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The Challenge

As Sovereign Base Area Lands Officer you will live and work in Cyprus, bringing experience and understanding of a wide range of surveying outputs to support the Administrator and Chief Officer on various property related matters across the Sovereign Base Areas.  On this unique Estate, no two days will be the same!

The Sovereign Base Area Administration are the public body managing the Overseas Territory in conjunction with the Ministry of Defence.  The Administrator is also the Commander British Forces Cyprus - a 2* Command post within British Forces Cyprus providing a vital strategic platform in the Eastern Mediterranean enabling the UK to operate decisively in the region and project hard and soft influence across the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. As a British Overseas Territory the UK retains direct control over foreign affairs, defence and the Areas still have their own internal legislative, executive, fiscal, police and judicial authorities. 

The territory of the Sovereign Base Areas (SBA’s) lie in two significant areas of the island totalling 98 square miles at Akrotiri (WSBA) and Dhekelia (ESBA) and whilst the majority are held by private interests, a large area is owned and managed by the Crown which the SBA Lands Officer will undertake land and property related transactions for.  These will be varied with over 600 lease interests including beach restaurants, customs posts and other commercial leases as well as collaborating with the Republic of Cyprus Forestry Department, casual users of the Estate and providing strategic land advice to Cypriot colleagues.

This job is ideally suited to a Chartered Surveyor with a varied skillset and background in rural, commercial or general practice surveying who is looking for a unique opportunity to work in an exciting and attractive overseas environment.  In addition to your basic salary there are overseas travel, relocation and living allowances as well as rent and utility free accommodation on the Island provided (entitlement according to status). You will join an established team of two other UK civilian surveyors further supported by locally employed staff and work alongside a wider team of UK and foreign nationals involved with the operation of the Sovereign Base Areas.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated individual with the ability to plan, manage and lead all aspects of their delivery area in Cyprus.

Holding excellent communication skills and with experience and passion for teamwork, you will provide a consultancy service and expert advice in relation to Estate utilisation and transactions including;

• Landlord and Tenant – lease negotiations for acquisition and surrender, rent reviews, lease management, landlord relations.
• Property Transactions – release of covenants, negotiation of settlements, easements and wayleaves.
• Valuations
• Management of mixed teams
• Liaison with Senior Government or other Commercial Departments/Organisations
• Property data and information administration

Successful candidates will become members of the Government Property Profession, with benefits including: opportunities for Government and industry-led CPD events; access to a diverse community of property professionals across government for sharing knowledge and ideas; and a comprehensive career framework and learning and development curriculum to support your career journey.

This post will become available from the start of December 2021 for the successful candidate to commence employment following completion of all pre-employment checks.

Benefits

We enable our people to work at the right place, with the right people, at the right time.

We believe that if we look after our people they will be passionate about delivering great things for our customers. 

We understand the importance of life outside of work and our industry leading flexible working practices, digital technology and modern workspaces will give you the opportunity to enjoy a healthy work-life balance. 

Some of the many benefits you will receive:

• Highly competitive pension scheme 
• Flexi-time scheme
• Alternative working practices such as working from home
• 25 days annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
• Ability to roll over up to 10 days annual leave per year
• In addition to 8 public holidays per year you will also receive leave for HM The Queen’s birthday
• Minimum of 15 Days Special Leave in a rolling 12-month period to for volunteer military or emergency service reserve commitments
• Special Paid Leave for volunteering up to 6 days a year
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Employee Assistance Programme to support your wellbeing
• Most sites have good travel links with free car parking; many also have other facilities such as a Sports & Social Club, Gym and / or site shops

Learning & Development

• Professional and Personal Development of skills
• Access to thousands of training courses through Civil Service Learning, some free or paid by DIO
• Ability to obtain industry recognised qualifications supported by DIO

For further information regarding this vacancy please contact:

Robin Edwards on +357 25963885 (Cyprus Number) or email Robin.Edwards842@mod.gov.uk

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