The British Embassy in Dushanbe, is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and is now looking to recruit a Part-Time Corporate Services Officer. This job is a new position within Corporate Services, a small and high performing team that keeps the embassy running. You will lead on two key corporate roles: procurement and accommodation services. You will also spend about a quarter of your time working on Embassy initiatives and projects, meaning the role will be varied and interesting and enable you to develop a wide range of corporate services skills. You will need to have, and will have the opportunity to further develop, the ability to work with a wide variety of stakeholders, including in London and regional hubs, to ensure we deliver a quality service. 

We are a small, friendly and energetic team focused on promoting links between the UK and Tajikistan. Our Embassy team values trust, respect, creativity, continues learning and development, one team, openness and offers and expects high levels of responsibility.

Our team is part of a wider regional team across Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and you will have opportunities to connect with colleagues across the region and in the UK.

The successful applicant will be encouraged to be actively involved in the corporate life of the Embassy, contributing to the wider objectives, and supporting a positive working environment.

Roles and responsibilities:

Procurement

You will be responsible for ensuring that we purchase goods and services in according to FCDO best practice and local legislation. This will include:

• Procurement of goods and services for the Embassy and Residences;
• For high value contracts, manage procurement in cooperation with the Procurement Hub;
• Supplier relationship management;
• Hera (FCDO Financial, Procurement and HR online system) housekeeping;
• Managing Medical & Life Insurance for local staff;
• Financial procedures including Distribution Sets, Invoices, Debit and Credit memos, Miscellaneous Receipts and Network Post Accounts, including correctly accounting for spend and reducing the risk for fraud.

Estates

In cooperation with the Facilities Team and Corporate Services Manager, you will be responsible for coordinating effective management of the Embassy estate. This will include:

• Contact point for UK staff for accommodation issues and maintenance requests, taking forward issues with Facilities Team and tracking completion;
• Support new UK staff with accommodation needs including property search, leases, furniture supply and purchase, etc;
• Maintain preventative maintenance forward plan for Embassy and all residential properties;
• Follow-up checks and recommendations after regional expert visits, including electric/gas/seismic inspections;
• Health & Safety Officer, ensuring implementation of H&S recommendations, including related checks and inspections;
• Line management and oversight of Embassy cleaner;
• Responsibility for Embassy and residence inventory;
• Monitoring and updating forecasts of maintenance budget and machinery, transport, medical budget lines + miscellaneous, utilities, stationery, etc;
• Close cooperation with Procurement and Finance Hubs
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of leases in Planon (online accommodation housekeeping online system) in cooperation with FCDO Estates and Security Department;
• UK Based Staff arrivals and departures management;
• Notetaker for Housing Committee.

Other

• Assistance with Embassy response in times of crisis;
• Back Up Finance Officer (provide cover when they are not available);
• Involvement in Embassy Greening initiatives.

• Effective communication, including written and spoken fluency in English, Tajik and Russian;
• Familiarity with accounting and finance management;
• Familiarity with procurement and contract management;
• Experience of bookkeeping or managing cash and budgets.