View Vacancy - Executive Assistant to Military Attache (FRA26-009784)

View Vacancy - Executive Assistant to Military Attache (FRA26-009784)

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.

Job Category

Other British Government Departments (Partners across Government, including UK Visas)

Job Subcategory

MOD (Ministry of Defence)

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

Who are we?

The British Embassy in Paris, France is part of a worldwide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas.

Main purpose of the role:

To provide high-level executive, administrative, and operational support to the Military Attaché in BDS Paris, ensuring the efficient running of the office and delivery of strategic objectives. The role coordinates senior engagements, visits, and events, manages stakeholder relationships across UK and French defence networks, and supports information management, planning, and reporting. It also contributes to wider British Defence Staff activity, enabling effective decision-making, strong bilateral engagement, and seamless delivery of defence diplomacy objectives.

Main responsibilities:

Executive Support and Office Management

• Provide high-quality, proactive executive and administrative support to the Military Attaché.
• Manage a complex and dynamic diary, prioritising engagements in line with strategic objectives and flagging conflicts, risks and pressures.
• Coordinate meetings, including scheduling, venue or dial-in arrangements, agenda development and preparation of briefing materials.
• Maintain accurate databases, correspondence records and documentation.
• Monitor BDS-wide engagement tracking tools, identifying relevant activities and supporting forward planning.
• Maintain forward look calendars and engagement records, ensuring accuracy and alignment with priorities.

High-Level Engagements, Visits and Events

• Plan, coordinate and deliver senior engagements (including 1* and above meetings), visits and programmes involving UK, French and international defence stakeholders.
• Lead on logistical arrangements including travel, accommodation, transport, itineraries and liaison with host organisations and security teams.
• Organise official events, including Army engagements, BDS Paris functions, representational activity and senior visitor programmes (includes Alumni Event and Armistice).
• Manage guest lists, seating, dietary requirements and preparation of event materials (invitations, place cards, briefing packs).
• Support commemorative events in coordination with relevant Embassy and BDS leads.
• Accompany the Military Attaché on official travel when required.

Engagement and Stakeholder Management

• Act as a professional first point of contact for the office, representing the British Defence Staff appropriately at all times.
• Build and maintain networks within the French Ministry of Armed Forces, military institutions and diplomatic community.
• Facilitate effective information flow between UK Defence and French counterparts.
• Maintain accurate stakeholder records (SRM) and engagement tracking systems, conducting regular reviews to ensure currency and reliability.
• Handle stakeholder interactions with discretion, judgement and awareness of diplomatic sensitivities.

Information and Records Management

• Maintain structured, compliant digital filing systems in line with policy.
• Improve information storage and retrieval processes, including use of digital tools such as SharePoint.
• Document and streamline office processes (e.g. Requests for Visit, approvals workflows and administrative procedures).
• Provide high-quality translation of official documents (English ↔ French).
• Take clear and accurate minutes during meetings and support follow-up actions.

Financial and Administrative Responsibilities

• Track and reconcile card expenditure and maintain accurate financial records.
• Process travel and subsistence claims, representational expenses (Gifts and Hospitality), and low-value business cases.
• Maintain supporting documentation, including receipts and audit trails, ensuring compliance with policy.
• Maintain awareness of relevant financial procedures and governance requirements.

Analytical and Policy Support

• Provide analytical support for discrete tasks aligned with BDS outputs.
• Monitor and track defence-related activity relevant to UK objectives in France.
• Contribute to reporting, situational awareness and informed decision-making.

Team and Corporate Contribution

• Provide flexible support to the wider BDS and Embassy teams, particularly during major events or periods of high demand.
• Cover for other administrative staff during absences, ensuring continuity of operations.
• Contribute to team projects and cross-cutting initiatives.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

• Fluency in English (both oral and written, minimum C1 level of CEFR*)
• Fluency in French (both oral and written, minimum B2 level of CEFR*)
• Proven experience in an Executive/Personal Assistant role
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills with the ability to manage competing demands
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and professionalism
• High level of discretion and sound judgement in handling sensitive information
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Confident user of IT systems and willingness to develop digital skills
• Effective interpersonal skills and ability to build professional networks
• Proactive, adaptable and collaborative approach

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

• Fluency in French (both oral and written, minimum C1 level of CEFR*)
• University degree in a relevant field
• Previous experience in a diplomatic mission
• Event management experience
• Knowledge of the UK and French MOD/Military would be useful, as would knowledge of CAMNA

Required behaviours

Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together

Application deadline

14 July 2026

Grade

Administrative Officer (AO)

Type of Position

Full-time, Permanent

Working hours per week

35

Region

Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia

Country/Territory

France

Location (City)

Paris

Type of Post

British Embassy

Number of vacancies

1

Salary Currency

EUR

Salary

3,872 Gross

Type of Salary

monthly

Start Date

7 September 2026

Other benefits and conditions of employment

This is a full time permanent contract. The position is based on a 35/h week. The monthly salary is 3,872€ (gross). In addition, staff receive meal contribution.

All appointments are subject to professional background check satisfactory security clearance. The successful applicant will be required to provide a copy of his/her passport or national identity card for all nationalities held, an up-to-date criminal record (casier judiciaire) for recent countries of residence (which can be obtained online at , two written proofs of address (utility invoices and/or bank statements) and two references.

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in Paris, France are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local French employment law and FCO guidance for Local Staff. The posts we offer are not an entry point into the UK's Diplomatic Service.

Your application will only be considered if you follow the guidance below:

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

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

The start date mentioned in the advert is just an expected start date. The appointment can start earlier or later depending on several factors.

Visa/work permit requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in France and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements to live and work in this country.

Learning and Development opportunities: The France Network puts a very strong emphasis on L&D and the jobholder will be able to benefit from opportunities offered by the Diplomatic Collage and civil service learning, as well as informal opportunities within the Embassy on topics.
The successful applicant will be encouraged to be actively involved in the corporate life of the British Embassy, contributing to the wider objectives of the British Government's through the France network and supporting the British Embassy's positive working environment.

Working Pattern: The position is based on a 35 - hour working week.

This is a full-time position. Our team works flexibly, including some time working remotely. However, in line with current policy, the job holder will be expected to be in the office at least 60% of the week - and more often when required.

Equal employment
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. The FCDO France Network want to maximise the potential of everyone who chooses to work for us, regardless of their background.

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.

Additional information

Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field "Application deadline".

We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application, since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered.

Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.

Please be advised that the British Diplomatic Missions 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.

*Please note for more information on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment levels please click on the following link . Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your language skill is going to be assessed.

The British Embassy Paris wants to create a diverse, inclusive and friendly environment in which people can perform at their best because they feel supported; are able to be themselves in the workplace; and have opportunities to develop and grow. We want all our colleagues, regardless of grade, background or experience, to share our strong sense of purpose and ambition to deliver the best possible outcomes.

We know that diversity of background, experience and thought will help us achieve our goals. We actively encourage applications from colleagues from Minority Ethnic and underrepresented backgrounds and from groups with protected characteristics.

Please ensure that your application is authentically written based on your own experiences. If AI tools are used, their usage must only be limited to specific tasks such as ensuring formatting consistency and keyword relevance. The core content, personal narratives, and responses to behaviour and skill-based questions must genuinely reflect your professional journey, experiences, and achievements. We place great importance on originality and individual effort throughout the application process. Any form of plagiarism will result in immediate disqualification.

Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.