Driver, Corporate Assistant and Residence Manager S1 (03/24 DJ) – British Embassy à Djibouti

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 – Driver / Messenger

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

Main purpose of job:

• Provide driving and messenger services for the British Embassy in Djibouti.

Roles and responsibilities:

Driving:

• Provide a professional and efficient transport service to members of the British Embassy, while adhering to Djiboutian traffic laws and regulations at all times. Driving the Ambassador, other Embassy staff and visitors to and from meetings and appointments, and travel with delegations to regions of Djibouti outside of the capital.
• Conducting daily checks on Embassy vehicles to ensure they are in good working order, and ensure vehicles are securely stowed, keys are securely locked way, and vehicles are maintained to a high standard. This will include washing the vehicles and taking them for servicing and repairs when needed.
• Conducting pre-trip inspections of vehicles before each drive to ensure: no leaks or obstructions under the vehicle; seat belts & doors in working order; mirror & windshield secure; wiper blade up-perished; tyre tread & pressure checked & wheels secure; water, oil, brake fluid & fan belt checked; licence disc valid & petrol cap secure; back window & tail lights secure, not cracked and boot securely closed; signal and head lights in working condition.
• Manage travel itinerary and pro-actively communicate this to passengers ahead of visits taking place. This will include providing an overview of departure time, journey length, and estimated arrival.
• Perform a pre-visit (recce) journey of routes to be taken for official visits when needed. Reporting back any challenges to Embassy staff.
• Manage transport administration. This includes maintaining an accurate record of all journeys, milage, fuel consumption and bookings.

Corporate Assistance:

• Carry out messenger duties as required including, managing diplomatic bags; making purchases for the Embassy and recording the associated costs; delivering documents, invitations and letters to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other organisations.
• Other ad-hoc corporate services tasks such as: assisting with preparation for dinners and receptions, including parking control and furniture set up.

Residence Management:

• Act as the Health & Safety lead for the Embassy, carrying out regular site inspections, recording findings and reporting to the Corporate Services Officer including checking fire alarms, water tanks and meter readings.
• Responsible for the well-functioning of the Embassy, Ambassador’s residence and DHM’s residence: proactively checking when items need to be bought, fixed or replaced. Liaising with and accompanying external work personnel and contractors to undertake work on the Embassy and Residence sites.
• Maintenance checks on Embassy building & DHM House and reporting to CSO.

Support any other aspect of the Embassy’s work as and when required.

The precise nature of the tasks may change as the Embassy continues to develop – flexibility, confidence and a can-do attitude are key.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

• Valid Djibouti Drivers Licence
• A good knowledge of Djibouti (city and country) and traffic laws
• Experience as a driver of no less than two years
• Flexibility to work overtime on evenings and occasionally on weekends
• Ability to use IT (laptops, smartphones) especially Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Word
• Excellent and proven organisational skills
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively under tight deadlines
• Resourcefulness in solving problems
• Superior professionalism and judgement
• Strong work ethic 
• Ability and willingness to work effectively with other staff members as part of a team; respecting others, supporting them and taking on the work of other staff when they are on leave
• Fluency in speaking English and French

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

• Defensive Driving Training
• Driving experience at another Embassy or international organisation

Required behaviours

Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together

Application deadline 28 October 2024
Grade S1
Type of Position Fixed Term, Fixed term, with possibility of renewal
Working hours per week 41 hours
Duration of Post 12 months
Region Africa
Country/Territory Djibouti
Location (City) Djibouti
Type of Post British Embassy
Number of vacancies 1
Salary DJF 157, 987 (per month)
Type of Salary monthly
Start Date 10 November 2024

Other benefits and conditions of employment

Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):

The position offers excellent opportunities for learning and development on the job through a broad portfolio of responsibility, contact with different colleagues, external interlocutors and attendance at events. Online learning programmes are available through our UK and regional Learning & Development teams.

Working patterns:

This is a full-time position working 41 hours per week. Normal Embassy opening hours are between 0800 and 1615 from Sunday to Thursday.

On some evenings you will be required to drive the Ambassador or other staff to evening engagements after 16:15. On other occasions you might be asked to start work before 08:00. Some weekend work may also be required. Overtime will be paid for work completed outside of normal Embassy opening hours.

The British Embassy in Djibouti is relatively new and our work will evolve. The successful candidate will help us to build and maintain an excellent reputation and impact. The position requires a discreet, flexible individual who is able to work unusual and inconsistent working hours as the role requires. They will also demonstrate the Embassy’s values of respect, kindness and integrity through their work, attitude and behaviour.

Additional information

• All applications must be completed in English. Any applications written in French or another language will be rejected.
  Please complete the application form in full. Failure to do so may result in a determination that you do not meet the requirements for the position.
• Employees recruited locally by the British Embassy in Djibouti are subject to the Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Djibouti.
• All applicants must be legally able to work in the country of application with the correct visa/status or work permit.
• Employees who are not eligible to pay local income tax: e.g. certain third-country nationals and spouses/partners of UK diplomats will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.
• Reference and security clearances checks will be conducted.
• Any questions you may have about this position will be answered during the interview, should you be invited.
• Information about the Civil Service Success Profiles can be found on this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/success-profiles. Please note: AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5
• Successful candidates not resident in Djibouti will be personally liable for costs and arrangements to relocate, including accommodation and work permits.
• Check your application and attachments before you submit your application, as you will not be able to make any changes once submitted.
• The British Embassy will never ask you to pay a fee or money to apply for a position.
• Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 6 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.

Submit your application