View Vacancy – DXB – Consular Learning & Development Officer, MENASA B3(L)

The British Embassy Dubai has a vacancy for a Consular Learning & Development Officer under the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia (MENASA) Consular Regional Network.

The Consular Network supports British people living, travelling, and working in our region by: providing high quality, accessible consular services, focused on those most in need; responding rapidly to all crises, leading cross-government action; reducing preventable incidents affecting British people through collaboration with partners and governments. As L&D Officer, the jobholder will take a strategic view to develop and implement an impactful, multi-year L&D plan which identifies specific performance outcomes, learning opportunities, and development needs to build knowledge and capacity and help Posts/ Embassies deliver professional consular assistance to British Nationals overseas across 35 Posts.

The jobholder will lead, co-ordinate, and promote the L&D strategy/ plan and build a strong, positive L&D culture for the Consular Regional Network. They will build a learning and sharing culture, which rewards innovation and professionalism; and embed learning and development across the region in line with the Consular Strategy and in partnership with other L&D stakeholders in the UK and across the network.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Working to the MENASA Consular Regional Director and the Regional Leadership Team, understand the learning and development needs of our network, both consular work and wider professional skills;
• Work with London, International Academy, and external stakeholders to develop an L&D plan, applying the 70-20-10 theory to develop programmes and learning opportunities which are modern and innovative within the MENASA network, liaising closely with the Regional Crisis Advisor and Regional Prevention Advisor who are also seeking to build capacity across the network;
• Working with London Consular Directorate, wider Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), International Academy, HMG, and external partners to plan, co-ordinate, facilitate, and where necessary, deliver learning and development activities from the L&D plan, ensuring post L&D follow up with line management;
• Use MENASA network team support to organise logistical aspects of workshops;
• Work with other L&D Co-ordinators to identify and develop possible areas of collaboration with other geographical consular networks;
• Develop an evaluation plan to measure impact and value of the L&D plan and continuously improve the offer based on the demands and changing needs of the Consular team;
• Find opportunities to develop a champion’s network within our region; share best practice and develop strong links with other L&D Co-ordinators to share best practice across the globe;
• Keep MENASA induction pack up to date and refreshed, and work with line managers on inductions for new members of staff;
• Identify and implement opportunities for L&D due to ad hoc opportunities or changing priorities;
• Manage the L&D budget and MENASA Bonus award process.

The above list is not exhaustive and the jobholder will be required to be flexible and take on other ad hoc tasks as required, including participating in the Embassy’s emergency planning and any other response to a crisis.

Key competencies required:

• Leading and Communicating – Showing pride and passion for public service, leading from the front and communicating with clarity, conviction, integrity, and enthusiasm. Championing difference and external experience, supporting principles of fairness of opportunity for all and a dedication to a diverse range of citizens. Managing and engaging with people in a straightforward, truthful and candid way, and upholding the reputation of the organisation.
• Building Capability for All – Having a strong focus on continuous learning for oneself, others and the organisation. Being open to learning, keeping one’s own knowledge and skill set current and evolving. Managing talent and ensuring a diverse blend of capability and skills is identified and developed to meet current and future business needs. Creating a learning and knowledge culture across the organisation to inform plans and transformational change.
• Collaborating and Partnering – Being a team player who creates and maintains positive, professional, and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people within and outside the organisation to help get business done. Working collaboratively, sharing information appropriately, and building supportive, responsive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, whilst having the confidence to challenge assumptions. Being approachable, delivering objectives through creating an inclusive environment, encouraging collaboration and building effective partnerships and welcoming challenge however uncomfortable.
• Changing and Improving – Being responsive and innovative, and seeking out opportunities to create effective change. Learning from what has worked well and what has not; being open to change, suggesting ideas for improvements to the way things are done; and working in ’smarter’, more focused ways. Seeking out ways to improve policy implementation and making use of alternative delivery models including digital and shared service approaches wherever possible.

• Experience in an L&D consultation, design, and/or delivery context, either in the public or private sector OR previous consular work or related experience.
• Experience of preparing and delivering presentations. Able to communicate and facilitate both virtual and live (face to face) groups effectively.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both verbal and spoken. Able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely, both orally and in written communication.
• A confident communicator with excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to engage at all levels internally and with external stakeholders. Ability to challenge and influence senior stakeholders.
• Excellent organisational skills and with a keen eye for detail.
• Ability to bring flexible and creative approach to your work.
• IT literate and well versed in the use of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams).