Accommodation Support Team Desk Officer - Norfolk/Virginia Beach

Main purpose of job:

The British Defence Staff in the United States is part of the British Embassy located in Washington DC and is responsible for defence and security engagement with the United States government and Department of Defense. Our purpose is to defend United Kingdom interests by strengthening the trans-Atlantic defence and security relationship.

The United States Support Group provides a range of support services to British Defence Staff working in the US, including human resource administration, welfare, medical, education and accommodation services. The Accommodation Support Team is responsible for sourcing permanent and temporary accommodation, furniture, logistics and routine support across the US. We are recruiting a new desk officer to complete our remodelled team to deliver accommodation support services. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact to the delivery of accommodation support to personnel and their families living in some 30 States. The role holder will be located at the NATO ACT office.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual who has a real passion for service delivery and attention to detail. Applicants should be able to operate comfortably in a high-paced environment, have good communications skills and be able to think innovatively and creatively. Whilst experience in a housing sector would be advantageous, it is not essential; applications from candidates with transferrable skills are welcomed. A positive attitude and strong work ethic will be paramount.

Roles and responsibilities

• Support the delivery of all UK Ministry Of Defence accommodation services for personnel posted across the United States
• Act as the initial customer contact point for accommodation and furniture linked enquiries ensuring the timely resolution of requests
• Support customers in self-sourcing properties in the Virginia Beach area and the wider Network, including policy advice and lease approvals
• Allocate furniture to customers within the specified locations, ensuring timely delivery upon arrival and successful pick-up upon departure of personnel
• Maintain an up-to-date inventory of all furniture stock within outlined databases. Support the Accommodations Manager in the minimisation of stock holdings and management of supply risk
• Liaise with Finance Team to arrange timely payments of for any accommodation-related expenses
• Place purchase orders with vendors, monitor status, requisition and receive goods and services accurately and efficiently in specified accounting systems
• Maintain up-to-date records on financial systems and ensure data accuracy and compliance with MOD policies
• Conduct March-Outs with Virginia Beach area based personnel, supporting with resolution of any landlord disputes, and managing the process for the return of security deposits
• Arrange temporary accommodation for entitled incoming personnel ensuring a cost effect solution
• Assist with the upkeep and management of all records and management information

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Essential qualifications, skills and experience:

• Must be a citizen of the USA, UK, Canada, Australia or New Zealand and have the right to live and work in the USA (see below for further information)
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to be professional, confident, courteous, and deal with a wide range of colleagues)
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to multi-task and strong problem solving skills.
• Excellent customer service skills, with proven ability to take responsibility.
• Current valid driving licence
• Basic Computer skills (such as MS Office)

Language requirements:

Language: English

Level of language required: Fluent both spoken and written.

Under US State Department requirements, the UK Government in the US has restrictions on the type of visas our non-diplomatic staff may hold. If you are not a US Citizen or a US Permanent Resident, or the dependent of a diplomat (with an EAD card), you may not be eligible for employment with the UK government. We cannot accept student Visas (J1, F or M) nor other forms of work Visas (I, H, P). If you hold a work visa it is best to check on your eligibility to work for a foreign government before applying for a position. The UK Government does not routinely sponsor work visas; the job advertisement will state clearly whether sponsorship is available.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

• Whilst experience in an associated sector would be advantageous (Realtor/Logistics), it is not essential; applications from candidates with broader experience are also welcomed.
• A positive attitude and strong work ethic will be paramount.

Required behaviours

Delivering at Pace, Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together

Application deadline

1 July 2025

Grade

Administrative Officer (AO)

Type of Position

Full-time, Permanent

Working hours per week

40

Location (City)

Norfolk, Virginia

Type of Post

Military Outpost

Number of vacancies

1

Salary

$25.79 per hour

Start Date

11 August 2025

Other benefits and conditions of employment

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.).

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.

All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work.

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

Please note that the tax arrangements imposed by the US on staff working for foreign governments, as well as those imposed by the UK Treasury on British and dual nationals working for the UK Government overseas, are atypical. The UK Government cannot withhold taxes (including FICA) on behalf of a US taxpayer. Instead, a US taxpayer is required to file taxes as if they are self-employed, and a FICA allowance is granted for those required to pay the employer contribution. Certain categories of staff (for example dual UK-US nationals and some visa holders) who work at Consulates General are not subject to US taxes. For those not subject to US taxes the UK Government reduces gross pay to a level broadly equivalent to taxed net pay. There are also social security implications for dual UK-US nationals. Please keep all this in mind when looking at the salary and the benefits package. If you are offered a job with the UK’s US Network you will be given further tax and social security information relevant to your personal circumstances and place of work; you are advised to consider this information and its impact on your circumstances carefully – potentially with the advice of a tax professional - before accepting a job.

Additional information

This role is 40 hours a week to include core working hours each day Mon to Fri.

Staff are expected to attend in person at the office during the first 90 days of their training period. The British Embassy and its US Network embraces hybrid working, allowing its staff to typically work from home for a maximum of 40% of a working week after the training period.

Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 local time on 1st July 2025.

All applicants must fully complete the online application form, including the sections for employment and educational details, experience, and behaviour-based questions. Only those applications that contain all required information will be considered. To ensure the sift process remains anonymous, please do not include any personally identifiable information in your application form.

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

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.

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