.

This role will support Border Force project activities across the Montenegro with possibility of regional cover.

Border Force is a UK-funded project that aims to build international capability in Frontline detection, technology, data analysis and targeting, to enhance Border Police and Customs border-crossing procedures for international carriage of people and goods. The objective is to deter the movement across national borders of individuals and goods that would harm the national interest. This is to be achieved through developing techniques in the maritime, air passenger, air cargo, post/fast parcels, land borders and container environments.

The successful candidate will be expected to pass a security check process by the Embassy.

 Main purpose of the role:

The successful applicant will join a small Border Force team, focussing on building collaborative partnerships with Senior level Ministers and law enforcement agencies at the border both in Montenegro with possibility of regional expansion. Reporting to the Border Force Higher Officer, you will have responsibility for a wide variety of duties including office management, weekly reporting of activity, collating information for monthly finance and assurance returns, assisting with translation at meetings in Montenegro, Regional and UK. Travel should be expected as part of the role. You will be fluent in English and Montenegrin spoken and written. You will be regularly required to translate official documents, so written skills in English and Montenegrin are a must. A written test will be conducted at interview stage.

This is a busy and interesting role based at the British Embassy Podgorica, which we are looking to fill with an individual who is a team-player, willing to adapt and be flexible to the requirements of the position.

Travel in region and other countries such as UK and other UK project countries is expected. Travel within Montenegro will be frequent due to work being carried out with law enforcement agencies at all borders.

Some home working will be expected due to current restrictions.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Assist in building relationships with Ministries and law enforcement partners in Montenegro and throughout the region, through regular liaison. Arrange visits and calls with/for Ministers and Senior Officers
• Undertake in-depth fact-finding and analysis in order to identify the best approach or solution from a range of options
• Assist in building relationships with Ministries and law enforcement partners in Montenegro and throughout the region, through regular liaison. Arrange visits and calls with/for Ministers and Senior Officers
• Undertake in-depth fact-finding and analysis in order to identify the best approach or solution from a range of options
• Provide a full range of administrative support to the team including drafting letters, briefings, scheduling meetings, writing minutes, managing databases and organising travel arrangements. Translation of documents, in person at meetings and training events
• Arrange payments of invoices, utility and other bills by liaising with the International desk in London. Assist with financial reporting and the correct running of the Border Force project accounts, including the compilation of financial forecasts, accurate reports and monthly returns
• Compile tactical and strategic reports. Assist with the review, reporting and evaluation of ongoing projects within the region
• Maintain budget records of UK Border Force staff and project spend.
• Arrange regular maintenance of equipment that has been donated to third parties and maintain the associated budget
• Take direction from Border Force team and use initiative to provide own ideas to meet objectives of the project
• Undertake other duties that may reasonably be required, within the grading and core competences of the job, including other administrative tasks.
• Oversee the maintenance of official vehicles, insurance and servicing
• Valid driving licence, regional travel will be expected and regular visits to ports/ borders to meet with law enforcement partners.
• Time will be allocated to support wider British Embassy needs, subject to approval by the Border Force Manager.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills enabling effective communication in both English and Montenegrin (minimum C1 level);
• Confidence to interpret in other Western Balkan locations (a written test will be conducted during the interview process to measure the level of the candidates’ translation skills).
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise tasks and work to deadlines.
• Flexibility, creativity and ability to learn quickly and develop new skills.
• High standard of all Microsoft applications.
• Ability to work independently and to take the initiative as well as being able to work well with others.
• Flexibility to undertake travel within Montenegro and Internationally, this will involve weekend travel time to enable attendance for scheduled meetings/conferences.