Executive Assistant to the Counsellor for Foreign Policy, Security and Migration (FRA25.369)

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office; Paris; Hybride; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A governmental department in Paris seeks an Executive Assistant to support the Counsellor for Foreign Policy, Security and Migration. The role involves proactive diary management, coordinating events, and providing administrative assistance. Fluency in French and English is essential. This full-time, permanent position offers a monthly salary of 3,872 € gross, along with additional benefits such as a meal contribution.

Prestations

Meal contribution

Qualifications

• C1 level fluency in written and spoken French and English.
• Significant administrative experience related to office and budget management.
• Proven problem-solving abilities under pressure.

Responsabilités

• Manage the Counsellor’s diary and inbox proactively.
• Support the successful delivery of Embassy events.
• Provide administrative support within the team.

Connaissances

Fluency in French and English

Administrative experience

Engaging with stakeholders

Organizational skills

Proficient in MS Office tools

Outils

MS Outlook

MS Word

MS PowerPoint

MS Excel

Description du poste

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require.

Who are we?

The British Embassy in Paris is part of a worldwide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and is currently recruiting an Executive Assistant to the Counsellor for Foreign Policy, Security and Migration.

Main purpose of the role

This is a unique and fast-paced role within the Embassy. The team is a dynamic and high-performing unit that handles some of the most pressing priorities across the FCDO, Home Office, and wider Whitehall. Its remit spans a wide range of high-profile and sensitive issues, including foreign policy, counter-terrorism, national security, justice, and migration.

Main responsibilities

Diary Management (60%)

• Proactively manage the Counsellor’s diary and inbox: scheduling internal and external meetings, advising on priorities, flagging deadlines, following up on actions, preparing meeting materials, and taking notes as needed.
• Liaise with contacts in key French and UK government departments to coordinate logistics for meetings and events. Share relevant information with Embassy teams and UK departments in a timely and accurate manner to support planning.

Event Coordination and Travel Planning (10%)

• Support the successful delivery of events, working closely with the wider team, Residence, and wider Embassy colleagues.
• Manage travel arrangements and itineraries for the Counsellor’s external visits and for incoming visitors to the Embassy.

Team Support (20%)

• Provide administrative support to the Foreign and Security Policy Counsellor in their role as Chair of different committees, including the Joint Serious and Organised Crime (JSOC) partners meetings.
• Assist in ensuring the smooth operation of the wider team.

Office Management (10%)

• Support budget-related tasks for the Counsellor and wider team, including forecasting, tracking / chasing deadlines, and advising on under / overspend and reallocations.
• Manage practical office needs such as ordering supplies and catering, escorting visitors, processing expense claims, and maintaining accurate records of business expenses and hospitality for quarterly publication.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

• Fluency in written and spoken French and English (C1 level according to CEFR), with the ability to translate and proofread accurately.
• Significant administrative experience, including experience in office and budget management.
• Previous experience in a similar role as Executive Assistant / Personal Assistant.
• Experience engaging with senior and external stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills and proficiency in IT tools (MS Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Attention to detail and a proactive approach.
• Confidence and ease in initiating contact with new stakeholders and persistence in achieving objectives.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated adaptability under tight timelines and changing circumstances.
• Proven problem-solving abilities and capacity to perform well under pressure.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

• Experience in event management.
• Previous experience working in an international organisation.

Required behaviours

Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Making Effective Decisions, Working Together

Application deadline

23 November 2025

Grade

Administrative Officer (AO)

Location

Paris, France.

Salary and Benefits

Monthly salary 3,872 € (gross). In addition, staff receive a meal contribution.

Employment details

This is a full-time, permanent contract. The position is based on a 35 hours a week. The applicant will undergo a professional background check and security clearance.

Application Instructions

• Your application must be sent in English only.
• Your application must clearly indicate all nationalities you hold.

Work Pattern

The position is based on a 35 hour working week. Our team works flexibly, with some time working remotely. The job holder will be expected to be in the office at least 60% of the week – and more often when required, e.g. during events or when filming is required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or gender identity. We particularly encourage applications from candidates with protected characteristics.

Further Information

Our recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of appointment on the basis of fair and open competition and appointment on merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles.