Main purpose of job:

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dedicated and reliable individual to join the British Forces Post Office (BFPO) as a Mailroom Operative. This important role plays a key part in supporting secure and efficient mail services and reports directly to the Mailroom Supervisor.

The mailroom team provides a comprehensive range of postal services including the collection, sorting and onward forwarding, and distribution of mail items. This essential service supports both internal Embassy staff and the wider UK Government and Defence footprint across the United States, ensuring secure and timely handling of mail. 

This is a part time position. 

The US Network offers a unique career enhancing opportunity and is committed to supporting its staff through a variety of benefits including generous leave, insurance packages and a highly competitive 401k programme.  It also promotes a culture of flexibility which enables people to better maintain wellness through an excellent work/life balance approach that encompasses hybrid working, including working from home and flexible hours, where possible.  In this role you would be working in a diverse international environment to support UK diplomats, armed forces personnel and other country-based staff operating across the British Government’s network of Consulates and Government Offices in the United States. This network provides a platform for approximately 30 Government departments and agencies to conduct their work in the United States and is made up of over 900 staff with a rich and diverse background, skill sets, and experiences. 

This is a chance to directly contribute to the way in which both Governments collaborate and negotiate. The British Forces Post Office provides customer support to the wider British Defence Staff based at the British Embassy, Washington DC and US sites across North America, providing a high-quality postal service.

The ideal candidate will be a team player and able to work independently, clear/effective communicator, strong attention to detail, with the ability to shift focus with Making Effective Decisions, Working Together, Managing a Quality Service, and Delivering at Pace.

Roles and responsibilities:

The Mail Room Operative provides the following service:

• Coordinating the dispatch, receipt and sorting of unclassified BFPO mail. 
• Managing the preparation, payment and submission of mail for transit via US domestic carriers.
• Ensuring the secure storage of all mail types in accordance with established security protocols.
• Maintaining accurate and up to date mail records, including those related to BFPO, US carriers, British Consulates, and the FCDO.
• Liaising with FCDO London regarding the transport of Diplomatic Unescorted Bags between the US and the UK. 
• Providing advice and assistance to customers in a professional and courteous manner. 
• Ensuring full compliance with Health and Safety procedures and promoting safe working practices. 
• Supporting the Mailroom Supervisor, including providing cover during periods of absence. 
• Assisting the BFPO Courier Service as required. 
• Providing counter support during periods of staff leave or increased demand. 

Resources managed: 

• Staff once trained will use and manage advanced Mailing systems.
• Staff once trained will use and manage the HOL system. 

Essential on arrival: 

• A strong team player with the flexibility to adapt to the changing needs of the team and wider business. 
• Proficient IT skills, with the ability to evaluate and manage data effectively – particularly using Microsoft Outlook and Excel. 
• A clear and confident communicator, capable of engaging with stakeholders at all levels of the organisation. 
• Excellent customer service skills, with a professional and approachable manner. 
• Must hold a valid US driving license and be willing to undertake local travel as required (e.g., for mail collection and delivery).
• Must hold one of the following passports: UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand.
• A proven track record of meeting established goals with accuracy and efficiency.
• Ability to multitask, meet deadlines, exercise sound judgement and make decisions independently with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain positive working relationships with supervisors and colleagues. 
• Under US State Department requirements, the UK Government in the US may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Permanent Residents or A visa holders with EAD cards*. If you hold a visa other than an A visa you are not currently eligible to work at our office.  Please refer to our website for information on exceptions to this policy at www.gov.uk/government/world/usa.  All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work.  *A visas are acceptable at the Embassy and Consulates. The UK Mission to the UN (UKMIS) accepts G visas, and British Defence Staff (BDS) outposts accept A or NATO visas.

Language requirements: 

Language: English

Level of language required: Fluent