Job Title: Personal Assistant to the Deputy High Commissioner and Deputy Head of Mission
Job Reference: AO 05 25 LOS
Organisation: British Deputy High Commission
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Region: Africa
Job Category: Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office Policy and Political Roles
Job Subcategory: Private Office
Grade: Administrative Officer AO
Type of Position: Fixed term with possibility of renewal
Working Hours per Week: 35
Salary: 1867.81 USD per month before tax and statutory deductions
Application Deadline: 12 June 2025
Expected Start Date: 28 July 2025
Number of Vacancies: 1
Main Purpose of the Role
The personal assistant to the Deputy High Commissioner and Deputy Head of Mission plays a vital role in organising the time and activities of senior management to enable effective delivery of the mission’s objectives. The successful candidate will be part of a small private office team at the High Commission. The role involves managing multiple demands on the Deputy High Commissioner’s time, prioritising tasks and engagements, and serving as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
•Manage and support the Deputy High Commissioner and Deputy Head of Mission through efficient office operations, diary and travel management, and coordination of key activities.
•Maintain and prioritise daily schedules and meeting requests from internal and external sources.
•Coordinate events and functions hosted by the Deputy High Commissioner in collaboration with the Residence Manager, including sending invitations and tracking RSVPs.
•Record meetings and prepare minutes for senior leadership team meetings, management boards, disciplinary panels, and other official functions.
•Handle official correspondence and act as a point of contact for visitors.
•Manage and develop the Deputy High Commissioner’s drivers.
•Provide cover for the Residence Manager when necessary.
•Undertake additional duties as required.
Essential Qualifications and Skills
•Strong interpersonal and customer service skills
•Excellent IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Office and Outlook
•Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and respond flexibly to changing demands
•Experience in events management and customer service
•Minimum of three years experience working with senior management or director-level staff in a corporate environment
•Experience managing expenses or budgets
•Excellent organisational skills with strong attention to detail and the ability to plan ahead
•Proven ability to work collaboratively across teams and handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion
•Previous experience in logistics and event coordination
•Strong written and verbal communication skills
•Proficient in English at an expert level
Required Competencies
•Leading and communicating
•Collaborating and partnering
•Managing a quality service
•Delivering at pace
•Changing and improving
•Making effective decisions
•Seeing the big picture
•Communicating and influencing
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
•Additional experience in customer service
•Ability to prioritise effectively and take responsibility with minimal supervision
•Sound judgement and emotional intelligence
•Familiarity with diplomatic missions or international organisations
•High level of IT literacy using Microsoft 365 tools
Additional Information
•The British High Commission does not request payment or fees at any stage of the recruitment process
•Candidates must have legal right to live and work in Nigeria
•Selected candidates must obtain any necessary work permits and bear associated relocation and legal costs
•Candidates not liable to pay local income tax may have their salary adjusted to reflect local tax rates
•All appointments are subject to reference checks and security clearance
•Shortlisted candidates may be placed on a six-month reserve list for future similar roles
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