The British Embassy in Bucharest – part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas – is looking to recruit a Head of Corporate Services to join our busy and dynamic Corporate Services Team at a time of rapid change. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the team deliver effective management, finance, procurement, human resources and estate services to the whole Embassy.
Dear all,
The British Embassy in Bucharest – part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas – is looking to recruit a Head of Corporate Services to join our busy and dynamic Corporate Services Team at a time of rapid change. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the team deliver effective management, finance, procurement, human resources and estate services to the whole Embassy.
Main Duties:
Leadership and Management
- Leading and motivate the Corporate Services Team in Bucharest in order to ensure the efficient, effective and professional operation of corporate services work;
- Support the Embassy’s agenda to modernise working practices and find innovative ways of working, through dialogue with local colleagues and counterparts in London;
- Member of the Post Management Board, BPB project Board, Health and Safety Committee, Crisis Management Committee, Post Security Committee.
Finance
- Manage the Embassy’s budget in accordance with corporate policies to ensure on-budget expenditure and value for money.
Procurement
- Implement existing corporate policies and best practices on Procurement, ensuring maximum value for money;
- Oversee management of external contracts with local suppliers and vendors as necessary.
Human Resources
- Oversee terms and conditions of service, pay scales and performance related pay for locally-employed staff and ensure compliance with local labour law;
- Provide guidance on sensitive staff matters for both diplomatic and locally employed staff, including management issues and dispute resolution;
- Lead the Embassy’s effort to design and implement a local human resources strategy, focusing on training and development, pay scale, communication and engagement with local staff, and revision and updating the local HR policies and procedures.
Estates
- Oversee Embassy’s estate ensuring the office and residential properties are fit for purpose and in compliance with corporate procedures, including local and UK health and safety regulations and policies;
- Liaise with the Technical Works Supervisor and Regional Technical Works Officer and coordinate the implementation of Mini Building Hazard Risk Assessments recommendations and the Facilities Management Client Unit-funded projects as per the 5-year forward plan;
- Ensure environmental/ sustainability methodologies are integrated into the Embassy’s working practices.
Security
- In conjunction with Post Security Officer and Security Manager, ensure security of buildings, staff and information;
- Passport stock custodian role.
Skills and Experience required:
- A college/university level degree in Business Management or equivalent experience is preferred;
- At least 5 years of management or administrative experience in a managerial capacity. At least 2-4 years’ experience managing staff;
- Proven track of team management through a significant period of a change;
- Fluent in English, orally and in writing, required; additional fluency in Romanian would be an advantage;
- Strong IT computer skills using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Office and Internet; experience with Oracle systems and databases preferred.
Key FCO Competences:
- Seeing a Big Picture;
- Making Effective Decisions;
- Leading and Communicating;
- Changing and Improving;
- Managing a Quality Service.
Terms and Conditions:
This is a full-time position of 5 days (35 hours net per week) for 2 years contract which may be extended by a mutual agreement. Working hours are flexible and staff is entitled to time-off-in-lieu for agreed extra hours worked.
The annual leave entitlement is 21 days per year pro rata and the Embassy also enjoys an average of 14 Romanian / UK public holidays per year.
Monthly salary is € 1898 minimum gross. In addition, staff receive meal vouchers and a monthly subscription to a medical centre. Specific training in London and mentoring for the role will be provided for the successful candidate, which may include training in London and the region.
The successful candidate will be subject to confirmation of a background check and security clearance, and satisfactory completion of a probationary period of 90 days.
Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to terms and conditions service according to Romanian employment law.
To Apply:
All applicants should have the right to live and work in Romania. The British Embassy does not sponsor work permits.
All applicants should submit their CV (in English, up to 3 pages) and Job Application Form available on the British Embassy website https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-embassy-bucharest/about/recruitment completing all sections and using the ‘Supporting Statement’ box to explain clearly the motivation, skills and experience you could bring to this role.
Applications should be sent to jobapplications.ROU@fco.gov.uk and the email subject line must be only formatted as follows: ROU241
The closing date for applications is 7th June 2015.
Please note that, because of the volume of applications we receive, we will only contact you if we need you to attend an interview. If you do not hear from us you should assume that your application has not been successful.
Please be advised that the Embassy will not be able to meet the travel costs incurred when travelling to the interview, nor the costs connected with relocation if offered a job.
The British Embassy is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from suitably qualified individuals, regardless of race, ethnic origin, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation or disability. All applications are treated on merit.
Referrals: If you know a FCO colleague that could fit this role profile, please share this job advert (also available on FCO Local Staff Vacancies Forum (here) as well as the British Embassy website.
Kind Regards,
HR Hub Recruitment Team – Europe & EECAD