The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is seeking an exceptional individual for the role of SCS4 HMA Washington FCDO. This is one of the most senior and influential positions in the UK’s diplomatic service, placing you at the center of the UK-US relationship and at the forefront of global affairs. This is not merely one of the many head of mission jobs; it is a chance to shape history, lead a vast and talented team, and represent the United Kingdom at the highest level.
SCS4 HMA Washington Job Overview
Property |
Details |
|---|---|
Position Title |
SCS4 HMA Washington FCDO (His Majesty’s Ambassador) |
Department |
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) |
Location |
Washington D.C., USA |
Salary |
£155,000 – £174,000 per annum (SCS Pay Band 4) |
Grade |
Senior Civil Service (SCS) Pay Band 4 |
Contract Type |
Permanent, Full-time |
Your Mission: The Core Responsibilities
As the UK’s Ambassador to the United States, you will lead one of Britain’s largest and most complex diplomatic missions. This is a premier international leadership posting that requires a blend of strategic vision, political acuity, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Your responsibilities will include :
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Leading the UK’s team in the USA to deliver the government’s international objectives.
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Acting as the primary channel of communication between the UK and US governments.
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Engaging with senior figures in the US administration, Congress, and across American society to promote UK interests.
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Providing inspirational leadership to a large, diverse team across multiple locations.
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Overseeing the effective management of the UK’s extensive diplomatic network in the United States.
The Ideal Candidate: Qualifications and Character
This is one of the most demanding senior civil service roles UK government has to offer, and the eligibility criteria reflect that. We are looking for a leader of the highest caliber. The FCDO leadership eligibility requirements for this post include :
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You must be a British citizen and eligible to hold the highest level of security clearance (Developed Vetting clearance). This role is open to UK nationals only.
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Extensive and proven experience at a senior leadership level, with a track record of success in complex, high-pressure environments.
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Exceptional senior management leadership skills, including the ability to inspire large teams and manage significant budgets.
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A deep understanding of international relations, with a demonstrable ability to operate effectively on the world stage.
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You must be able to demonstrate the core competencies of the Success Profiles Civil Service framework at a senior level.
Why Build Your Career with the FCDO?
A career in the UK diplomatic service recruitment at this level offers unparalleled opportunities and benefits. This role comes with :
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A highly competitive senior civil service pay package.
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An outstanding Civil Service pension with a 28.97% employer contribution.
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The unique opportunity to live and work in Washington D.C., at the heart of global politics.
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The chance to lead on issues of critical national importance and make a lasting impact.
Ready to Apply? The Senior Appointments Process
The application for a UK government ambassador position is a rigorous and highly competitive process. Here’s how to apply for FCDO senior posts:
Application Process:
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Expression of Interest: You will be required to submit a detailed CV and a personal statement (or statement of suitability) outlining how your skills and experience align with the requirements of the role, as defined by the Success Profiles guide UK Civil Service.
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Senior-Level Assessment: Shortlisted candidates will undergo a multi-stage assessment process, which may include staff engagement exercises, a formal panel interview, and meetings with senior FCDO officials.
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Security Clearance: The successful candidate must hold or be willing to undergo Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance UK, which is the highest level of security check.
For specific enquiries about this SCS4 HMA Washington FCDO vacancy, you can contact the FCDO’s Senior Appointments team at HRD.SeniorAppointments@fcdo.gov.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the salary for an FCDO Pay Band 4 role?
The FCDO Pay Band 4 salary for this position is between £155,000 and £174,000 per annum. This is part of the Senior Civil Service (SCS) pay structure and reflects the significant responsibilities of the role.
What is Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance?
Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance UK is the most in-depth and comprehensive security check in the UK. It is required for individuals with substantial unsupervised access to top-secret assets or for those working in intelligence or security agencies. The process involves detailed background checks, financial inquiries, and interviews with the candidate and their referees.
What are the Success Profiles in the UK Civil Service?
The Success Profiles Civil Service framework is the recruitment system used across the UK government. It assesses candidates against a range of elements, including abilities, experience, technical skills, and behaviours. For senior civil service appointments, there is a strong focus on leadership competencies and strategic thinking.