Main purpose of job:

The British Government’s Embassy in Washington DC has an exciting opportunity for a committed individual to join the British Embassy postal team as a Mail Room Operative. This role will report directly to the Mail Room Supervisor.

The Mail Room staff provide a comprehensive range of services including, collection of mail, sorting and onwards forwarding and distribution of items. This service supports both staff internal to the Embassy and the wider footprint across the United States.

This is a Full time position.

The US Network offers a unique career enhancing opportunity and is committed to supporting its staff through a variety of benefits including generous leave, insurance packages and a highly competitive 401k programme. It also promotes a culture of flexibility which enables people to better maintain wellness through an excellent work/life balance approach that encompasses hybrid working, including working from home and flexible hours, where possible. In this role you would be working in a diverse international environment to support UK diplomats, armed forces personnel and other country based staff operating across the British Government’s network of Consulates and Government Offices in the United States. This network provides a platform for approximately 30 Government departments and agencies to conduct their work in the United States and is made up of over 900 staff with a rich and diverse background, skill sets, and experiences.

This is a chance to directly contribute to the way in which both Governments collaborate and negotiate. The British Forces Post Office provides customer support to the wider British Defence Staff based at the British Embassy, Washington DC and US sites across North America, providing a high quality postal service.

The ideal candidate will be a team player and able to work independently, clear/effective communicator, strong attention to detail, with the ability to shift focus with making Effective Decisions, Leading and Communicating, managing a Quality Service, and Delivering at Pace.

Roles and responsibilities:

The Mail Room Operative provides the following service:

• Dispatch, receipt, sorting of unclassified BFPO mail.
• Preparation, payment, submission of mail for transit through US domestic carriers.
• Maintenance of appropriate security measures for storage of all mail types.
• Upkeep and maintenance of all mail records including BFPO, US carriers, British Consulates and FCDO.
• Liaise with FCDO London regarding transport of Diplomatic Unescorted Bags between US & UK.
• Provide advice and assistance to customers as appropriate.
• Ensure Health & Safety procedures are adhered to and practised.
• Provide support to BFPO Courier Service as required.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

• Staff once trained will use and manage advanced Mailing systems.

Essential on arrival:

• Strong team player who can work flexibly based on the changing needs of the team and business;
• Strong IT skills and the ability to evaluate data, particularly Outlook and Excel;
• Clear and confident communicator, with the ability to work with stakeholders at all levels of the organisation;
• Excellent customer service skills;
• Valid US driving license and ability to take up local travel as needed to collect mail etc.;
• A proven track record of meeting established goals with accuracy and speed;
• Ability to multitask, meet deadlines, exercise good judgement and make decisions with minimal supervision;
• Must be able to maintain positive working relationships with supervisors and colleagues;

Please note: Under US State Department requirements, the UK Government in the US may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Permanent Residents, or A, NATO, and L2 visa holders with EAD cards.

• The UK Mission to the UN (UKMIS) may sponsor a G visa in exceptional circumstances.
• L2 visa holders are required to independently secure a valid EAD card after receiving an offer of employment and before starting employment.

You may refer to our website for additional information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-the-usa. All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work.

Language requirements:

Language: English
Level of language required: fluent

Desirable:

• Experience of working with/for His Majesty’s Government.
• Previous experience working with mail/mail systems.
• Relevant experience with a postal service, or related field.
• Understanding of Mail carriers products & services.

The UK Government operating in the US offers a substantial benefits package including generous leave, a choice of medical insurance, 401(k) matching up to 7%, extensive learning opportunities and a great work/life balance.

Learning and development opportunities:

The British Embassy and its US Network is committed to all employee’s ongoing learning and development needs. We offer a comprehensive platform for personalised learning for everything from soft skill development (communicating with impact, handling difficult conversations, time management) to more technical or professional skills necessary to complete your job (software training, formal qualifications etc.).

Working patterns:

The mail room operates from 0600-1500 Monday through Thursday. Fridays 0600-1200. There is a requirement to undertake some accounts work including mail deliveries and collections during this time, prior to the mail room opening to customers at 0730.

This post is for Full time employment (40 hours per week).

Staff recruited locally are subject to terms and conditions of service in accordance with US, state, and/or local employment law.

Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 6-12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.

Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary, eg some non-local national staff and some spouses or partners of UK diplomatic staff, will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.

Internal candidates must inform their supervisor before they apply to a different position.

Only successful candidates will be contacted. Please no phone calls. Due to the high volume of resumes we receive, we cannot guarantee consideration of your application if the submission instructions are not properly followed.

The British Embassy is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and to creating a diverse working environment, free from discrimination, where everyone is included and treated fairly, based on merit alone. We are an equal opportunity employer, making all employment decisions without regard to race, gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or any other criterion protected by law.