Updated: New positions available
A2 (L) Personal Assistant to Political, Economic and Management Counsellor
The British Embassy in Mexico City is part of a world-wide network of nearly 270 diplomatic offices, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. Our office in Mexico City has 110 members of staff and we have trade offices in Guadalajara, Tijuana and Monterrey. For more information about our work please visit our website www.gov.uk/government/world/mexico
We are seeking a Personal Assistant to work to the Political, Economic and Management Counsellor on a one year contract. He/she will need to work as part of an Executive Office team, working with the PA to the Ambassador and PA to the Deputy Head of Mission, as well as working with the wider Embassy team.
This is a varied and challenging position. The incumbent will undertake a wide range of administrative tasks as well as lead on individual projects and act as filter for issues being raised with the Counsellor. The incumbent will interact with colleagues from across the Embassy and a range of external contacts in Mexico and the UK.
Your main duties will be:
Administrative tasks such as: managing the diary; submitting claims; monitoring budgets; drafting letters; taking minutes; filtering phone calls and e-mail requests.
Project tasks such as: follow up on corporate initiatives; organising the away day, health week and diversity events; intern policy champion.
Crisis Assistant tasks such as: keeping the Crisis Management Plan up to date; checking crisis preparedness plans and supplies; supporting Embassy drills and exercises; regularly checking back up location plans.
Skills required:
Strong organisational, prioritisation and multitasking skills;
Ability to manage own time and resources often working under pressure;
Proactive, strong sense of responsibility and sound judgement;
Strong interpersonal skills and good team player;
Ability to represent the Embassy and Counsellor externally as required;
High standard of written and spoken English and Spanish;
Good secretarial skills and familiarity with Word and Excel IT systems;
Experience with organising events or leading projects is desirable.
The incumbent will need to develop an understanding of the work of the different parts of the British Embassy in order to provide effective support.
Benefits
Monthly Gross Salary 15,628 Mexican Pesos
The opportunity to work in a diverse and stimulating environment.
38 hour working week. Working Monday to Thursday from 08:00 to 16:30 with half of hour lunch break and Fridays from 08:00-14:00 hrs.
Continuous training available.
15 days annual leave entitlement a year pro rata on first year, 20 days after second year
30 day Christmas bonus a year pro rata on first year
IMSS and Private Medical Scheme for employee, spouse and dependants under the age of 18.
A mix of Mexican and British Holidays that adds up to 14 days per year.
How to Apply
If you fulfil the requirements and relevant criteria for this position, please send your CV with a short covering letter both in English explaining why you think you would be an excellent candidate for this job, to the following email address:hr4.mexico@fco.gov.uk
Applications should be sent in an electronic format with all attachments included not exceeding 1MB.
A receipt will be automatically generated upon successful receipt of your application. Your application should be sent with the position you are applying in the subject.
Closing date for applications is 12:00 PM (local time, Mexico City) Friday 6 August 2014. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.
Only those candidates who are short-listed will be contacted and called for interview. Ideally the successful applicant will start work before the end of August 2014.
Applications that do not fully comply with the instructions above will not be taken into consideration.
Corporate Services Manager (CSM)
Are you an experienced manager and an innovative and energetic self-starter? Do you thrive on change and challenge and have the drive and resilience to see a job through? Do you set and observe procedures and maintain high standards of customer service?
If so, you may be the person we are looking for to be our Corporate Services Manager (CSM) to lead 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 and estate services to the whole Embassy. You must be proactive with a can-do attitude. You should also be a fast learner, seeking to drive forward and resolve issues without constant guidance.
Background
The British Embassy in Mexico City is part of a world-wide network of nearly 270 diplomatic offices, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. Our office in Mexico City has 110 members of staff and we have trade offices in Guadalajara, Tijuana and Monterrey. For more information about our work please visit our website www.gov.uk/government/world/mexico
The CSM will report to the Minister-Counsellor – Political, Economic, Consular and Management, and will serve as a key member of the Embassy’s senior management team. He/she will need to work closely with policy makers in London to implement new initiatives and achieve the highest value for money.
Against the background of ongoing and significant cuts in public expenditure in the UK, the successful candidate will be expected to drive through a programme of efficiency savings across the Mexico Network to ensure that the Corporate Services team not only provides the best possible value for money in support of the Government’s foreign policy priorities, but is also seen to be doing so.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Leadership- Lead a 15 person Corporate Services Team (Estates, Estates, Finances, HR, IT, Procurement, Security, Transports and Logistics) by providing strategic direction and motivating the team to deliver a high level of service, working with colleagues from across the Embassy.
Ensure overall efficient and effective operation of corporate services work.
Continuously review business policies and processes to identify new and more imaginative ways of working and deliver a more effective, efficient and professional operation.
Financial /Procurement- Supervision and monitoring of the official account procedures and processes in accordance with corporate policies, and submission of all related financial returns.
Prepare monthly, annual and ad hoc reports to senior managers on budget management, including forecasting and budget management and spending to date.
Oversee accounts to ensure proper financial controls are in place and being followed working closely with Finance team in the UK and regional hub.
Ensure devolved budget holders actively manage their budgets.
Review and authorize expenditure where necessary ensuring financial compliance and audit requirements.
Coordinate accounting and finance services to Partners Across Government as required
Reinforce existing corporate policies and best practices on Procurement, ensuring maximum value for money is constantly achieved.
Oversee management of major external contracts as necessary.
Oversee management of all official corporate contracts with local suppliers and vendors as necessary and ensure they are in accordance with FCO policies.
Human Resources:
Oversee terms and conditions of service for locally-employed staff and ensure strict compliance with local labour law and FCO Policy
Provide guidance on sensitive staff matters for both diplomatic and locally employed staff, including management issues and dispute resolution.
Ensure locally-employed staff pay scales and performance related pay increases are reviewed regularly and fairly. Ensure expenditure on pay remains within budget allocation.
Provide guidance on arrival/departures for UKBs staff and, accreditation process.
Oversee Staff Induction programmes.
Estate Management:
Oversee network health & safety related issues, to ensure compliance with current UK and local regulations. Oversee estate management (works, maintenance, * procurement, furnishings programme, maintenance personnel and contractor management, property leases, projects etc). Ensure value for money is continually sought and achieved with all suppliers.
Support the Estates Manager to ensure the office and residential properties are fully operational, underpinned by proactive and preventative maintenance schedules.
Ensure environmental/sustainability methodologies are integrated into the Embassy.
Transport & Logistics:
Oversee Logistics officer and provide support on maintaining vehicle fleet, importation and exportation of goods and services as well as other official documentation needed to run the Embassy effectively.
Security:
In conjunction with Post Security Officer ensure security of buildings, staff and information at all times.
Other tasks:
Work closely with the regional hub assuring regionalisation processes run smoothly assuring demands are being attended in accordance with SLA.
Ensure Business Continuity Plans are up to date and tested.
Other corporate duties as assigned.
Skills Required:
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills both in English and Spanish.
Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to lead, motivate and drive forward multiple teams at the same time.
Greater understanding of and ability to deal with financial information
Customer focused with a can-do attitude, ensuring timely and informative follow-up to all customer service requests.
Personal drive and the ability to be a self-starter as well as a motivator and team player.
Strong organizational, prioritisation, analytical and time management skills, with good attention to detail.
Flexible, resilient under pressure and decisive with a proven track record of delivering results to a high standard within tight deadlines.
An analytical and logical approach to problem solving
Strategic and creative thinker with the ability to embrace, manage and promote change.
Ability to travel occasionally within the region or internationally as needed.
Willingness to work additional hours as necessary to complete a project or task.
Minimum Qualifications:
A college/university level degree in Business Management, or equivalent
At least 5 years of management or administrative experience in a managerial capacity. At least 5 years experience managing teams;
Background in accounting, finance, budgets, human resources or estates is preferred;
Fluent in oral and written English and Spanish;
Strong IT computer skills using Microsoft Office, Internet and MS Project; experience with Oracle systems and databases preferred.
The Benefits
Monthly Gross Salary to be confirmed upon job offer
The opportunity to work in a diverse and stimulating environment.
38 hour working week. Working Monday to Thursday from 08:00 to 16:30 with half of hour lunch break and Fridays from 08:00-14:00 hrs.
Continuous training available.
15 days annual leave entitlement a year pro rata on first year, 20 days after second year
30 day Christmas bonus a year pro rata on first year
IMSS and Private Medical Scheme for employee, spouse and dependants under the age of 18.
A mix of Mexican and British Holidays that adds up to 14 days per year.
Specific training, mentoring and coaching for the role will be provided for the successful candidate. This may include training in London and the region
The successful candidate will be subject to confirmation of background and security clearance.
The successful candidate is expected to commence employment no later than Mid September.
To apply:
Please submit your CV, salary history and a covering letter, explaining why you think you would be suitable for the job. Refer to the CORPORATE SERVICES MANAGER position to hr9.mexico@fco.gov.uk by 15 August 2014.
We will only process applications that are submitted in English, via email referring to this position. Applications sent by any other means to other mail inboxes or sent after the closing date will not be considered
The British Embassy is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions based on each individual’s merits without regard to race, gender, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or any other criterion protected by law.
Trade and Investment Officer (Financial Services and Security Team)
The British Embassy in Mexico City requires a Trade and Investment Officer to support the Commercial section of the Embassy.
The job:
As part of the UK Trade & Investment section of the Embassy, the position will work with the Senior Trade and Investment Officer to help UK companies carrying out Financial Services and Security activity in Mexico. The jobholder will liaise with key contacts and partners in UK and Mexico, as well as carrying out business and market research on Mexico, organizing visit programme for companies that come to Mexico, and keeping track of administrative tasks.
Activities include:
Identifying key commercial contacts in the UK and Mexico
Writing trade reports
Following up on enquiries from potential customers
Attending meetings with potential contacts
Organizing trade promotion events
Preparing presentations on key business sectors (eg financial services, security)
Keeping track of and updating databases
Other tasks as required
Must be proactive, a self-starter, professional and demonstrate strong inter-personal and team skills. You should have the ability to learn rapidly and establish a good rapport with customers. Excellent spoken and written English and Spanish are essential. Ideally you should have a university educational qualification. Knowledge of the Financial Services and Security Sectors is desirable. Computer skills (including spreadsheets, Word, Power Point, etc.) are a must.
Previous work experience with trade promotion, marketing campaigns, sales and project development is desirable.
Competences Required:
Collaborating and Partnering: Create and maintain positive, professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people within and outside the Civil Service to help get business done. At all levels, it requires working collaboratively, sharing information and building supportive, responsive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, whilst having the confidence to challenge assumptions.
Changing and Improving: Responsive, innovative and seek out opportunities to create effective change. For all staff, it’s about being open to change, suggesting ideas for improvements to the way things are done, and working in ‘smarter’, more focused ways
Leading and Communicating: Leading from the front and communicating with clarity, conviction and enthusiasm. It’s about supporting principles of fairness of opportunity for all and a dedication to a diverse range of citizens.
Delivering Value for Money: Efficient, effective and economic use of taxpayers’ money in the delivery of public services.
Managing a Quality Service: Organised to deliver service objectives and striving to improve the quality of service, taking account of diverse customer needs and requirements. People who are effective plan, organise and manage their time and activities to deliver a high quality and efficient service, applying programme and project management approaches to support service delivery.
Delivering at Pace: Focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes. It’s about working to agreed goals and activities and dealing with challenges in a responsive and constructive way.
Essential Skills/Experience:
Excellent organisational skills
Good writing and speaking skills - able to communicate fluent and clearly in English and engage the help of staff across the embassy to achieve your objectives
Good presentational skills for engaging with stakeholders from Mexican Government and our alumni network of Mexicans who have studied in the UK.
Ability to build relationships with diverse range of stakeholders so that you can call on them for assistance when necessary.
Good team player – willing to help out colleagues and share the work load on team tasks
Ability to multi task and prioritise, undertaking a range of tasks at the same time
Proactive at spotting where team processes can be improved
Languages
Candidates must be confident in both English and Spanish
Benefits
Monthly Salary $ 15,628.00 mxn
Private Medical Scheme.
38 hour working week. Working Monday to Thursday from 08:00 to 16:30 with half hour lunch break and Fridays from 08:00-14:00 hrs. Flexible working could be required
15 days annual leave entitlement on a pro-rata basis.
A mix of Mexican and British Holidays that adds up to 14 days per year
30 day annual Christmas bonus on a pro-rata basis
How to Apply
If you fulfil the requirements and relevant criteria for this position, please send your CV with a short covering letter in English explaining why you think you would be an excellent candidate for this job, to the following email address: recruitment1.americasregionalhub@fco.gov.uk at the British Embassy. Please make reference to the Trade and Investment Officer (Financial Services and Security Team) position in the subject of your email.
Closing date for applications is 12:00 PM (local time, Mexico City) Wednesday 30 July 2014. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.
Only those candidates who are short-listed will be contacted and called for interview.
We expect successful candidates to start working as soon as possible. Applications should be sent in an electronic format with all attachments included with a file size of less than 1MB. The British Embassy is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and Diversity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity and religion. Each application will be considered carefully.
The British Embassy in Mexico City is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and to creating a diverse working environment, free from discrimination, where everyone is included and treated fairly, based on merit alone. We are an equal opportunity employer, making all employment decisions without regard to race, gender, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or any other criterion protected by law.
Corporate Services, Head of Internal Services
The British Embassy in Mexico is developing a new model for delivering corporate services more efficiently while providing the best service to our customers, and to implement the best practices to work with a new regional project currently starting. The Internal Services team will be key in helping Corporate Services in the design and implementation of the necessary measures to make Mexico successful as the lead of this regional project, aiming to efficiency, effectiveness, responsiveness and high quality in customer service.
The Job:
The Embassy is seeking to recruit a Head of Internal Services to support Corporate Services Team to ensure value for money is provided to the Embassy, its Sub Post in Mexico, as well as in collaborating to the appropriate interaction with the regional team set in Mexico. The Head of Internal Services will also be in frequent interaction with the other streams supporting the Embassy’s daily operation: Accounts, Human Resources, Estates, ICT, Logistics and Procurement. All this, with a strategic vision, and following best practices dictated by FCO. The head of Internal Services will act as Deputy Head of Corporate Services when required.
You will be required to:
Support the Head of Corporate Services in the development and implementation of projects to improve efficiency, effectiveness, responsiveness and high quality in customer service in Mexico.
Support the Head of Corporate Services in liaising with CST team leaders (Finance, HR, IT, Estates, Logistics, Security) to understand priorities, deliver and drive the change in the team to adapt to new requirements.
Develop procedures to ensure appropriate reception, follow up and completion of requirements to Corporate Services area.
Develop procedures to monitor the improvement of the perception of Corporate Services area.
Act as Deputy Head of Corporate Services when required.
Liaise with users, including the CLO, to ensure the implementation of appropriate processes for arrivals and departures of UK staff.
Structure and develop the Procurement system for Mexico, including contracts, efficiency and savings in the management with contractors and other third parties.
Support the Head of Corporate Services in implementation of a new model of work with the regional HUB.
Manage and develop an assistant, a receptionist and a general services person.
Competences
We are looking for an experienced and dynamic Head of Internal Services with a strong track record of delivering results, skills to interact at various hierarchical levels in a multi cultural environment, and a passion for making a difference.
The following skills are important:
Ability to deliver in an competing priorities environment including prioritising and delegating appropriately
Proven skills to interact and persuade people with different backgrounds and different seniority levels.
Creativity to think of new alternatives.
Ability to provide outstanding customer service.
Financial Management
Problem solving and delivering results
Ability to maintain a fair, consistent set of standards.
Strategic Awareness
Proven leadership
Strong negotiation skills
Ability to understand when to take ownership and when to delegate.
Ability to adjust priorities and manage time wisely in a fast-paced environment.
Willingness to understand the various streams in the Corporate Services area.
Computer skills (including spreadsheets, Word, Power Point, etc) are required.
Experience
Experience in dealing with difficult requests, under tight budgets and timeframes.
Previous work experience in customer service related activities is essential.
Basic-medium knowledge of finance, HR, procurement and logistics is desirable.
Knowledge of Project management methodologies is a plus.
Languages
Excellent spoken and written English and Spanish are essential
Benefits
The opportunity to work in a diverse and multicultural work environment
Starting salary at MXN $21,509 gross per month
Attractive benefits package over and above Law’s minimum requirements
38 conditioned working hours per week. Mon-Thu 08:00 – 16:30 with a half hour lunch break and Fri 08:00-14:00 although some flexibility may be required.
14 public holidays per year
15 days annual leave pro rata on first year and 20 days after first year
30 days salary Christmas Bonus
Private Medical Scheme.
The British Embassy is committed to the ongoing training and development of its staff, and training will be provided as appropriate.
How to Apply
If you fulfil the requirements and relevant criteria for this position, please send your CV with a short covering letter in English explaining why you think you would be an excellent candidate for this job, to the following email address: hr8.mexico@fco.gov.uk at the British Embassy. Please make reference to the B3 (L) Head of Internal Services position in the subject of your email.
Closing date for applications is 12:00 PM (local time, Mexico City) Monday 04 August 2014. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.
Only those candidates who are short-listed will be contacted and called for interview.
We expect successful candidates to start working as soon as possible from mid/late August. Applications should be sent in an electronic format with all attachments included with a file size of less than 1MB.
ONLY THOSE CANDIDATES WHO ARE SHORT-LISTED WILL BE CONTACTED AND CALLED FOR INTERVIEW.
Adverts for interns
British Embassy Mexico City Job Opportunity: Intern (Paid scheme)
Are you interested in doing your internships in an exciting, dynamic and international environment? Would you like to have the opportunity to start your professional career with a diverse team of over 100 people and, at the same time, make a real contribution to the British Embassy in Mexico City?
The British Embassy is in the search for interns who are dynamic, resourceful, task oriented, with a collaborative approach.
Are you:
Responsible?
High performer?
Organized?
Good at English?
Deliver results without the need for inspection?
Willing to learn and grow in a customer related environment?
In the last semesters of your degree or a recent graduate with qualification in Management, Accounts, Foreign Trade, International Relations, Logistics, Politics, and Economy & Communication.
Benefits
The opportunity to work in a diverse and multicultural work environment
Starting salary at MXN $2,018.70 (20 hours per week) and $2,523.38 (25 hours per week) gross per month
20 or 25 conditioned working hours per week. Mon-Thu 08:00 – 12:00 and Fri 08:00-14:00 although some flexibility may be required.
The British Embassy is committed to the ongoing training and development of its staff, and training will be provided as appropriate.
The British Embassy has agreements with some Universities to release social service.
Duration
The internship programme for Mexican Nationals runs throughout the year. Local internships should stay 6 months with the possibility of extending another 6 months period.
How to Apply
If you fulfil the requirements and relevant criteria for this position, please send your CV with a short covering letter in English explaining why you think you would be an excellent candidate for this job, to the following email address: mexico.socialservice@fco.gov.uk at the British Embassy. Please make reference to the Intern position in the subject of your email. If you would like further information on the position you are encouraged to discuss with any members of the section.
Closing date for applications is 12:00 PM (local time, Mexico City) 08/08/2014. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.
The British Embassy in Mexico City is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and to creating a diverse working environment, free from discrimination, where everyone is included and treated fairly, based on merit alone. We are an equal opportunity employer, making all employment decisions without regard to race, gender, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or any other criterion protected by law.