Accommodation Support Team Desk Officer - British Embassy Washington

The British Defence Staff in the United States (BDSUS) 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 (USSG) provides a range of support services including Human Resource Administration, Welfare, Medical, Education and Accommodation services to over 900 posted British Defence Staff and their families across 30 U.S states.

The Accommodation Support Team (AST) are recruiting 2 x DC desk officers to complete our remodelled team to deliver accommodation services, including guiding posted staff with self-sourcing permanent accommodation, furniture, logistics and routine support during their posting.

We are looking for highly motivated housing officers who have a real passion for service delivery and attention to detail. Applicants should be able to operate comfortably in a high-paced environment, have good communication and problem-solving skills, and be able to think innovatively.

Whilst experience in the housing sector, residential or commercial, would be advantageous, it is not essential; applications from candidates with transferrable skills are welcomed.

A positive attitude and strong work ethic are paramount.

Roles and responsibilities

• Support the delivery of all UK Ministry of Defence accommodation services for personnel posted across the United States.
• Support with MOD-leased properties in the local DC, MD, VA (DMV) area and self-sourced properties across the wider Network, including policy advice and lease approvals.
• Act as the initial customer contact point for accommodation and furniture linked enquiries ensuring the timely resolution of requests.
• Allocate furniture to customers within the specified locations, ensuring timely delivery upon arrival and successful pick-up upon departure of personnel.
• Place purchase orders with vendors, monitor status, requisition, and receive goods and services accurately and efficiently in specified accounting systems.
• Conduct March-Ins and March-Outs with local DC, MD, VA (DMV) area-based personnel, supporting with resolution of any landlord disputes, and managing the process for the return of security deposits.
• Maintain up-to-date records on financial systems and ensure data accuracy and compliance with MOD policies.
• Liaise with the Embassy Finance Team to arrange timely payments of any accommodation-related expenses.
• Maintain an up-to-date inventory of all furniture stock within outlined databases. Support the Accommodation Manager in the minimisation of stock holdings and management of supply risk.
• Assist with the upkeep and management of all records and management information.
• Collaborate with other BDSUS support services to ensure a cohesive customer output.
• Support with any other roles necessary within the Accommodation Team.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

• 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/Confident driver.
• Confident/Intermediate computer skills (such as MS Office).
• Must be able to work in the high season (April – August), with leave approved by the line manager, in consideration of the wider team/need.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Legal status to live and work in the US in your own right, from time of application.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

• Whilst experience in the housing sector would be advantageous, it is not essential; applications from candidates with broader experience are also welcomed.
• A positive attitude and strong work ethic will be paramount.
• Experience in a relevant role and/or working for a similar organisation. Knowledge of the British Government/MOD would be particularly beneficial to this role.

Other benefits and conditions of employment

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.

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.

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.

Working patterns

The role is 40 hours a week, to include core working hours each day Monday-Friday from 09.30 to 15.00.

The British Embassy and its US Network embrace hybrid working, allowing its staff to typically work from home for a maximum of 40% of the working week after completion of 90 days in the role. In busier periods, or where events occur, you may be required to attend more often as requested by the Accommodation Team Manager/Head of Housing.

Staff are expected to attend fully in person at the embassy during the first 90 days of their training.

The deadline for applications is 23:55 ET on 5 October 2025.

Job Category

Other British Government Departments (Partners across Government, including UK Visas)

Job Subcategory

MOD (Ministry of Defence)

Required behaviours

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

Grade

Administrative Officer (AO)

Type of Position

Full-time, Permanent

Working hours per week

40

Region

Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories

Country/Territory

United States

Location (City)

Washington

Type of Post

British Embassy

Number of vacancies

2

Salary

USD $25.79 hourly

Start Date

5 January 2026