The British High Commission in Nairobi is inviting qualified and experienced candidates to apply for the position of Personal Assistant to the High Commissioner. This prestigious and demanding role offers an excellent opportunity to work in a dynamic, multicultural, and high-profile diplomatic environment. As part of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the successful candidate will serve as a core member of the High Commissioner’s Private Office, supporting key diplomatic activities and operations.
This role is crucial to the efficiency and effectiveness of the High Commissioner’s office. The successful applicant will be expected to bring high levels of organisation, discretion, initiative, and judgement, operating within a fast-paced and multifaceted diplomatic setting. If you are someone who thrives in an environment that requires prioritisation, diplomacy, and consistent delivery, this position may be an ideal match for your skillset.
Overview of the Role
Position Title: Personal Assistant to the High Commissioner
Grade: Executive Officer (EO)
Number of Positions: 1
Location: British High Commission, Nairobi
Working Hours: 36.25 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Start Date: 1 December 2025
Monthly Salary: KES 280,165.78 (gross, subject to statutory deductions)
Application Deadline: 8 August 2025
Reference: EO (22/25 NR)
Job Purpose
The Personal Assistant (PA) will be responsible for providing comprehensive administrative and organisational support to the High Commissioner, ensuring the smooth day-to-day functioning of the office. This includes managing a complex diary, liaising with internal and external stakeholders, handling confidential communication, and facilitating logistics for meetings, travel, and events.
The role requires an individual who can operate independently with high discretion, display excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, and possess a strong sense of initiative and time management. The successful applicant will work closely with the Chief of Staff, the Deputy High Commissioners’ teams, the Events and Residence Manager, and other stakeholders across the British High Commission.
Detailed Job Description
1. Diary Management (60%)
This is the core responsibility of the role. The PA will be required to demonstrate advanced diary management skills, ensuring the High Commissioner’s time is effectively prioritised to support strategic objectives.
Key responsibilities include:
- Maintaining an accurate and up-to-date diary, coordinating internal and external meetings, and ensuring minimal scheduling conflicts.
- Making critical judgement calls to deconflict or re-schedule meetings at short notice based on evolving priorities.
- Coordinating briefings and printed materials in advance of all engagements.
- Scheduling calls and meetings with senior-level officials, foreign dignitaries, heads of missions, and private sector leaders.
- Proactively anticipating scheduling issues and proposing practical solutions.
The role requires constant evaluation of ongoing situations and engagement with multiple stakeholders to guarantee that each engagement contributes to mission objectives and that the High Commissioner is fully prepared for all scheduled activities.
2. Correspondence and Communication (10%)
Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for this part of the role. The PA is responsible for managing the High Commissioner’s communications and ensuring appropriate follow-ups are conducted.
Key tasks include:
- Managing incoming and outgoing correspondence, filtering priority messages, and ensuring timely responses.
- Drafting letters and official communication, including Note Verbales.
- Coordinating communication with staff across the High Commission and liaising with external partners.
- Ensuring seamless preparation for both physical and virtual meetings, including setting up VTC links and booking appropriate meeting spaces.
- Receiving and escorting guests visiting the High Commissioner, in close coordination with the security team.
- Responding to visa-related queries from the High Commissioner’s contacts in consultation with the Visa Outreach Officer.
3. Event and Guest List Management (10%)
The PA will help organise smaller-scale official events hosted by the High Commissioner, such as lunches, dinners, and high-level meetings.
Responsibilities include:
- Maintaining a well-structured contact database for key diplomatic, government, and business contacts.
- Drafting and issuing formal invitations and tracking RSVPs.
- Liaising with the Residence Manager to coordinate catering, guest seating, and event logistics.
- Ensuring event briefing packs and speaking notes are prepared and delivered in advance.
4. Administrative and Travel Management (10%)
Administrative precision and logistical coordination are critical to supporting the High Commissioner’s operations, especially during official travel.
Key responsibilities include:
- Keeping an organised and updated filing system, especially for correspondence and briefings.
- Processing expenses and reconciling financial claims in line with FCDO policy.
- Organising travel plans, visa arrangements, flight and hotel bookings for the High Commissioner, their driver, and security personnel.
- Preparing travel itineraries and ensuring logistics are synchronised with security and transport units.
- Keeping the High Commissioner’s security detail well-informed about all external engagements, including domestic and international travel plans.
5. Line Management and Other Duties (10%)
The PA also holds line management responsibilities for the two drivers attached to the High Commissioner.
Specific tasks include:
- Holding regular one-on-one meetings with drivers to discuss objectives, progress, and development needs.
- Monitoring the quality of service and punctuality to ensure high standards are maintained.
- Organising and reviewing work schedules for the drivers.
- Providing temporary cover for the Chief of Staff to the High Commissioner as required.
Person Specification
Essential Experience and Competencies
- A minimum of 7 years of experience in a Personal Assistant, Executive Assistant, or similar administrative support role.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively manage a dynamic and high-pressure schedule.
- Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage diplomatically with stakeholders at all levels.
- Proven capacity to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
- High level of discretion, trustworthiness, and professional integrity.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with minimal supervision.
Desirable Experience
- Prior experience in a diplomatic mission, government institution, or international organisation.
- Experience working within a cross-functional or multinational team structure.
Required Civil Service Behaviours
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
- Making Effective Decisions
- Managing a Quality Service
Additional Details
- Workplace Flexibility: The British Government encourages family-friendly and flexible working arrangements, subject to operational and security requirements.
- Security Clearance: Appointment to this role is subject to reference checks and successful security clearance.
- Right to Work: Candidates must already possess the legal right to live and work in Kenya without the need for a work permit.
- Tax Information: Salaries are subject to local income tax and statutory deductions. Employees exempt from income tax may have their salary adjusted accordingly.
- Plagiarism Warning: Applications must reflect the candidate’s genuine experience and input. Use of AI is permitted only for formatting or keyword assistance. Content generated by others or plagiarised may result in disqualification.
- Application Platform: Only applications submitted through the official Tal.net recruitment system will be considered. Third-party websites advertising this role must redirect applicants to the official Tal.net site. Applications submitted via any other platform will not be processed.
- Reserve List Policy: Candidates who meet the required standard but are not immediately offered the position may be placed on a 12-month reserve list for future similar roles.
Working Environment and Culture
The British High Commission is a progressive, diversity-friendly employer that prioritises inclusion, equity, and respect in the workplace. The mission supports equal opportunities and does not discriminate based on gender identity, race, religion, age, disability, or other protected characteristics. All employees are expected to uphold these values and contribute to a respectful and collaborative working environment.
As part of the FCDO’s agile workforce model, staff may occasionally be required to take on additional responsibilities as needed to support the mission’s broader objectives. This role, therefore, suits an individual who is not only highly organised but also adaptable, proactive, and solution-oriented.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications via the official Tal.net application portal by 8 August 2025.
Please ensure:
- You complete all required sections of the application form.
- Your responses are original and reflect your professional experiences.
- You review your application thoroughly before submission, as no changes can be made afterward.
For more information and to access the application form:
