View Vacancy - Community Liaison Officer
The British Embassy is seeking a Community Liaison Officer to advocate for and provide support to UK based staff and dependents on community issues. This position will focus primarily in the areas of information gathering, welfare, and communication, with an emphasis on providing support and information to newcomers ensuring a smooth transition for both the UK based staff member and dependents.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide support and information to various UK government departmental Diplomats and their dependants as they arrive in the US.
- Facilitate a smooth arrival and induction for officers and dependants.
- Update and assist with refreshing UK Based induction process.
- Ensure newcomers are introduced to the community.
- Provide support to a diverse group of officers from families to singletons at post. Prepare welcome packs, departure packs, and information guides on topics of interest.
- Design a community activities program including family events, local tours and wellness clinics.
- Attend regular internal Embassy meetings, as appropriate, to increase wider perspective and to build relationships to include but not limited to Ambassador’s meeting, UKB Medical meetings, Post Accommodation Committee and other meetings as deemed necessary.
- Advocate for UK based staff and dependants in addressing concerns or issues of importance. Establish regular communication with the Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Corporate Services.
- Engage with British Embassy Estates Team (BEET) colleagues to ensure officers and dependants have a smooth arrival to and departure from post.
- Compile school information sheets and visit area schools as requested. Liaise with London’s Education Team to discuss policy queries and changes.
- Prepare semi-annual Cost Of Living Allowance returns, Diplomatic Services Families Association (DSFA) annual return, post fact sheet, post report and semi-annual family directory.
- Liaise with British Embassy Support Association (BESA) and British Defence Staff. Attend monthly BESA committee meetings and other meetings as applicable in role. Attend (and occasionally assist with the organisation of) BESA events. Coordinate logistics for BESA’s Embassy events, communicating with Security to inform of external guests and parking requests.
- Participate in Crisis Team exercises and events.
- Self-starter with the drive and initiative to work through tasks on their own.
- Approachable, empathetic, resilient, and discreet.
- Good organisational skills and the ability to multi-task.
- Valid US driving license.
Under US State Department requirements, the Embassy Network may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Green Card holders or A or NATO visa holders with EAD cards*. If you hold a visa other than an A or NATO visa you are not currently eligible to work at the Embassy. Please refer to our website for information on exceptions to this policy at www.gov.uk/government/world/usa. All candidates will be subject to background checks and security clearance.
*A visas or NATO visas with EAD cards are acceptable at the Embassy, Consulates, and British Defence Staff (BDS) outposts. The UK Mission to the UN (UKMIS) accepts G visas.
Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to terms and conditions of service according to local American employment law.
- Experience of an overseas posting in UK government service and experience in welfare-type work would be helpful.
- Previous service overseas with the FCO or other UK government group would be an advantage.
- Computer skills (MS Office) are essential. Experience with Adobe InDesign is a plus.
Individuals who are not US taxpaying citizen will be paid a net salary based on a simulated US tax status.
The British Embassy Network offers a competitive salary and a strong benefits package. This package includes medical, dental, vision, life, long term and short term disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, generous vacation and leave time, and an enriching training package.
Resume and cover letter should be submitted by 26 November 2017. Internal candidates must inform their supervisor if they intend on applying.
Only successful candidates will be contacted. Please no phone calls. Due to the high volume of resumes we receive, we cannot guarantee consideration of your application if the submission instructions are not properly followed.
The British Embassy is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and to creating a diverse working environment, free from discrimination, where everyone is included and treated fairly, based on merit alone. We are an equal opportunity employer, making all employment decisions without regard to race, gender, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or any other criterion protected by law.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
