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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 identity, 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.

Job Category: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Operations and Corporate Services)
Job Subcategory: Corporate Services Support, Protocol, Visits and Events

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities):

The British Embassy in Doha is part of a worldwide network that represents political, economic, security and consular interests overseas. We are looking for a Government Relations Officer, job grade Administrative Assistant (AA).

The Corporate Services section is at the heart of the Embassy, responsible for many operations from recruitment, IT, finance, estates management and so on.

Main purpose of job: The purpose of this role is to enable staff of the British Embassy to obtain the necessary permissions to live, work, and perform their duties, as well as to assist the Embassy and its visitors in conducting their business in Qatar.

The jobholder will be responsible for the delivery of effective government relations duties. This is a challenging role that requires excellent interpersonal and customer handling skills. You will be responsible for making applications to and liaising with a wide range of Qatar government authorities.

You will be a strong team player and will work closely with colleagues within the Protocol & Government Relations Department and Corporate Services Department.

The role will report to the HR / Logistics Lead / Protocol Lead within the Corporate Services Team.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Dealing with Qatari authorities regarding the smooth arrival and departure of UK-based staff and Embassy VIPs / guests.
• Receiving, recording, organising, prioritising work and updating customers on progress.
• Preparing applications for submission to Qatari authorities, the majority of which will need to be written in Arabic.
• Arranging Ministry of Foreign Affairs clearance, employment visas, health cards and Qatari IDs for staff.
• Establish or Develop high level relationships with key persons within the various government entities, displaying at all times the Embassy's standards, code of conduct and professionalism.
• Liaising with entities such as MoFA, Ministry of Interior (MoI), Customs, Traffic Department, and other Embassies or Consulates.
• Assisting with driving licences, QDC permits, and vehicle registrations for diplomatic staff.
• Arranging with Customs and contractors the release of unaccompanied airfreight, heavy baggage, and cargo for UK-based staff and / or the Embassy.
• Arranging clearances for the Diplomatic Bags.
• Obtaining visit visas for all official visitors, when required.
• Obtaining visas from other Embassies to enable Embassy staff to carry out their duties abroad.
• Arranging meetings for Embassy officials with Qatari officials.
• Providing guidance about Qatar processes and procedures.
• Drafting notes verbales to Qatar government departments.
• Attending and supporting VVIP official visits, acting as translator when required.
• Taking part in Embassy's emergency planning and response to a crisis affecting UK citizens.
• Assisting HR / Transport Lead with monitoring transport services and fleet as and when required.

The above list is not exhaustive, and the jobholder will be required to be flexible and take on other ad hoc tasks as required, including participating in the Embassy's emergency planning and any other response to a crisis. The job description may be reviewed to meet changes in business needs.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience:

• Experience of working in or dealing with the Qatari Government: Immigration, Customs, MoL, and other authorities.
• Excellent communication skills in English and Arabic, both verbal and written (to be tested at interview stage).
• A confident communicator with excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to engage at all levels internally and with external contacts, and collaborate effectively across Embassy teams.
• Excellent customer service skills. Demonstrates courtesy and consideration in dealing with internal and external contacts.
• Strong work ethics and demonstrates high level of professionalism.
• 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 ability. Ability to prioritise and organise own workload and meet deadlines, while maintaining attention to detail and without compromising the quality of the work.
• Excellent IT skills and office administration skills, with good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, particularly MS Excel which will be used for recording data and producing reports.
• Holds a valid Qatari driving license.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience:

• Knowledge of local Qatari labour law.
• Knowledge of Immigration, Customs, and Labour laws in Qatar.

Required behaviours: Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service

Application deadline: 27 October 2024
Grade: Administrative Assistant (AA)
Type of Position: Full-time, Fixed Term
Working hours per week: 38
Duration of Post: 24 months
Region: Middle East & North Africa
Country / Territory: Qatar
Location (City): Doha
Type of Post: British Embassy
Number of vacancies: 1
Salary Currency: QAR
Salary: 9,468 plus 800 transportation allowance
Type of Salary: monthly
Start Date: 29 December 2024

Eligibility:

• If you are selected for this position, we will be able to employ you as long as you have or be able to obtain the right to live and work in Qatar, including those under spouse sponsorship or able to transfer an existing sponsorship to the British Embassy. If sponsorship transfer is required, all sponsorship incurred expenses shall be borne by the successful candidate, except for the official Immigration fees which shall be paid directly by the Embassy to the local authorities.
• Pass the pre-employment checks, including security vetting in the country.

Working Hours and Remuneration:

The British Embassy offers a competitive remuneration package, including non-negotiable salary of QR 9,468 per calendar month and transportation allowance of QR 800 per calendar month, paid in arrears. No accommodation and relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position.

This position is for a full-time employment, on a fixed-term basis for two (2) years, subject to six (6) months' probationary period. The contract may be renewed, subject to satisfactory performance and on-going business requirement.

Conditioned working hours is 38 hours per week. Embassy working hours are 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. from Sundays to Wednesdays and 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Some degree of flexible working can be considered for the right candidate, however due to the customer focus of this role and interaction with the Qatari authorities we would expect the job holder to be in the office on a regular basis. Some flexibility on hours will be required including working weekends, evenings and public holidays when required.

The Embassy supports flexible working including working from home for some part of the working week and is committed to helping its staff maintain a healthy work life balance.

The Embassy has an active Continuous Professional Development Committee, and the whole of Post is committed to providing the time and resources for staff to develop professionally. The 70 / 20 / 10 learning, and development model is applied flexibility, with both internal and formal opportunities readily available.

The successful applicant will follow a formal induction schedule to support their immersion into the Embassy and there are a number of mandatory online courses that all staff are expected to complete within their first few months, along with learning specific to areas of this role including, understanding the Embassy HR and Finance Management System (HERA).

The successful candidate will need to commence security clearance procedures through the Embassy and will be required to have or obtain the appropriate security clearance before employment commences and maintain this clearance throughout the period of employment.