Social Secretary to the High Commissioner at Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO)

S/he will also be required to be flexible with working hours and have an enthusiastic, energetic and creative personality.

Should also demonstrate skills in working well with others and the ability to engage with the High Commissioner’s high-level contacts.
Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?

Main duties:

• Ensure the administration of all events is carried out to the highest standard.
• Liaise with the Residence Manager and various section leads of the High Commission as well as external contacts to develop plans for events to be hosted by the High Commissioner. This will also involve offering the necessary guidance on the protocol to be followed for any events that he will host.
• Co-ordinate and develop guest lists and programmes for events.  This will involve advising the High Commissioner and section leads on the feasibility of proposed events, provide guidance on preparation of guest lists and programmes.
• Issue invitations on behalf of the High Commissioner and manage responses.
• Propose events for the High Commissioner to host, based on a deeper understanding of key contacts.
• Maintain the High Commissioner’s database of contacts; keeping it up to date with contact details and relevant notes.
• Prepare and maintain records of the Head of Mission’s representational activities and events.
• Project manage (with the Residence Manager), the annual Queen’s Birthday Party (QBP) celebration; the High Commission’s biggest annual event. This includes co-ordinating the activities of the committee, managing the collation of the guest list, managing the invitations and the overall co-ordination of the event.
• Brief the Internal Communications team on upcoming events to ensure appropriate media coverage where necessary.

Other duties:

• Assist the Personal Assitant to High Commissioner to manage correspondence e.g. sending our standard letters  of reply for requests for donations and scholarships.
• Cultivate and maintain good working relationships and networks of contacts in government, other diplomatic missions and private sectors.

• A minimum of 3 years experience in PA work/administration.
• Ability to work and deliver in a high pressure environment.
• Attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and organisation skills.
• Excellent IT skills (a working knowledge of MS Office is essential).
• Able to work under minimal supervision and deliver for senior-level individuals.
• Bachelor’s in Business Admistration, Management or other equivalent