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Job Category Other British Government Departments (Partners across Government, including UK Visas) Job Subcategory MOD (Ministry of Defence) Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities) Defence Section Bogotá delivers Defence Engagement (DE) in Colombia and three other regional countries of responsibility (Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela).
DE is multi-faceted and covers a wide range of activities and aspects including, but not limited to delivery of international defence training; visits (in and out) by Ministers, senior officers and other government officials, ships, and aircraft; supporting HMG prosperity opportunities; and establishing and maintaining close relationships with key government and military figures in host countries.The Defence Intern will support the Defence Section in a variety of tasks contributing to the implementation of the defence cooperation programmes with Colombia and the three other regional countries of responsibility in support of UK Defence strategy and objectives.
The position is a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience in a diplomatic atmosphere while learning about the country's defence sectors and military environments.
The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the planning and delivery of training, organizing meetings, collating/researching background information on Defence projects, drafting reports and meeting minutes, as well as supporting the organisation of high-profile events for the Defence Section and developing visit programmes.Strong team working skills, flexibility, resilience, and professionalism are essential for this role.Roles and responsibilities:Organize meetings for the Defence Team with defence stakeholders, including follow-up confirmation on meetings requests via email and phone calls.Job-shadow the Defence Executive Officer during meetings and serve as a note-taker.
This will include preparing pre-meeting briefings and post-meeting readouts and action points.
Assist Defence Section translation of official documents from English to Spanish and vice versa.Support Defence Executive Officer in the sending and processing of Defence Section correspondence and documentation to external parties.Provide translation support during receptions and meetings where a language barrier is present.
Assist the Defence Section in the coordination of visit programmes and administrative support to events (including accommodation, venues, transport, catering, audiovisual equipment, and any special needs).
Lead with the delivery of programmes and materials for Defence Section visits.Manage guest lists and RSVPs for Defence Section events and functions through email and phone communication.Maintain Defence Section resource library and ensure all files are updated and easily accessible, including contacts lists, agendas, reports, and presentations.Research and gathering relevant background information on Defence sector structures and military forces structures in the countries of responsibility.
Support the Defence Executive Officer in maintaining an up-to-date contact and alumni database for each country.The above list is not exhaustive, and the intern will be required to be flexible as specific responsibilities could change in the future and this would be at the discretion of the line manager or head of section.
The job description may be reviewed to meet changes in business needs.
The intern may also take on other ad hoc tasks as required.
Essential qualifications, skills and experience Currently enrolled to obtain a bachelor's degree in international relations or political science in a Colombian University, but other academic disciplines will be considered if an active interest in Defence can be demonstrated.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with kindness and respect.Advanced command of written and spoken English and Spanish (Spanish and English testing will be conducted during interview stage).
Ability to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely.Excellent computer skills, including familiarity with the Microsoft Office suite of programs.Strong organisational, analytical and proactivity skills.Demonstrates a keen interest in defence cooperation matters.
Ability to multi-task and have good organisational skills.
Ability to prioritise own workload and meet deadlines and respond quickly and flexibly to meet multiple and changing priorities.High levels of discretion, with a resilient, flexible and 'can do' attitude.Must have the legal right to live and work in Colombia.
Language requirements: Language: Advanced command of written and spoken English and Spanish.Level of language required: Spanish – fluent, English – advanced (fluent is highly desirable).
Desirable qualifications, skills and experience Experience in Customer Service, event planning, or similar.
Ability to think strategically, resourcefulness in solving problems and demonstrates good judgement.Team player who can work on their own initiative.Strong research, analytical and report writing skills.
Required behaviours Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together Application deadline 16 October 2024 Grade Internship Type of Position Full-time, Intern Working hours per week 35 Region Latin America and Spanish speaking Caribbean Country/Territory Colombia Location (City) Bogota Type of Post British Embassy Number of vacancies 1 Salary Currency COP Type of Salary monthly Stipend / Allowance 1,300,000 Start Date 13 January 2025 End Date 11 July 2025 Other benefits and conditions of employment 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.If during the reserve period of 6 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.Learning and development opportunities:The successful candidate will have access to some internal training and job shadowing, as well as the opportunity (depending on interest and availability) to work on cross-embassy teams or projects.Working patterns:Flexible working arrangements may be considered based on operational requirements and agreement with the line manager, and in line with FCDO and Embassy policies.
