JOB DESCRIPTION

View Vacancy – Corporate Services Assistant (CHEB25.338)

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

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Operations and Corporate Services)

Job Subcategory

Finance, HR, Reception

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

The British Embassy in Berne is part of a world-wide network representing British political, economic and consular interests. We are recruiting a Corporate Services Assistant who plays a key role in supporting the Embassy’s internal operations.

The position involves managing payments, handling HR issues, maintaining inventories, and coordinating diplomatic mail and courier services. It requires strong organisational skills and attention to detail to ensure smooth day-to-day functioning.

The role also supports the arrival and departure of UK diplomats and visitors, liaising with contractors and service providers. It includes practical tasks beyond desk work, such as supervising contractors and managing items like IT equipment and Permits. The assistant works closely with the Corporate Services Manager and engages with UK teams and regional hubs.

Ideal candidates will have at least two years of administrative experience, fluency in English and excellent proficiency in IT. The position demands flexibility, initiative, and excellent interpersonal skills. It offers a daily role at 50-75% hours, contributing directly to the Embassy’s ability to deliver high-quality services.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Act as a first point of contact for HR-related questions and staff management issues within the Embassy.
• Process local payments and purchases using credit cards, raise requisitions, file invoices and documents.
• Supporting the payroll team to ensure staff are paid on time.
• Support budget management, including forecasting, cash reporting and reconciliation.
• Provide support to Corporate Services team to organise the arrival and departure of UK diplomats and visitors, supervise contractors if required.
• Work with and support contract management of embassy services e.g. telecommunications, facilities management.
• Maintain inventories for items such as IT and facilities; coordinate diplomatic mail and courier services.
• Act from time to time on the security desk within their shift patterns.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

• Full professional proficiency in English (written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework* or equivalent);
• Administrative Experience – Minimum of two years’ experience in administrative roles, demonstrating multitasking and attention to detail.
• HR skills – Generalist background in employee administration and providing essential guidance.
• IT Proficiency – Confident use of Copilot, Excel, Sharepoint and Phone and IT support (basic).
• Organisational Ability – Proven ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Teamwork and Collaboration – Ability to work well independently and as part of a team, supporting colleagues and contributing to shared goals.
• Basic Financial Literacy – Understanding of financial processes such as reconciliations, invoice handling, and petty cash management supports the role’s financial tasks.
• Delivering at Pace – Demonstrates efficiency and responsiveness in completing tasks to a high standard under time pressure.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

• German at least B1/B2 CEFR* would be desirable but not mandatory.
• Procurement / P2P: Experience with Procurement or Vendor Management – Familiarity with sourcing quotations, managing suppliers, and handling purchase orders can be valuable given the purchasing responsibilities.
• Professional HR background with experience in handling HR cases and applying Swiss Employment Law.
• Driving License – clean record and willingness to drive as part of job duties.

Required behaviours

Delivering at Pace, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together

Application deadline

26 November 2025

Grade

Administrative Assistant (AA)

Type of Position

Permanent, Part-Time

Working hours per week

30

Region

Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia

Country/Territory

Switzerland

Location (City)

Berne

Type of Post

British Embassy

Number of vacancies

1

Salary Currency

CHF

Salary

4,744 (gross) and pro rata based on workload percentage (e.g. at 75%)

Type of Salary

monthly

Start Date

5 January 2026

Other benefits and conditions of employment

This is a part-time and permanent contract of 30 hours per week inclusive of four compulsory 45-minute lunch breaks. There is a 3-month probationary period, during which either party may bring the agreement to an end, in writing with 7 days’ notice.

Embassy opening hours are 0730 – 1830 hrs (Monday – Thursday) and 0730 – 1330 hrs (Friday).

Gross monthly salary is CHF 4,744 (pro rata). The annual leave entitlement is 25 days per year (pro rata), increasing to 30 days over 5 years, and the Embassy also enjoys 13 Swiss/ UK public holidays per year.

Salary is pro rata based on workload percentage (e.g. CHF 4,744 at 75%, adjusted accordingly for 50–75%).

The successful candidate will be subject to professional background and security clearances before a contract is offered.

FCDO is committed to continual learning and development. The Embassy will provide funding in line with L&D requirements and a variety of learning and development is provided throughout the year both directly at post and virtually through the FCDO International Academy. There will be opportunities to attend training, lectures etc. on the job.

Visa/work permit requirements: The successful candidate must have pre-existing work authorisation for Switzerland in order to apply. All applicants should have the right to live and work in Switzerland.

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. FCDO want to maximise the potential of everyone who chooses to work for us, regardless of their background.

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.

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 regarding the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, please click on the following link CEFR. Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your language skill is going to be assessed.

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.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements