The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) offers a career trajectory that is quite exceptional. As the government department that is tasked with supporting British people and interests on a global scale, our work takes us from conflict zones to international embassies. Whether generating business opportunities or assisting tourists caught up in terrorist incidents, we work collaboratively and innovatively – ably assisted by 14,000 employees across 270 diplomatic offices. This large workforce are central to everything that we do, so it is vital that we have a highly-skilled HR team ready to support them. It is here that you could find your place and a wealth of interesting challenges.

We are currently looking for five HR Services Administrative Officers to join our HR team, and develop the types of skills that will see them having a direct impact on the worldwide FCO workforce. With around 80 people in the team, there is great scope to experience other roles and projects, giving you a great grounding from which to establish your career. On a day-to-day basis, the challenges that you face will be highly varied. Providing administrative support and corporate services to the London FCO team and overseas, you will work with customers to support them in their needs. This could include anything from answering staff queries, maintaining Excel spreadsheets and updating records and databases, to taking on ad hoc requests such as adopting fire warden duties and supporting the wellbeing committee.

With each of the successful candidates being placed in a role that is specific to their skills, this is a great opportunity to take on a role that will play to your strengths. To excel in this fascinating opportunity, you will therefore have a sharp eye for detail, with the capacity to meet deadlines and prioritise your tasks accordingly. You will need to be interested in providing exceptional customer service, and this will be cemented by great communication and team-playing skills. Whether you are coming to us from another role or you are returning to work, you will need to have a flexible approach to your work, with a can-do attitude and the willingness to immerse yourself in a multitude of projects. Numerate and literate with at least 5 GCSEs including Maths and English at Grade C/4 or above, you will be proficient in Excel, Outlook and Windows 10.

With plenty of colleagues to learn from, the opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of the wider HR and corporate team is particularly valuable. And while job satisfaction is an important part of what we offer, we will also support you with progressive development opportunities – such as the chance to take on a 3-week attachment overseas – plus the scope for flexible working. So join us, and stretch the limits of your future career. Anything is possible when you join the FCO.