Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Consular Roles)
Consular
Main purpose of job:
The British Embassy Bangkok is a large diplomatic mission of around 140 staff delivering a dynamic and rapidly expanding programme of activity in support of the UK’s objectives including on prosperity, trade, security, open societies, consular services and law enforcement. The Embassy is a modern, diverse and inclusive employer where everyone contributes to the Embassy’s CORE Values of Generosity, Ambition and Courage.
This is an exciting opportunity to join our diverse Consular team. The successful applicant will play a key role in ensuring British Nationals in Thailand receive a professional, high-quality service and advice in line with Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) guidance. This will include dealing with extremely sensitve cases, providing notarial and documentary services, stakeholder management and taking part in communications and outreach. Pro-consuls have the opportunity to make a direct difference to people’s lives in sometimes challenging circumstances.
Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?
Assistance
- Provide tailored consular assistance to the most vulnerable British nationals and their families in person, by telephone and/or email, in accordance with current guidelines and on a range of issues including bereavement, arrests, hospitalisations, missing persons, victims of crime, welfare concerns, child abduction, rape and sexual assault;
- Maintain close links with local authorities including, but not limited to police, prisons, hospitals, care homes and other British Government teams and departments who work with us to help British Nationals.
- Maintain accurate and concise case records using FCDO IT platforms;
- Facilitate and print Emergency Travel Documents (ETD) through liaison with our ETD centre.
Counter and Notarial Services
- Provide a range of in-person and remote notarial services;
- Respond to incoming telephone and email correspondence on a wide range of notarial aspects;
- Maintain a cash float and other financial requirements.
Partnership/Prevention and Project Work
- Reduce the number of preventable incidents and minimise risks to British Nationals overseas by supporting delivery of relevant projects;
- Actively seek out and maintain partnerships with local authorities and the wider community;
- Contribute to improvements to customer service delivery across the whole Consular section, including provision of accurate information for public-facing documentation and guidance.
Team Work and Learning
- Personal administration and management including participation in the annual appraisal system, completing personal development plans and maintaining skills and knowledge proficiency;
- Provide support to colleagues dealing with traumatic events, distressed British people and complex cases;
- Contribute to learning and development initiatives for the whole team, providing and accepting constructive feedback to a professional standard.
Crisis work and Resilience
- Prepare for crisis handling and implementation of the Embassy Crisis Management Plan, including participation in crisis management exercises and use of the crisis IT systems;
- In crisis/emergency situations work as required to support the Embassy responses (sometimes on a shift pattern working unsociable hours);
- In times of peak operation demand, work flexibly within the section and the wider Embassy.
General
- Carry out other reasonable ad-hoc duties in support of the wider Consular team.
- Experience of working in challenging customer facing environments, where you have used your resilience, patience and adaptability in often challenging, difficult and stressful situations
- Excellent English written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate at all levels
- Ability to take responsibility for the quality of own work and keep managers informed of how your work is progressing
- Have sound judgement, critical thinking and problem solving skills to manage customer expectations
- Ability to work at pace in an environment where priorities change to effectively prioritise, manage and execute multiple tasks within tight deadlines
- Proficient IT skills including Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn FCDO systems
- Understanding of and commitment to protection of personal data
Language requirements: Excellent written and spoken English
Level of language required: For candidates with English as a second language, certification at IELTS level 7.5 or higher (or equivalent) within the last 2 years is required. All skill areas (writing, speaking, listening and reading) must be IELTS 7 or higher (or equivalent).
- Experience of living in or understanding of the United Kingdom and British culture
- Experience of living in or understanding of Thailand and Thai culture
- Ability to read, write and speak Thai
Making Effective Decisions, Collaborating and Partnering, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace
10 September 2021
A2 (L)
Full-time, Permanent
36
Asia Pacific
Thailand
Bangkok
British Embassy
3
THB 41,270 per month
1 November 2021
The British Embassy offers a competitive compensation package including a guaranteed 13th month pay, 20 days paid annual leave (calculated on a pro-rata basis if you join after 1 January), extensive medical insurance and access to a guaranteed 5 days of learning opportunities a year.
Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):
We encourage all staff to develop their capabilities, through both formal training courses and informal opportunities such as job-shadowing, coaching and on-the-job training. All staff are encouraged to share their skills and experience with colleagues, through informal training sessions or coaching/mentoring. We have an active L&D committee who organise a varied programme of learning for all staff.
All staff are eligible for 5 Learning and Development days a year. We also encourage the Consular team to participate in dedicated learning days once a month.
Working patterns:
This is a full time role, 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Subject to operational requirements, the Embassy has a flexible working policy and supports remote working patterns. As an inclusive employer we are happy to discuss alternative working patterns at interview or at the point of any job offer.
In crisis/emergency situations you may need to work as required to support the Embassy response, sometimes on a shift pattern which may result in unsociable hours and/or weekend working.
Working week is 36 hours, Embassy core hours are 10:00 to 16:00 on Mon-Thu and 10:00 to 13:00 on Friday.
Other conditions:
Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment and security checks. Staff who are locally recruited by the British Embassy are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law.
No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position. All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit. Any costs related to obtaining or renewing permits and visas are the responsibility of the successful applicant.
Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount.
Please note that your application must be submitted before 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”. Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.
Incomplete application forms will not be taken into consideration, so please ensure you provide the information requested. Only shortlisted candidates for interview will be contacted. Interviewees will be assessed on the core competencies listed above. Unsuccessful candidates will be notified via the system in due time.
Indicated start date is provisional and subject to successful completion of reference and security checks.
To those applicants not short-listed, we extend our appreciation for considering the British Government as a potential employer.
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, 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.
British Embassy Bangkok’s Vision and Values:
VISION: What do we want to build?
A better, safer, more prosperous world for Britons and Thais alike.
MISSION: How will we achieve this?
By championing UK values and delivering tangible benefits to individuals, businesses and society: through quality service, effective partnerships and local expertise.
VALUES: that underpin our work
Courage: In our approach to our work: supporting innovation, creativity and taking calculated risks in solving problems; encouraging challenge and welcoming diverse perspectives; honesty in acknowledging and learning from mistakes.
Ambition: In the challenge we set ourselves: Striving to be excellent in the quality of service we deliver; inspiring our teams, colleagues, customers and stakeholders; passionate about our purpose.
Generosity: Of spirit: kindness in our daily actions and conversations; openness to differing cultures, ideas and opinions; understanding of differing styles and honest mistakes to build a culture of support.
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