Job Posting – Operations Officer (Foreign, Security and Development Section), Berlin

Who are we? 

The British Government in Germany is based at the British Embassy in Berlin and our consulates in Duesseldorf and Munich. We are part of a worldwide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. We are looking for an Operations Officer (Foreign, Security and Development Section) to lead on administrative and organisational support to the British Embassy’s Foreign, Security and Development Section.

Main purpose of job:

This is a role at the centre of the Embassy in Berlin, which gives the jobholder an excellent overview of British engagement with Germany. The Foreign, Security and Development Section includes teams leading on Euro-Atlantic security; Asia, Middle East, Africa and development; Iran and sanctions; and justice, security and migration. The jobholder will lead on operational and administrative support across the section and coordination of the UK’s attendance at major events such as Munich Security Conference, and will support work on the section’s culture and development.   

Fluency in German and English is essential. To support the Embassy’s positive working environment, the successful candidate will be encouraged to play an active role in the Embassy’s corporate life and contribute to the wider objectives of the Germany network. A range of learning and development opportunities will also be offered and encouraged.

We aim to be a diverse and inclusive employer, welcoming to people of all backgrounds. The senior leadership is committed to ensuring that we are a supportive and fair place to work.

Why you should apply?:

Are you a team player who would like to work in a diverse team within a fast-moving and exciting environment? We offer an interesting and challenging work environment, dealing with many different tasks.

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

• Operational support: Support the wider team in ensuring that the FSD section is resourced, capable and motivated to deliver. This includes supporting programmes and logistics for external visitors, providing administrative support for specified projects, meetings or events, and maintaining a contacts database.
• Event coordination: Lead on coordination and operational delivery for major set-piece events. This includes Munich Security Conference, Hamburg Sustainability Conference, and flexible support to other events. 
• Executive Assistant to the Political Counsellor: Arrange meetings and appointments for the Political Counsellor and receive visitors to the Embassy; provide timely and efficient secretarial support to the Political Counsellor.
• Team collaboration and effectiveness: Advising the Political Counsellor to shape organisational and team culture; supporting well-being, L&D and team-building initiatives; improving internal systems for better operational effectiveness and ensuring good functioning of the section as a whole. 
• Corporate and policy: Participate in wider Embassy initiatives as required, including engaging in a corporate role. Potential for the role to include some policy responsibilities if desired.

Our ideal candidate shows: 

• Proficiency in English and German (both written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*)
• Excellent organisational, prioritisation and communication skills;
• Ability to deliver high quality work within deadlines and under pressure;
• The ability to work collaboratively across the section and wider teams;
• Excellent IT skills, especially standard MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams and Outlook);