Working at the CWGC
The CWGC's commitment extends across 150 countries around the world. To ensure that we are able to continue to commemorate the fallen soldiers from the two World Wars, we employ a wide variety of staff across the world, alongside various volunteer programmes and other opportunities.
Our listings are updated on a regular basis, so please check back often.
Current vacancies:
Country Manager - Italy
Horticultural Manager - Belgium
Gardener - Greece
Head of Recovery - France
Project Cell Leader - France
Bricklayer - France
Agency Service Manager - United Kingdom
Head Gardener - Belgium
Teamleader (Bricklaying and Stonework) - France
Works Supervisor (Project Cell) - France
Office Administrator - Egypt
Country Manager, Italy
Location: Rome
Contract Type: Permanent, must have the right to live and work in Italy
Hours of Work: Full-time (35 hours per week Monday to Friday)
Salary: Salary – Circa €47,000 gross per annum, dependent upon skills and experience, plus a 13th and 14th monthly salary
Travel: Frequent travel within Italy and ad-hoc travel within the Mediterranean Area
Other Benefits: Lunch Vouchers, Supplementary Pension Fund, Supplementary Healthcare Fund
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) is seeking to recruit a Country Manager, based in Rome to fully manage the CWGCs operational commitment in Italy. The post is responsible for ensuring Commission standards of horticulture and works at the cemeteries and memorials within the country and securing value for money in achieving those standards.
About the role:
- Manage the Commission’s commitment and staff in Italy on behalf of the Area Director and wider management team.
- Maintain the Commission’s Horticultural and Works standards within Italy.
- Identify and execute regular inspection visits to Commission’s cemeteries and memorials to ensure appropriate standards of Management, Horticulture and Works are maintained; assess and report on corporate Key Performance Indicators.
- Manage and monitor delegated budgets, prepare estimates, comment on the monthly accounts and expenditure reports in accordance with corporate objectives to ensure achievement of Horticultural and Works objectives.
- Manage the horticultural and works maintenance programme, the works survey program and contractual maintenance agreements in accordance with operational control.
- Establish, negotiate, specify and administer maintenance agreements with contractors and others to ensure maintenance of Commission cemeteries and memorials.
- Manage the implementation of corporate Health and Safety Policies including the adoption of safe working practices, taking appropriate action to enable supervision and monitoring to manage the areas risks effectively.
- Collate and provide data and information in line with ISO 45001 and as required for the Area Health & Safety Action Plan.
- Co-ordinate all projects with the Regional Managers, Operations Manager, Finance and HR Manager in respect of budgets and staffing issues.
- Assist in the delivery of major projects in the region including with tenders, obtaining quotations for Works contracts, setting up new vendors, and monitoring works on site.
About you:
- A recognised management qualification and demonstrable successful experience of working in an international management position is essential.
- Proven experience of effective Operations, project, change and performance management in an international environment.
- Clear evidence of strong budget management skills.
- A recognised technical qualification (BTEC/HND or equivalent) in Horticultural, conservation management or construction is highly desirable.
- Experience of working in multi-cultural environment, with an understanding of cultural and political sensitivities.
- A knowledge of works standards and practices is desirable, together with a thorough knowledge of organisation policies, horticultural standards and practices.
- Able to work with a high degree of autonomy organising their work to meet deadlines set by the Operations Manager or Area Director. Willing to accept increased responsibility.
- Strong communication skills both written and verbal in Italian and English
- Able to prioritise the allocation of resources in order to successfully execute agreed work programmes. Is sensitive to the need to work flexibly, and at times, beyond conditioned working hours in the region. Uses the resources wisely and economically
For more information, please see the:
Job Description Application Form
To apply:
Please send your completed application form, together with your CV and cover letter explaining what you can bring to the role and why you believe you can fulfil the requirements of the job as outlined in the job description, in English, to ma.careers@cwgc.org by no later than 11 March 2021. Due to current Covid-19 Social Distancing requirements, interviews will possibly take place using Microsoft Teams.
Only successful applicants will be contacted. Please note, we reserve the right to close or extend this position depending on application numbers. Therefore, we urge candidates to submit an application as soon as possible. All applications will be treated in the strictest of confidence and in accordance with our job privacy notice, available upon request. The CWGC is an equal opportunities employer. Appointment will be subject to background checks.
Horticultural Manager, Belgium
Location: Ieper, Belgium
The post holder is responsible for ensuring Commission standards of horticulture at the cemeteries and memorials within the region and securing value for money in achieving those standards. The post is also responsible for the implementation of organisational policy, including approved working practices, health and safety procedures, environmental and Commission policies relating to corporate objectives.
Please see the full job description:
Anyone wishing to apply, please send your CV and cover letter to wea.jobs@cwgc.org
Closing date: 08/02/2021
Gardener
Location: Struma Military Cemetery, Greece
We are seeking an experienced Gardener to join the team. The role is based in Struma Military Cemetery, Greece and is responsible for maintaining our war cemeteries by carrying out manual horticultural maintenance and renovation work to the standards of excellence as set by the Commission, and according to the Horticultural Manual. An integral part of the team, this is a hands-on manual post.
Responsibilities:
- The primary task is to carry out manual horticultural maintenance, renovation work and caretaking duties, undertaking tasks such as mowing, edging, weeding, pruning, pesticide application and planting, in accordance with training and Horticultural practices.
- To ensure that all the Commissions safety procedures and safe working practices are observed, and that all lawful safety instructions are always followed.
- To report to Line Management any structural defects noted, any development in the surroundings or environment of cemeteries and memorials which are observed during maintenance duties.
- Travel within Greece to ensure additional projects are carried out.
Requirements:
- A school leaving certificate.
- Good command of the main IT tools and technological devices
- Practical gardening / horticulture experience
- Demonstrable knowledge of all horticultural practices
- Knowing how to use the machinery and tools to carry out the role’s tasks
- Good level of literacy of the Greek language. English is desirable or a willingness to learn
- Manual skills
- Effective communication and listening skills
- Ability to work in team
- Good organisational and time management skills
- Sense of service delivery
- Have the right to live and work in Greece
Find full information in the job description
To apply: Please submit your letter of application and/or CV to ma.careers@cwgc.org
Closing Date: 12th February 2021
Only shortlisted candidate will be contacted. Please note, we reserve the right to close or extend this position depending on application numbers. Therefore, we would urge candidates to submit an application as soon as possible. All applications will be treated in the strictest of confidence and in accordance with our job privacy notice, available upon request. The CWGC is an equal opportunities employer. Appointment will be subject to background checks.
Head of Recovery Unit, Western Europe Area (France)
Location: Beaurains, France.
Contract type: Permanent / full time
Hours of work: Normal Office hours are 35 hours per week annualized. There may be occasions where you will be required to work additional hours.
Travel: Must be willing to travel within Europe and overseas, sometimes at short notice.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) is seeking to recruit an anthropologist, based in Beaurains (France), to lead the Recovery Unit. There are discoveries of World War remains every year, and the Head of Recovery Unit will be responsible for managing the recovery process and liaising with the local authorities, member governments and archaeological authorities.
About the role:
- Leads on guidance and policy for the recovery of remains
- Manages the recovery of remains
- Cleans, dries, documents and photographs the remains and their artefacts
- Completes a biological profiling of the remains using accurate methods to estimate sex, age, stature, biogeographical origin, pathologies, traumas as well any element allowing for individual identification, such as dental care or previous surgery
- Writes the anthropological report in conjunction with the Commemorations team
- Provides an additional anthropological assessment for old cases as requested
- Assists in the process for reburials.
- Identifies and monitors space for reburials in cemeteries.
- Builds strong relationships with local authorities, archaeologists and member governments.
- Leads liaison between CWGC and French and Belgium archaeological authorities
- Builds relationships with the local, regional and project authorities for all projects where World War remains are likely to be found in France and in particular both the Lens and the Canal Seine-Nord projects and to champion the CWGC’s remit for the recovery of remains
- Collaborates with local and international peers to generate and share knowledge
- Attends and delivers talks at external conferences about the CWGC and the recovery of remains and gives talks internally to visitors within the CWGC Experience during organised visits
Find full information in the job description:
How to apply:
If you think you’ve got what it takes to succeed in this role please send your CV and a covering letter explaining what you can bring to the role and why you believe you can fulfil the requirements of the job, as outlined in the job description to wea.jobs@cwgc.org before 10th of February.
Cell Leader Project, Western Europe Area (France)
Location: Beaurains, France.
Contract type: Permanent / full time
Travel: Must be willing to travel and work on regular occasions away from the office sometimes at short notice. Valid passport and category B driver’s licence required.
About the role:
To lead and manage the project cell on all aspects: team and projects. To deliver the allocated technical projects within the Commission’s standards, to the WEA (France) Works programme, and to cost. To ensure we comply with all aspects of building conservation law including the sourcing of all necessary authorisations and permits.
Find full information in the job description:
How to apply:
If you think you’ve got what it takes to succeed in this role please send your CV and a covering letter explaining what you can bring to the role and why you believe you can fulfil the requirements of the job, as outlined in the job description to wea.jobs@cwgc.org before 18th of February.
Bricklayer, Western Europe Area (France)
Location: Beaurains, France.
Contract type: permanent / full time
About the role:
Carry out maintenance work on war graves and memorials throughout France under the responsibility of a team leader, in accordance with the Commission's standards.
Find full information in the job description:
How to apply:
If you think you’ve got what it takes to succeed in this role please send your CV and a covering letter explaining what you can bring to the role and why you believe you can fulfil the requirements of the job, as outlined in the job description to wea.jobs@cwgc.org before 19th of February.
Agency Services Manager – United Kingdom and Northern Area.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) honours the 1.7 million men and women of the Commonwealth forces who died in the First and Second World Wars, ensuring they will never be forgotten.
The United Kingdom and Northern Area (UKNA) commemorates 310,000 casualties, in over 13,000 locations throughout the UK, Republic of Ireland, Gibraltar, Scandinavia, Iceland and the Faroe Islands. Of these 134,456 are on ten major memorials located throughout the UK.
Location: You will be based at our Head Office in Maidenhead. During the current Covid-19 situation we are working from home and will return to the office in line with UK Government advice and guidance. You will be expected to work at the office when required.
Contract Type: Permanent/Full time/37 hours per week
Salary: D2 Pay Range - £37,280 - £46,600 per annum, depending upon experience
About the Role:
We have an opportunity for a highly motivated individual with considerable project management experience to join our UKNA team as Agency Services Manager. This exciting challenge will provide an opportunity to deliver overall operational leadership and oversight of all Agency work throughout UKNA on behalf of non CWGC sponsors, ensuring a service which fully meets the expectations of our customers/sponsors. In addition, you will run specific one-off UKNA non-Agency projects as and when required. You will need to ensure that all technical standards and specifications are clearly defined and accurately reflect the Commission and customers/sponsors requirements.
About you:
With a Prince2 Foundation and Practitioner or equivalent qualification, it is essential you have experience in Project Management which will include involvement of managing and implementing renovation projects as well as managing teams and contractors undertaking these projects. A good level of computer literacy using Microsoft Packages – Work, Excel and Outlook is also essential. As a self-starter, you will be required to take the initiative in prioritising workloads and meeting deadline, as well as have the ability to build effective relationships with colleagues, customers, suppliers and contractors and work with a diverse range of people with a range of different experience and skills. You will also need to be able to negotiate with contractors and suppliers to attain optimum service levels at best level of cost.
Full details of the job role can be found on our Careers page at www.cwgc.org/about-us/careers
What we can offer you:
- 25 days annual leave, rising each completed year of service to 30 days
- Paid public holidays, one paid ‘privilege day’, plus paid office shutdowns for the afternoon of Maundy Thursday and between Christmas and New Year
- Generous Pension, with CWGC contributing up to 13% of gross salary
- Life Assurance
- Occupational Health Services
- Employee Contribution Awards
- Sickness Pay and Enhanced Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Pay
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Additional benefits including cycle to work scheme, childcare vouchers, shopping discounts and free eye tests
- Professional subscriptions relevant to the role
Travel to Head Office:
You must be within a reasonable commute from our Head Office at 2 Marlow Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 7DX.
Maidenhead train station, town centre bus stops, on-road parking and public car parks are located approximately ten minutes’ walk from the office.
Job description Fact sheet Application Form
How to apply:
If you think you’ve got what it takes to succeed in this role please send your completed Application Form, CV and a short covering letter explaining what you can bring to the role and why you believe you can fulfil the requirements of the job, as outlined in the job description to ukna.careers@cwgc.org
Closing Date:
The closing date for applications is 12 March 2021 and it is anticipated that interviews will take place on week commencing 22 March 2021. Due to current Covid-19 Social Distancing requirements, interviews will take place using Microsoft Teams.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time once we receive sufficient applications and encourage all interested applicants to apply at their earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.
Head Gardener in charge, Western Europe Area (Central)
Contract type: Permanent / full time
About the role:
Responsible for the execution and co-ordination of horticultural maintenance in a pre-defined group of cemeteries and memorials supporting the Horticulture Supervisor in meeting the required standards for these sites.
Primarily responsible, in close cooperation with the Horticulture Supervisor for the day-to-day control of the staff in the group,
ensuring that they, as a team, maintain the cemeteries and memorials to the standards specified by the Commission as efficiently and economically as possible.
Find full information in the job description:
How to apply:
If you think you’ve got what it takes to succeed in this role please send your CV and a covering letter explaining what you can bring to the role and why you believe you can fulfil the requirements of the job, as outlined in the job description to wea.jobs@cwgc.org before 15 March.
Teamleader (Bricklaying and Stonework), Western Europe Area (France)
Location: Beaurains, France.
Contract type: permanent / full time
About the role:
Is in charge of a team that carries out all the structural work and the works maintenance of the Commission's sites in compliance with the objectives and standards set by the Commission, through efficient and economical management. The post requires a good balance between management activities and manual tasks.
- Organises and manages daily teamwork according to the programme and priorities communicated by Supervisor in compliance with the CWGC standards defined in the manual technical work and the objectives set by the Works Direction (e.g. stone work, the realignment, building of the tombstone, re-engraving the stone on site, masonry, etc.).
- Fill in the administrative documents related to the use of equipment and vehicles.
- Informs his supervisor every week of the completion of the worksites.
- Ensures the proper use and regular maintenance of the team's vehicle.
- Ensures the correct use and routine maintenance of machines and tools.
- Concerns itself with its Supervisor to consider machine renewals.
- May be required to take the first steps in the event of vandalism or damage.
- May be required to represent the Commission at external meetings or ceremonies.
- Provides information and guidance to visitors, where appropriate.
- Generally speaking, takes an active part in all the projects of his Service, the Commission, according to the needs and guidelines given.
- Ensures compliance with the rules and procedures for the Health and Safety of staff under its authority.
Is responsible for one or more teams:
- Organises the work of the people under his/her responsibility according to the recommendations and the requirements of line managers in compliance with the rules and procedures of the Commission.
- Ensures the integration of new permanent or temporary employees within its group, including security reception. Trains new employees.
- Assists his Supervisor, in particular in tasks relating to the staff under his supervision.
- Ensures the smooth running of all staff appraisal interviews. Discusses and validates the personal development plan.
- Proposes any changes in work processes and procedures to improve the conditions of work and the performance of the people under its responsibility.
How to apply:
If you think you’ve got what it takes to succeed in this role please send your CV and a covering letter explaining what you can bring to the role and why you believe you can fulfil the requirements of the job to wea.jobs@cwgc.org before 9h of March.
Works Supervisor (Project Cell), Western Europe Area (France)
Location: Beaurains, France.
Contract type: permanent / full time
About the role:
To manage the allocated technical projects and to deliver them within the Commission’s standards, to the WEA (France) Works programme, and to cost. To ensure we comply with all aspects of building conservation law including the sourcing of all necessary authorisations and permits.
Find full information in the job description:
How to apply:
If you think you’ve got what it takes to succeed in this role please send your CV and a covering letter explaining what you can bring to the role and why you believe you can fulfil the requirements of the job, as outlined in the job description to wea.jobs@cwgc.org before 12th of March.
Office Administrator, Egypt
Location: Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours of Work: 34.5 hours per week Sunday to Thursday
Salary: An attractive salary dependent upon skills and experience
About the organisation:
As a global organisation, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) operates in over 150 countries and territories tending and conserving the cemeteries and memorials of men and women of the Commonwealth forces who died in the First and Second World Wars. The Mediterranean Area has responsibility for the cemeteries and memorials in 33 countries around the Mediterranean Basin. The Area Office for the Mediterranean Area is based in Larnaca, Cyprus.
About the role:
The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting the Office Manager in drafting letters, translating un-official letters and documents from Arabic to English, processing expense claims, reconciliation of the purchase management system and purchase order input, review of balance sheet clearing accounts, bank and petty cash input and reconciliation, processing of payments, invoices and claims, contacting social insurance, the tax authority and banks whenever required. Maintaining the office filing and all other administration duties needed to support our operations in Egypt.
What we can offer you:
- Private Medical Health Cover (Employee)
- Pension
- Training and Development
About you:
- Recognised degree/qualification in Business Administration or Accounting or any other relevant field
- Basic knowledge of Accounting practices
- Fully bilingual in English/Arabic verbal and written
- IT literate with excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office applications specifically Excel, Word and Outlook.
- Knowledge of payroll and labour law would be desirable
- Knowledge of an accounting software package (Great Plains) would be an advantage
- Experience of purchase ledger and/or purchase ordering module would be considered an advantage
- Strong communication skills both written and verbal
- Excellent organisation and time management skills
- Excellent attention to detail
- Dependable with a respect to confidentiality and policies
- Positive and flexible attitude and able to adapt to change
- Must have the right to live and work in Egypt
Job Description Application Form
How to apply:
Please visit our website www.cwgc.org/about-us/careers and select the Office Administrator, Egypt position and see the instructions on how to apply. You will then need to click and complete the application form. Kindly send the completed application form, together with your CV and cover letter all in English to ma.careers@cwgc.org.
Closing date: 31st March 2021
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please note, we reserve the right to close or extend this position depending on application numbers. Therefore, we urge candidates to submit an application as soon as possible. All applications will be treated in the strictest of confidence and in accordance with our job privacy notice, available upon request. The CWGC is an equal opportunities employer. Appointment will be subject to background checks.