The Foreign Office is using newspaper advertising for a diplomat for the first time ever.
The role of UK ambassador to the Vatican offers a salary of between £42,640 and £60,405 together with a residence and a £6,000 a year entertainment budget.
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A Foreign Office spokesman told the BBC that career diplomats could apply for the job, but stressed that it could go to somebody from outside the service.
The present incumbent, Kathryn Colvin, leaves the post in September after completing her three-year tenure.