Who we are: 

The British Embassy in Sofia is part of a worldwide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and is now looking to recruit a confident and customer-oriented Pro-Consul.

The Consular Team provides a high standard of consular assistance and support to British nationals in Bulgaria and North Macedonia, focusing on the most vulnerable. You will have frequent interaction with members of the public, local, regional and UK authorities as well as colleagues in British Embassies across the Europe South Consular Network. You will also work with colleagues across the British Embassy in Sofia, including with senior leadership. You will join a supportive Embassy team with a culture of continuous improvement and taking responsibility for personal learning and development.
The Seasonal Pro Consul, in close partnership with the Vice Consul, is required to build relationships with key external stakeholders in local authorities to ensure we are in the best position to help British national visitors/residents in need of assistance when required. 

Why should you apply? 

We are offering you the opportunity to be part of a friendly and supportive working environment with opportunities for personal growth. 

The job holder will be entitled to 25 days annual leave, calculated pro rata.

The successful candidate will be provided a mobile phone with unlimited data and calls.  

We offer free parking space in City Center, upon availability. 

What is the role all about?

You will be a resilient, quick-thinking individual, who can demonstrate empathy towards our most vulnerable customers, with good prioritisation and problem-solving skills and a strong sense of teamwork.

The Consular work is challenging and very rewarding. The different functions of the role will require you to adapt to shifting priorities and operational objectives, whilst maintaining a commitment to excellent customer service. 
There will be a requirement for occasional travel within Bulgaria and some flexibility in working hours in order to meet key stakeholders and visit consular customers in e.g. detention or hospital.
Consular work brings staff into contact with people experiencing distressing and/or traumatic situations. A high degree of personal resilience is required. We also have a wellbeing programme to ensure colleagues are supported through these potentially challenging situations. You will also be part of a network of colleagues who work together and provide support and guidance to each other. 

Main responsibilities will include: 

• Consular assistance
  • Provide consular assistance in accordance with current guidelines including, but not limited to, visiting British nationals in hospital or jail, providing in-person or remote support following bereavement, child custody matters, sexual assault, and cases involving mental health issues;
  • Develop and maintain positive relationships with local authorities (e.g. police, prison service, immigration, hospitals, and children’s services), key stakeholders (e.g. travel and tourism industry, support groups, NGOs) and other diplomatic missions.
  • To support the Emergency Travel Document Centre by printing Emergency Travel Documents.
  • To manage the online appointments booking system as well as perform administrative duties, including updating information on consular case management systems in a timely and efficient manner.
  • Work remotely with colleagues in British Embassies across the Balkans and Eastern Adriatic Consular Network, to provide resilience and share best practice.

• Notarial and documentary services:
  • To prepare paperwork for notarial and documentary services.
  • To issue notarial documents for British Nationals in accordance with FCDO guidance.
  • To take fees and be responsible for cashier duties.

• Crisis preparedness and response:
  • To assist with Embassy crisis preparation and response to large scale events;
  • To assist with crises which require a consular response e.g. possible deployment to the scene and support the Vice-Consul;
  • To actively participate in crisis training opportunities.

Our ideal candidate shows:

• Fluent English and Bulgarian languages, both verbal and written (minimum C1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages*);
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; both written and oral, including the ability to communicate at all levels and an ability to support customers in difficult and traumatic situations.
• 3+ years of relevant work experience in a customer-facing role. The ability to respond to a wide range of customer needs.
• Excellent customer focus using problem solving and judgement skills to deliver results within set deadlines; superb attention to detail, and an ability to work effectively and proactively without close supervision;
• Proven ability to prioritise a busy workload, effectively manage and execute multiple tasks, and work to deadlines and targets;
• Proficient IT skills, in particular Office 365 applications;
• Adaptability and a positive mindset towards change;
• Flexibility, resilience, patience and the ability to confidently deal with difficult situations, including in an emergency or crisis;
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of discretion and personal responsibility.