Fixed Term 23 Months

Have you ever thought about developing your career as a senior architect with an organisation that operates on a global scale to deliver a first-class service for the UK government and our international partners? A career where you’ll provide specialist input and design advice on a wide range of medium to large secure architectural works around the world. A career where you’ll work on some iconic and unique buildings, and experience the construction industry in a broad range of cultures. If you’re looking for your job, but bigger, this could be your next move.

As a trusted government partner we work on a huge range of projects, and help protect the UK’s interests around the world. We design and construct secure government buildings. We help earthquake-proof embassies. We courier diplomatic packages across continents. We keep complex projects on track, and on budget. We store visa applications securely in the Cloud. And a whole lot more besides. It’s exciting work – and you could play a vital part as you take on a role that supports the success of our property and construction operation.

Work on a huge range of building projects around the world

When you join us in this important role, you’ll work with Security Project Engineers, Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Engineers and Drawing Technicians on a wide range of secure (and some non-secure) projects. Engaging with clients and project sponsors to develop briefs and project requirements, you’ll lead the day-to-day design management and implementation of the projects, and offer your professional design and technical advice to our customers and stakeholders.

You’ll have a wide range of other responsibilities – these will include providing architectural and production information input to new build and refurbishment schemes, preparing design and tender drawings and specifications to meet procurement contract requirements, and assisting the Project Manager or our Customer Contact Centre in developing fee proposals for project based work. You’ll also coach and mentor less experienced staff to build team capabilities, manage your own time through accurate time recording returns, and cover for the Head of Section when required.

Use all your practical skills to make a real difference

Your overseas postings – sometimes to fragile states – will be on a project-by-project basis, so you’ll have a flexible approach to your work as there is often a need to react, sometimes at short notice, to the changing needs and events that impact on our overseas estate. Enthusiastic and full of initiative, and with the ability to collaborate, innovate and learn, you’ll be an ARB registered architect with significant practical post-qualification experience including coordinating and producing RIBA stage 3 and RIBA stage 4 drawings and specifications.

Experience of working on secure designs for buildings such as embassies will be a strong advantage, and you’ll possess excellent technical skills in design packages such as NBS, AutoCad and REVIT. Capable of working in difficult locations, you’ll also be a brilliant communicator, planner and organiser, and capable of prioritising your work while focusing on the finer details. Foreign language skills would be desirable, as would knowledge of NEC contract, design and build procurement.

Grow your career in the biggest way possible

When you join us, you’ll be contributing to protecting the nation’s interests at home and overseas. How will we help you in return? We offer a competitive salary, 25-30 days’ annual leave per year (depending on length of service) and a Civil Service pension. This role offers a superb range of insights into the world of international property and construction, and you’ll have access to a wide range of training and development opportunities. While in the office you’ll have access to a discounted gym, nursery and coffee shop, and we offer interest-free loans on season tickets and bikes to help you get there. Above all else, we can offer your job, bigger. As one of our architects, you’ll be working on projects that help us protect people, information and assets around the world. Using your skills in a way that just means more.

Every single colleague must be security cleared before joining us. If you’re successful in your application, we’ll ask you to undergo our vetting process to achieve Developed Vetting (DV) clearance. You can find out more about vetting on our website: https://www.fcdoservicescareers.co.uk/how-to-apply/

To find out more about us and what a career with FCDO Services can offer you, please visit: fcdoservicescareers.co.uk

It takes a diverse team to protect a diverse world

The vital work we do takes an incredible community of colleagues, with different skills, backgrounds, cultures and identities. We support every individual, so that you always know you’re welcome and valued. It’s what makes us a Disability Confident employer. And why we’re recognised as a ‘Carer Confident’ workplace. And it’s how you know you’re joining an inspiring, inclusive organisation.

Hanslope Park based posts attract a Location Allowance of £1,750 per annum.

FCDO Services are regulated by the Civil Service Commission.