High Commissioner's Social Secretary at British High Commission Nairobi

Main purpose of job:

This is an exciting opportunity to work in one of Nairobi’s biggest missions, to develop and manage the High Commissioner’s events which is essential in delivery of her core diplomacy. This will involve working closely with the High Commissioner, her PA and Residence Manager to deliver events of a high standard.

The individual will need to be extremely efficient in managing events in a high pressured environment. S/he should have the ability to prioritise work and identify and apply new systems where needed.

S/he will also be required to be flexible with their 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 profile contacts.

Roles and responsibilities:

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 she will host. 
• Co-ordinate and develop guest lists and programmes for the HC’s 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.
• Prepare up to date event schedules. You will use these to update the High Commissioner on the status of upcoming events.
• Prepare and maintain records of the Head of Mission’s representational activities and events.
• Brief the Internal Communications team on upcoming events to ensure appropriate media coverage where necessary.

 Other duties:

• Back office support for HC’s office, including occasionally assisting the PA to High Commissioner to manage correspondence and the HC’s travel and other routine requests from the Cabinet team.
• Cultivate and maintain good working relationships and networks of contacts in government, other diplomatic missions and private sectors.
• Maintain an up to date database of the High Commissioner’s contacts.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

•  Manage the High Commissioner’s spending budget

Essential qualifications, skills and experience  

1. Strong interpersonal, communication and organisation skills
2. Proven planning/event management skills
3. Ability to prioritise and execute multiple tasks to a high standard
4. Attention to detail
5. Must be able to demonstrate their ability to use personal initiative to deliver results and meet tight deadlines
6. Ability to work with senior individuals, both internal and external to the organisation
7. Excellent IT skills (a working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word is essential)
8. Ability to work flexibly under minimum supervision