Who We Are:

The British Embassy in The Hague is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. It is also part of the UK’s Netherlands Network. The British Embassy in The Hague is currently looking for a Pro Consul to join an experienced, busy consular team, providing consular assistance to British Nationals in The Netherlands.

Main purpose of job:

The main function of the role is to provide a high level of consular assistance and support to British Nationals in The Netherlands, with special attention on the most vulnerable. The role will also require delivering documentary and notarial services. The successful candidate will be expected to fulfil these aspects of the role whilst also contributing to the Wider Consular Network objectives and whilst actively seeking opportunities to work with wider teams in the British Embassy The Hague to support a positive work environment.

Candidates should note that the different functions of the role will require the candidate to adapt to shifting priorities and operational objectives, whilst maintaining a commitment to excellent customer service. 

Roles and responsibilities:

Assistance:

• To provide a high level of consular assistance and support to British Nationals, in a range of situations, with special attention to the most vulnerable, such as in cases of hospitalisations, deaths, arrests, rape and sexual assault, financial difficulties, missing persons, child welfare cases.
• To liaise with local contacts, such as police, funeral directors, health professionals, social workers, charities, organisations and town hall officials in order to support casework.
• To update information on case management systems relating to consular cases.
• To process appointments for consular services and manage the online appointment booking system.
• To handle consular correspondence, telephone enquiries and counter enquiries/services in a professional manner.
• To support the Emergency Travel Document Centre by printing Emergency Travel Documents for collection.
• To work alongside internal departments of Consular Directorate, such as Contact Centres, ETD Centres, Global Response Centre to deliver assistance to British Nationals.

Prevention:

• To identify and escalate trends and issues to support prevention initiatives, collaborating closely with colleagues on projects.
• To identify services available from local organisations and professionals to make it easier for British nationals to obtain help and engage with services to solve issues and reduce negative impact.
• To assist in the organisation of outreach events/meetings with key external stakeholders.

Crisis:

• To assist with Post preparation in for Crisis and respond to large scale events, including participating in exercises.
• To maintain Crisis Management Plans at Post, ensure information is kept up to date.
• To assist with crises which require a consular response i.e deployment and support Vice Consul in a crisis.

Corporate:

• To actively participate in relevant corporate structures as part of a) corporate responsibilities b) personal development.
• To participate in delivering the Regional Consular Business Plan and to engage with the Embassy Business Plan.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!

Our Ideal Candidate shows: 

• Written and spoken proficiency in English at a minimum of a C1 level according to CEFR*;
• A minimum 3 years’ work experience in consular, tourism roles, customer service or working with the public;
• Excellent communication, and customer service skills, including an ability to support customers in difficult and traumatic situations;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and external contacts;
• Self-motivated and able to work effectively and proactively without close supervision;
• Ability to display a high level of discretion and responsibility;
• Attention to detail, strong analytical perspective and problem-solving skills;
• Flexibility, resilience, patience, and the ability to deal with difficult situations, including the ability to work unsocial hours in an emergency or crisis.