Pro Consul (British Embassy Hanoi)

Main purpose of job

The British Embassy Hanoi is a diplomatic mission of around 60 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.

You will provide a full range of consular services to British nationals in northern Vietnam. Working under the supervision of the Vice Consul, Hanoi, you will ensure that all assistance is provided in accordance with the FCDO Consular Guidance and Customer Charter. This covers a broad range of issues, including the issuing of emergency travel documents to allow someone to return to the UK, providing advice and support to British nationals facing immigration removal, those who have been arrested, hospitalised, or may have been a victim of a crime.

You will also work in delivering consular prevention outreach activities in northern Vietnam, and support more country-wide activity, in engaging with British travellers and local authorities. The role also involves supporting the Vietnam network’s crisis preparedness and being an integral part of its response to major incidents involving British nationals.

You will be working in a fast-paced and complex environment where the ability to work under pressure is vital, as well as achieving and driving high standards of service delivery as part of a high-performing team of three.

The team works within a supportive Asia Pacific Consular region (under the leadership of the Vice Consul, Ho Chi Minh City, and supported by Consular Regional Operations Manager for South East Asia, based in Kuala Lumpur) to provide wellbeing and resilience to all consular staff.

Roles and responsibilities

As part of the team, you will support the colleagues to ensure delivery of a high quality consular notarial and assistance service, sharing responsibility to achieve operational performance targets in line with Consular guidance, local procedures and targets. You will also ensure we maintain timely and accurate records using the FCDO’s consular casework system.

In the event of a death of a British person, to assist the family and/or next of kin by explaining local procedures, liaising with international undertakers and relevant local authorities; ensuring that any burial, cremation or repatriation is timely and dignified. For those who have been a victim of a crime, including of serious assaults or sexual violence, providing information about local procedures, medical and legal service providers. In the event of a detention or arrest, provide information on local procedures and legal service providers; undertake regular visits to monitor their welfare and liaise with the authorities on any welfare or health concerns in line with the international standards.

The role will involve direct contact with British people in distress, which may involve those suffering mental health or addiction issues, and/or financial difficulties.

Qualifications, skills, and experience

Essential

Good self-management and organisational skills
A high degree of resilience and flexibility, including working unsocial hours in an emergency.
Experience of managing sensitive personal information.
Proven ability to manage internal and external stakeholder relationships.
Experience in producing timely and accurate written information in English.
IT proficiency – Using MS Office, Outlook and ability to learn FCDO systems.
Ability to travel within Vietnam and Asia as required, sometimes outside of normal work hours.

Language requirements:

Language: English
Level of language required: Excellent written and spoken English. 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).

Desirable

Experience of working in a customer-facing environment including the ability to support clients and team members in traumatic or difficult circumstances.
Experience of living in, or understanding of the United Kingdom, British people and British culture;
Experience of living in or understanding of Vietnamese people and their culture.

Job details

Application deadline: 18 October 2023
Grade: Administrative Officer (AO)
Type of Position: Full-time, Permanent
Working hours per week: 39.5
Region: Asia Pacific
Country/Territory: Vietnam
Location (City): Hanoi
Type of Post: British Embassy
Number of vacancies: 1
Salary Currency: VND
Salary: VND 28,144,748
Start Date: 4 December 2023

Other benefits

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.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is committed to developing its staff. There will be opportunities for formal training alongside collaborating with a wide range of colleagues delivering on-the-job learning.

Working in a diplomatic mission
International policy skills course
UK Diplomatic Academy foundation learning
Regional and London-based formal learning opportunities

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. Visa sponsorship may be possible for non-Vietnamese nationals if meet local requirements.

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.

Disabled and ethnic minority applicants will be invited to interviews if meeting the minimum requirement of the job.