UK Presidency Information and Technology Support Officer

(Ref. BEL643)

FCO - Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Brussels, Belgium

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s (FCO) diplomatic missions in Benelux are part of a world-wide network of over 200 Posts, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. Corporate Services Benelux (CSB) is a joint service leading on operational support delivering a wide range of corporate services in support of the British Embassy, the UK Representation to the EU and the UK Delegation to NATO as well as to our embassies in The Netherlands and Luxembourg in key areas such as security, finance, pooled transport, HR and IT.

Up to and during the UK Presidency of the EU will be extremely busy where the Permanent Representation is at the heart of the Brussels based business. In reality this will involve some long-hours above and beyond the contracted weekly hours, including outside core hours. Exceptionally there may be a need to work at some point on a weekend. The successful candidate will be an integral member of CSB and as such they will be expected to be flexible and adapt to help cover any potential shift in priorities within this busy time.

CSB also has the advantage of offering Time off in Lieu (TOIL) for extra time worked and provides opportunities to take time off at late July/August, Christmas, and Easter when there is slightly less activity in the UK Missions. We are also exploring what options may exist for ad hoc flexible working, whilst recognising the Presidency period will create limitations on what is possible on a regular basis.

CSB is a great place to work with supportive colleagues and access to learning and development opportunities including with our in house training hub.

Within CSB a full time vacancy has become available as Information and Technology Support Officer (ITSO) in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) section. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining high standards of service whilst meeting the diverse requirements of a range of senior level customers. They will also act as front of house for a high profile IT position. The position would suit a well organised, highly professional individual who can demonstrate an ability to deliver excellent service- adept at juggling competing demands, as well as being able to manage expectations.

Main Duties/Responsibilities

• Proactively maintain and support ICT desktop and infrastructure systems;
• Carry out system monitoring, problem resolution and oversee fault escalation procedures;
• Create and maintain positive, professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of with stakeholders particularly in European Council and central IT helpdesk;
• Maintain IT equipment in other locations including Strasbourg, Luxembourg & the Brussels area;
• Ability to adapt quickly to a changing IT environment, learn new systems and work additional hours (including occasional weekends) as required;
• Deliver service objectives, taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes;
• Proactively work to improve the quality of service and effect change, taking account of diverse customer needs and requirements; 
• Undertake on an ad hoc basis projects to support the wider Corporate Services Team.

Required Experience & Skills

Essential:

• Fluent level of English (written and spoken); 
• Good IT skills with in-depth knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Excel and SharePoint; 
• Windows Server 2008, Exchange Server 2010, Windows 8, Windows 10, Active Directory; 
• In-depth troubleshooting knowledge of telephony, smartphone, Blackberry & remote laptop connectivity;
• Hardware/software skills – able to change printer/workstation components as well troubleshooting general hardware and software issues;
• Good writing skills - able to produce clear all staff communications and IT user guides that are easy to follow for users at all levels;
• Able to carry out more physical helpdesk duties – lifting equipment up to 25kg, sorting cabling and connections in all areas i.e. under desks, in patch cabinets and server rooms;
• Key FCO competences: Managing a Quality Service; Changing & Improving; Delivering at Pace; Collaborating and Partnering; Delivering Value for Money; Leading & Communicating.

Desirable:

• Previous experience of providing IT training;
• A recognised IT qualification, i.e. European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) or ITIL;
• Knowledge of spoken French or Dutch;
• Previous experience of working in crisis situations. Preparation beforehand as well as calm and efficient during a crisis.

Terms and Conditions

This is a full-time, fixed term contract until 31st January 2018, for 5 working days (36.25 hours net) per week (please note that is expected to be necessary to work some long-hours above and beyond the contracted weekly hours, including outside core hours and occasionally on weekends).

The monthly salary for this position is € 2.286,10, A2(L) level (The British Diplomatic Missions in Belgium salaries are not subject to annual indexation).

Please note that Belgian nationals will be paid their salary gross and are expected to comply with their tax obligations through completion of a tax return to the Belgian authorities. Non-Belgian nationals will receive their salary net, minus the deduction of an equivalent level of Belgian tax retained at source. Further information on this will be given to candidates during the recruitment process.

The successful candidates will be subject to professional background checks and security clearance.

Staff recruited locally by the British Diplomatic Missions in Belgium are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Belgian employment law.

Applications

All applicants should have the right to live and work in Belgium. The British Diplomatic Missions in Belgium does not sponsor work permits.

All applicants should submit their CV (in English, up to 3 pages), Covering Letter (in English, no more than 1 page of A4, Arial11) setting out their motivation for the role and how they meet the above criteria.

Applications should be sent to jobapplications.BEL@fco.gov.uk and the email subject line must be formatted as follows: BEL643.

The closing date for applications is the 16th May 2016.

Kindly note that your application will only be considered if:

1. Your application has been sent within the time frame requested;
2. Your application documents are fully in English;
3. Your applications documents are in .pdf format.

Please note that, because of the volume of applications we receive, we will only contact candidates selected for interview. If you do not hear from us you should assume that your application has not been successful.

Please be advised that the British Diplomatic Missions in Belgium will not be able to meet the travel costs incurred when travelling to the interview, nor the costs connected with relocation if offered a job.

British Diplomatic Missions are equal opportunities employers, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.