View Vacancy - Consular Officer, Southern India - B3

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Consular Roles)
Consular

Main purpose of job:

We are here to help British people when they need us most, including in times of crisis. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a high performing team that makes a real difference to people’s lives. The main purpose of the job is to provide consular assistance to British nationals across Southern India (Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry & Lakshadweep islands). We want to reduce the number of preventable incidents, so developing partnerships and proactive prevention initiatives will be essential. We value excellence, empathy and efficiency.

Roles and responsibilities

Assistance: 60% 

  • Lead on consular assistance casework, support British nationals and their families with tact, emotional awareness and in line with consular guidance and the Consular Strategy 2016-2020.
  • Work effectively with internal and external partners to provide a professional service, which is tailored to each individual’s needs.
  • Ensure all assistance cases are entered promptly into our database and a vulnerability assessment is carried out.
  • Process Emergency Travel Document (ETD) applications.
  • Keep up to date with new policy on assistance work and Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs)
  • Provide resilience and support for colleagues, and when required manage the workload in the absence of the Head of Section. 

Network & Communications 15% 

  • Active involvement in the formulation and promotion of prevention initiatives, including the use of social media communication campaigns.
  • Analyse and measure the impact of our prevention initiatives and prepare reports to illustrate this.
  • Plan and attend meetings, receptions and outreach visits to promote our services and develop contacts to enhance our effectiveness.
  • Maintain partnerships with existing NGOs and key external stakeholders, and identify new ones to collaborate with. Develop working-level contacts with local authorities and other diplomatic missions. Build contacts with external stakeholders such as airlines, tour operators, welfare authorities, local charities, and British community groups. 

Resources & Administration: 15% 

  • Line management of 1x A2 Consular Assistant
  • Joint custodian responsibility for Emergency Travel Document Working Stock.
  • Ensuring reconciliation of all payments by cash and credit card, preparation of Consular cash certificates.
  • Responsibility for the consular benevolent fund. 

Crisis: 10% 

  • Work on crisis planning and develop working-level contacts in Southern India (e.g. other diplomatic missions, the travel industry, police and wardens).
  • Work with the Deputy Corporate Services Manager to review and check crisis IT and equipment. Ensure that the grab bags are fit for purpose.
  • Work with the Head of Section and Regional Crisis Adviser to organise and deliver training to consular volunteers and participate in crisis exercises.
  • During a crisis obtain, verify and update information through key contacts and deploy to assist British nationals when it is safe to do so.

EDUCATION:

  • Be a graduate with at least 2 years of relevant experience (candidates without the required academic qualifications but with exceptional practical experience will be considered).
  • High proficiency in English Language communication – both written and verbal.
  • High capability in MS Office application – especially MS Outlook, Word, Excel and Power Point. 

EXPERIENCE:

  • Good communicator at all levels with excellent standards of written and spoken English;
  • Ability to work to deadlines with attention to detail & accuracy.
  • Strong customer service skills with ability to focus on the customer requirements.
  • Self starter with good interpersonal & time management skills.
13 December 2017
Executive Officer (EO)
Fixed term, with possibility of renewal
40
South Asia & Afghanistan
India
Chennai
British Deputy High Commission
1
INR
53,358
1 February 2018

SALARY PACKAGE 

For British High Commission (BHC) candidates, the Local Staff BHC Terms & Conditions will apply. 

For other than BHC candidates, salary will be INR 53,358 per month together with a 12% provident fund and 6% Special Allowance. 

Additionally the BHC offers a great benefits package that includes annual domiciliary medical cover, plus a Group Hospitalisation Scheme with Rs 500,000 floater cover for your immediate family.  

The BHC is recognised as a good employer, with a robust, fair and transparent performance management & appraisal system linked to increments and staff bonuses. We have a 5-day working week, plus annual leave, public holidays, maternity leave provision, special leave, paid sick leave provision; ample development opportunities, travel opportunities, a good organisational culture, and excellent work/life balance. 

Around half of our work force is women.  We treat people with respect and equality and have a policy of zero tolerance for any form of discrimination, bullying, or harassment.  

This is a good opportunity to be part of a strong, diverse team, working in the biggest network that FCO has anywhere across the globe.  We are aiming to make it the best.

To Apply: 

Please note that applications without (a), (b) and (c) will NOT be considered: 

(a)   Complete the Online Application Form

(b)   Attach a detailed CV

(c)   Complete the motivation segment in the Online Application Form 

Internal candidates applying for this position need to upload their appraisal forms for the previous 2 years (if applicable) and also inform their current line managers. Else the application will not be considered. 

We will accept only online applications. Please send in your online applications by 13th December 2017 midnight

  • Applicants who do not have the required qualification & experience should kindly abstain from applying, as their applications will not be considered.
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and no telephone enquires will be dealt with.
  • The appointment will be subject to Police Verification and other checks including references, educational and professional. 

We welcome all applications irrespective of age, race, colour, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief or creed. We are also open to applications from people who want to work flexibly.

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.