View Vacancy – QAT – Government Relations Officer (AA)

The British Embassy in Doha is part of a worldwide network that represents political, economic, security and consular interests overseas. We are looking for a Government Relations Officer, job grade Administrative Assistant (AA).

British Embassy Doha

72 of us, of many different nationalities and backgrounds, work together at the British Embassy in Doha to make the United Kingdom more prosperous and more secure, and to give consular assistance to British citizens who need their Government’s help. The Corporate Services section is at the heart of the Embassy, responsible for many operations from recruitment, IT, finance, estates management and so on.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)

We pursue our national interests and project the UK as a force for good in the world. We promote the interests of British citizens, safeguard the UK’s security, defend our values, reduce poverty and tackle global challenges with our international partners.

FCDO brings together the best of Britain’s international effort and demonstrates the UK acting as a force for good in the world. We employ around 17,300 staff in our diplomatic and development offices worldwide in 280 overseas embassies and high commissions.        

Main purpose of job:

The purpose of this role is to enable staff of the British Embassy to obtain the necessary permissions to live, work, and perform their duties, as well as to assist the Embassy and its visitors in conducting their business in Qatar.

The jobholder will be responsible for the delivery of effective government relations duties. This is a challenging role that requires excellent interpersonal and customer handling skills. You will be responsible for making applications to and liaising with a wide range of Qatar government authorities.

You will be a strong team player and will work closely with colleagues within the Protocol & Government Relations Department and Corporate Services Department.

The role will report to the HR/Logistics Lead /Protocol Lead within the Corporate Services Team.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Dealing with Qatari authorities regarding the smooth arrival and departure of UK-based staff and Embassy VIPs/ guests.
• Receiving, recording, organising, prioritising work and updating customers on progress.
• Preparing applications for submission to Qatari authorities, the majority of which will need to be written in Arabic.
• Arranging Ministry of Foreign Affairs clearance, employment visas, health cards and Qatari IDs for staff.
• Establish or Develop high level relationships with key persons within the various government entities, displaying at all times the Embassy’s standards, code of conduct and professionalism.
• Liaising with the entities such as MoFA, Ministry of Interior (MoI), Customs, Traffic Department, and other Embassies or Consulates.
• Assisting with driving licences, QDC permits, and vehicle registrations for diplomatic staff.
• Arranging with Customs and contractors the release of unaccompanied airfreight, heavy baggage, and cargo for UK-based staff and/ or the Embassy.
• Arranging clearances for the Diplomatic Bags.
• Obtaining visit visas for  all official visitors, when required .
• Obtaining visas from other Embassies to enable Embassy staff to carry out their duties abroad.
• Arranging meetings for Embassy officials with Qatari officials.
• Providing guidance about Qatar processes and procedures.
• Drafting note verbales to Qatar government departments.
• Attending and supporting VVIP official visits, acting as translator when required.
• Taking part in Embassy’s emergency planning and response to a crisis affecting UK citizens.
• Assisting HR/Transport Lead with monitoring transport services and fleet as and when required.

The above list is not exhaustive, and the jobholder will be required to be flexible and take on other ad hoc tasks as required, including participating in the Embassy’s emergency planning and any other response to a crisis. The job description may be reviewed to meet changes in business needs.

Candidates will need to demonstrate the following Key Behaviours and Diversity & Inclusion during the interview:

Key Behaviours

• Managing a Quality Service – Deliver service objectives with professional excellence, expertise and efficiency, taking account of diverse customer needs.
• Communicating and Influencing – Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses and opinions of others.
• Making Effective Decisions – Use evidence and knowledge to support accurate, expert decisions and advice. Carefully consider alternative options, implications and risks of decisions.
• Delivering at Pace – Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.

Diversity and Inclusion:

The British Embassy Doha has a zero-tolerance approach to any form of bullying, harassment or discrimination and is fully committed to ensuring a safe and inclusive work environment for all.

We are committed to valuing diversity and to equality of opportunity. Our aim is to create and promote an environment in which all staff are treated fairly and with respect and feel able to contribute to the best of their abilities.

• Experience of working in or dealing with the Qatari Government: Immigration, Customs, MoL, and other authorities.
• Excellent communication skills in English and Arabic, both verbal and written (to be tested at interview stage).
• A confident communicator with excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to engage at all levels internally and with external contacts, and collaborate effectively across Embassy teams.
• Excellent customer service skills. Demonstrates courtesy and consideration in dealing with internal and external contacts.
• Strong work ethics and demonstrates high level of professionalism.
• Resourcefulness in solving problems and demonstrates good judgement.
• Ability to multi-task and respond quickly and flexibly to meet multiple and changing priorities.
• Proven record of organisational ability. Ability to prioritise and organise own workload and meet deadlines, while maintaining attention to detail and without compromising the quality of the work.
• Excellent IT skills and office administration skills, with good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, particularly MS Excel which will be used for recording data and producing reports.
• Holds a valid Qatari driving license.