Note: All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online application form including the employment, educational details, behavioural and technical/ professional skills questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the application forms only with all the required details and the shortlisting is not basis CV/ cover letter. Forms that are incomplete in any respect will not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage

Main purpose of job:

Working with the existing Community Liaison Officer (CLO), support UK-based staff, partners and families to prepare for and settle into life in Islamabad and Pakistan more widely. Ensure UK-based staff and their families have accurate information to enable them to access the right support services, including health and welfare. Be the face of the High Commission to the partners/spouses and families, using  wide-ranging networks in the diplomatic community and beyond to identify and advertise opportunities to support our community to make the most of their time in Pakistan.

We reserve the right to review, revise or amend the roles and responsibilities from time to time reflecting the changing needs of business.

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

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference.  The CLO is often the first person that newcomers interact with as they prepare for a posting: you can therefore have a positive impact on the way that staff and families remember their first experiences when arriving at Post.  Working with the other CLO, you will help staff, partners and families prepare for their upcoming move, settle in, and feel comfortable and secure and part of the wider community. 

Alongside supporting colleagues and families as they prepare for and arrive into Pakistan, the CLO role is crucial in building a sense of community. A pro-active CLO seeks out opportunities to enhance cultural understanding in Pakistan, organising and facilitating community-engagement. 

The CLO is seen as a central source of information on a whole range of issues, to support the community in their everyday life. Staff welfare will also be a central part of your role; when life isn’t easy, the CLO also plays an important role in supporting staff and families. Many will turn to you for advice, and you will be an important first port of call, offering a sympathetic ear and knowing where to go for further assistance. Building a strong, working relationship with the existing CLO, and working out how best to run the role as a team, will be critical. 

Overall, you will be expected to:

• Be the face of the corporate team in Pakistan as colleagues and their families prepare for their posting. Ensure they have all relevant information to ensure they are well prepared for their move.
• Work with stakeholders in Corporate Services to ensure arrivals are smooth (transport, accommodation, protocol etc). Ensure that a “buddy” has been allocated and that the relationship is working.
• Support familiarisation tours for new arrivals, initial visits and follow-up visits to enable newcomers to settle into life at Post.
• Build a wide-ranging network of contacts in the diplomatic and NGO communities and beyond, acting as a central point for information about cultural, sporting, historical and gastronomic events throughout Pakistan. Collate that information and communicate it effectively to help encourage staff and families to take advantage of what’s on offer.  Work closely with the British Club to help target events at key sections of the community.
• Maintain an open door policy and act as a first point of contact for all UK-based staff and their families who wish to discuss any issues that they may be facing at Post. Be in a position to quickly assess the person’s needs and guide them to the correct source of advice and assistance where appropriate.
• As a team with the other CLOs, coordinate and manage publication of regular Post newsletters, share CLO news/information via regular emails and continue to improve and target communications to the right audience.
• Complete and return bi-annual cost of living returns (COLA).
• Act as the point of contact at Post for all DSFA-related activity, including completing the DSFA Spouse and Partner Annual Employment Report
• Working with the other CLO, maintain and update the Post Report, Post Factsheet, Welcome Pack and Buddy List. Review, update and maintain the CLO Folder in the shared Teams area.
• Act as representative on relevant BHC Committees
• Support the Post Crisis Management team on welfare issues and act as Welfare Manager in a crisis.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure): 
There is a small CLO budget to permit holding small events.

Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):
Attend the CLO Course either virtually or, if possible, in the FCDO headquarters in London.

Working patterns:
This is a permanent role that is available on either a full-time or part-time basis. When applying please specify if you are interested in working full or part-time

Any other information (or specific local Post requirements):
This job is being advertised to spouses of UK-based staff as well.  Applicant should have appropriate permissions/visa to be able to work in Pakistan. Appointment will be subject to medical & security/police checks.  

Essential skills on arrival:

• Strong communication skills
• Self-starting, flexible, and dynamic.
• Innovative and creative.
• Organised and efficient
• Excellent command of written and spoken English
• Good team player
• Good IT Skills

Language requirements:

• Language: English
• Level of language required: Fluent