The British Embassy Manila is a large diplomatic mission delivering a dynamic and rapidly expanding programme of activity in support of the UK’s objectives on prosperity, security and consular matters. The Embassy is a modern, diverse and inclusive employer where everyone contributes to the Embassy’s WORC Values of Wellbeing, Opportunity, Respect and Collaboration.

Main purpose of job:

The Community Liaison Officer is an essential role in supporting officers and their families move to, settle, and succeed in a new city and country. The role has great autonomy, working directly to the Deputy Ambassador, with a focus on making the British Embassy Manila a great, supportive community, where the processes of the FCDO are clear and explained, the particular considerations of moving to Manila are understood, and staff and families have a smooth experience before, during and after their move to Manila. The CLO is usually the first person to whom the Embassy community turns for help, advice and support; will be the constant during the process of moving to a new country; and have the freedom and encouragement to explore ways to bring our community and families together and thrive during their time in the Philippines. 

The CLO will work closely with Embassy leadership for the well-being of all staff at Post, with primary function as advocate for and provision of support to UK-based (British diplomats) staff and families (FCDO and government partner departments) on family and community issues, principally in the areas of information gathering, welfare and communication.

Working in an Embassy is unique in its exposure and opportunity, and being part of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s global network brings great opportunities and rare insights into geopolitical issues and the strong partnership between the Philippines and the United Kingdom.

This job is available on a full or part-time (minimum 3 days a week) basis. Please express your preferred working pattern in the application. All patterns will be considered equally.

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve:

1. Welfare at Post: welcoming all staff on posting/temporary duty/flexible deployment and accompanying families to ensure as smooth an integration as possible into the life of the Post community; following up to check that the settling in process is working; being a source of referral and support where questions, problems and difficulties arise; providing short Post community induction. 

2. Advocate for UK-based staff and families in addressing issues of importance with Post Management, including as their representative on Post Joint Management Boards, crisis and contingency planning and housing committees, and as the chief link between Post and DSFA in London.

3. Information gathering for UK-Based officers and their spouses/partners and families.  To include information primarily on spouse/partner employment at Post; children’s education (through completion of separate School and Nursery Information Sheets of authorised schools at Post); a comprehensive information pack on childcare at post, feedback on adult education; career and training opportunities; single officer and foreign born spouse/partner issues; recreational facilities; social matters; and completion of DSFA Spouse and Partner Annual Employment Report.

4. Communicating effectively on community and social matters across Post to all staff and receive notification of staff arrivals/departures. The CLO should participate in the Joint Management Board (JMB); Post Security Committee and other committees where appropriate. The CLO should advertise details of DSFA (Diplomatic Service Families Association) career support services and courses to eligible UK-Based spouses/partners at Post. CLO is expected to establish some form of communication for staff and spouses/partners across Post, such as a WhatsApp group, in accordance with the FCDO social media policy.

5. Information management of Post Welcome Pack, CLO Teams site, input to update and review of Post Report and Factsheet; management of domestic equipment float. CLOs should be accessible and able to provide information in areas including pre-Posting information, spouse/partner employment at Post; child and adult education, childcare, recreation facilities and training opportunities. 

6. Emergency Planning: the CLO must be aware of and involved in any Post contingency and evacuation plans. 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to build and maintain relationships;
• Holds one of the following passports: UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand

It is essential that you understand (likely from experience) the challenges and considerations involved in moving to and living in a new country. You will not necessarily need to have worked in an embassy to succeed in this role. We encourage a broad range of backgrounds and experiences, where the key attributes are empathy, anticipating needs, and excellent communication skills.