The British Embassy in Doha is part of a worldwide network that represents political, economic, security and consular interests overseas. We are looking for a Pro Consul in the Consular Team to provide 12 months maternity cover.

Our purpose is to support 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; and reducing preventable incidents affecting British people through collaboration with partners and governments.

Reporting to the Vice Consul, the main purpose of the role is to ensure that British Nationals receive a professional, high-quality service and that the advice provided is accurate, timely, consistent and offered in a sensitive manner in line with Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) guidance. The role will include developing and maintaining contacts with local authorities and in the community, providing notarial and documentary services and taking part in our communications and prevention work.

In response to local or regional crisis, the jobholder will play a key role in the section’s response and deployment.

The successful candidate will need to be a self-starter, highly motivated and have excellent interpersonal and office management skills.

Consular work can sometimes be emotionally challenging, distressing and of a sensitive nature. The jobholder will therefore be expected to demonstrate high levels of personal resilience and maintain absolute consular confidentiality and impartiality. 

Duties and responsibilities:

Provide professional and efficient Consular services

• Provide accurate advice and assistance in a sensitive manner to British Nationals (BNs) and their families via face to face, telephone or email on a range of issues such as arrests/ detention, hospitalisations, supporting bereaved families, mental health, child custody issues, debt and employment issues, and other sensitive cases such as sexual assault.
• Maintain accurate and concise case records of services provided on consular databases.
• Ensure all customer correspondence are replied to in a timely and efficient way, providing consistent, accurate information in accordance with Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) guidelines.
• Be prepared to work out of hours, occasionally anti-social hours, as required.
• Take part in the Embassy emergency planning and any response to a crisis affecting UK citizens.
• Administering the appointment system.
• Provide a range of counter services including notarial work and Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs), ensuring consistent customer service to BNs.
• Ensure deadlines for Returns and Management Information are met.

Prevention Communications and Outreach

• Working to help to deliver high quality local prevention and communications work, working closely with the Embassy’s Press/ Communications Team and other senior stakeholders. Producing materials, using social media and attending events.
• Monitor changes in local procedures and practices, ensuring that all information and guidance for BNs reflects changes and is up to date, e.g. service providers, lawyers list, travel advice, web pages.

The above list is not exhaustive, and the jobholder will be required to be flexible as specific responsibilities could change in the future, and this would be at the discretion of the line manager or head of section. The job description may be reviewed to meet changes in business needs.

Candidates will need to demonstrate the following Key Behaviours and Diversity & Inclusion during the interview:

Key behaviours required

• Communicating and Influencing: Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses and opinions of others
• Managing a quality service: Deliver service objectives with professional excellence, expertise and efficiency, taking account of diverse customer needs.
• Making Effective Decisions: Use evidence and knowledge to support accurate, expert decisions and advice. Carefully consider alternative options, implications and risks of decisions.
• Changing and improving: Seek out opportunities to create effective change and suggest innovative ideas for improvement. Review ways of working, including seeking and providing feedback

Diversity and Inclusion

The British Embassy Doha has a zero-tolerance approach to any form of bullying, harassment or discrimination and is fully committed to ensuring a safe and inclusive work environment for all.

We are committed to valuing diversity and to equality of opportunity. Our aim is to create and promote an environment in which all staff are treated fairly and with respect and feel able to contribute to the best of their abilities.

• Excellent customer care skills and the ability to respond to a range of customers’ needs.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• A team player who can work on their own initiative and who is adaptable to changing priorities. Must be able to work and act without close supervision.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken. Able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely, both orally and in written communication.
• IT literate, well versed in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and with accurate typing skills.
• Consular work can sometimes be stressful and of a sensitive nature. The successful applicant will therefore be expected to always maintain absolute consular confidentiality and impartiality.