View Vacancy - Consular Policy Officer (CVP21.330)

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Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Consular Roles)
Consular

The British High Commission in Nicosia is part of the United Kingdom’s diplomatic service, a worldwide network representing British political, economic and consular interests in Cyprus. The British High Commission is looking for a Consular Policy Officer.

As a Consular Policy Officer, you will be a key member of a cross-Embassy team and will work on the implementation of the Citizens’ Rights provisions of the Withdrawal Agreement between the UK and the European Union. As part of the team, you will engage with local authorities to monitor and understand policies in relation to the implementation of the UK-EU Citizens’ Rights chapter of the Withdrawal Agreement. You will also help ensure that UK nationals in Cyprus have timely and accurate information regarding their rights and services available to them when living or travelling in the EU. You will focus on preventing consular cases of miss-application, by proactively identifying policy gaps, clarifying policies and communicating information, so that UK nationals in Cyprus can make informed decisions and help themselves. This includes pro-active engagement with the Cypriot authorities, local communities and key stakeholders, content development for online and offline use and other (digital) outreach activities. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with an interest in UK and EU politics, citizens’ rights or more broadly civil liberties and human rights. You will also gain unique work experience in a diplomatic mission, while working on a dynamic policy area.

You will be based at the British High Commission in Nicosia but you will be part of an EU-wide network working on Citizens’ Rights and broader prevention policies, led by a UK-based team. Your role will directly cover UK Citizens’ Rights in Cyprus but you will be expected to work closely with the Regional Consular Policy Adviser and provide regional support and resilience should the need arise. This may include policy and prevention work in Greece and Bulgaria. You will be remotely managed, reporting to, and supported by the Regional Consular Policy Adviser, based in Athens. You will work closely with the political, consular and communications teams at post and you will be expected to develop collaborative relationships with key UK government department representatives to ensure that all relevant policy areas of concern to UK nationals are covered. You will need to be able to work as part of a diverse team, both at post and remotely but you will also need to work well autonomously. A flexible working pattern can be available for the right candidate.

Main duties and responsibilities:

  • Follow and understand host-country and regional implementation of the citizens’ rights agreement between the UK and the EU, including Cypriot legislation implementing this agreement, as well as other issues relevant to UK nationals resident in or visiting Cyprus. Working with the Regional EU Consular Policy Adviser, use this understanding to produce internal analysis and policy advice to the British High Commission and UK-based teams;
  • Support the work of the British High Commissioner and other senior staff members in relation to Citizens’ Rights. Establish and maintain an effective network of contacts with the Cypriot authorities, in order to generate understanding, insights and awareness;
  • Use your knowledge and understanding of Withdrawal Agreement implementation to support UK nationals regarding their rights now that the UK has left the EU, by ensuring timely and accurate information is available and by providing policy support to communications and engagement campaigns;
  • In collaboration with the Regional Consular EU Policy Adviser and London colleagues, support the development and delivery of citizens’ rights messages for Cyprus, through policy advice and expert input into the development of messaging and delivery of the High Commission’s outreach work;
  • Work and co-ordinate closely with other High Commission teams, supporting wider High Commission and British Government objectives as required;
  • Support the Regional Consular EU Policy Adviser and Consular Regional Operations Manager (CROM) achieve policy and consular prevention objectives across the region as required;
  • Develop close collaborative relationships with other Government Department representatives;
  • Covid-permitting, you will need to travel occasionally to deliver in this role.
  • Fluent English and Greek (both written and spoken, minimum C1 Level for CEFR framework*)
  • Knowledge of local governmental structures and decision-making (local and central level) and previous experience or awareness of British and/or local country public sector policy development;
  • Excellent communications, organisational and time management skills;
  • Aptitude to analyse and process complex information quickly;
  • Ability to work as part of a diverse team, and build relationships with external stakeholders. Ability to work well autonomously too;
  • Ability to travel as required (Covid-permitting).
  • Experience and understanding of EU law will be a significant advantage;
  • Familiarity with EU exit-related work will be a significant advantage;
  • Knowledge of Cypriot/Greek residence law;
  • Knowledge of British consular strategy outcomes and strategy.
16 August 2021
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time, Temporary
36.25
Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia
Cyprus
Nicosia
British High Commission
1
EUR
2,328 (Gross)
1 September 2021

This is a full-time fixed term contract until 31 March 2022 with possibility of extension.

The gross monthly salary for this position is €2,328 at B3(L) grade level.

The confirmation of appointment is subject to professional background checks and security clearance procedures, as well as the successful completion of a 6 months probation period.

The successful candidate must be free of any convictions, and undergo a UK security clearance process.

All applicants should include on their application, information on all nationalities held and current residence status in Cyprus. Staff recruited locally by the British High Commission in Nicosia are subject to the Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Republic of Cyprus employment law.

All applicants should have the right to live and work in Cyprus and be prepared to engage bicommunally, where necessary. The British High Commission does not sponsor work/ residency permits.

Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”.

We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application, since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered.

Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.

Please be advised that we will not be able to meet the travel costs incurred when travelling to the interview, nor the costs connected with relocation if offered a position.

*Please refer to the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”. We are looking for a C1 level or equivalent. For more information please click on the following link CEFR. Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your languages skills are going to be assessed. 

Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

This opportunity is closed to applications.