The British Government’s Consulate in Chicago is offering an exciting opportunity to join the Consular Team as part time Vice Consul. This is a meaningful role which supports and further develops the special relationship between the UK and the US – contributing to work shaping international diplomacy to make a real difference globally.  This is a job-share working 20 hours per week. 

The US Network offers a unique, career-enhancing opportunity and is committed to supporting its staff through a comprehensive benefits package- including generous leave, competitive insurance options, a top-tier 401(k) programme, and access to world-class learning and development resources. 

We are committed to fostering a healthy work-life balance and supporting employee wellbeing through a structured hybrid working model that includes opportunities for remote work and flexible hours, where operational needs allow.

In this role, you will be part of a dynamic international environment spanning the British Government’s extensive network across the United States and the United Kingdom, which includes the Embassy in Washington, the UK Mission to the United Nations, multiple Consulates, and other Government Offices—comprising over 900 staff and supporting the work of approximately 30 UK government departments and agencies.

A Vice Consul in the Consular Team, you will work with your job share partner to contribute to strengthening UK-US collaboration by providing consular assistance to British nationals in the States covered by Chicago –  Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Positioned within the Consulate in Chicago, you will be will be part of the America’s consular network reporting to the Consular Regional Operations Manager (CROM).  You will work closely with internal stakeholders such as policy and media teams along with senior leadership,  and external partners including US government agencies and other diplomatic missions. This role supports the UK’s broader strategic objectives in delivery of consular services to British nationals abroad and offers valuable experience in international engagement and cross-government collaboration.

We’re looking for a proactive and collaborative professional with experience in supporting people in difficult situations. You’ll bring strong communication and prioritization skills and a commitment to provide a high standard of assistance to British nationals. 

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Managing the provision of consular assistance in accordance with current guidelines, including visiting British nationals in hospital or in jail, and providing support to family members following bereavement, a child abduction or custody matter, and providing advice and assistance following a rape or sexual assault.
• Overseeing casework and managing to a satisfactory conclusion ensuring service standards and consular public targets are met;
• Liaising with US authorities, members of the public and their legal representatives, airlines and tour operators, and British Government Departments in order to achieve strategic goals.
• Designing, costing and implementing an effective Prevention strategy for the consular district and monitoring and reporting budget expenditure;
• Proactively leading on consular issues at the Consulate-General, including representing the consular view at key internal and external meetings and activities, including some public speaking duties.
• Maintaining close links with local authorities including, but not limited to, law enforcement, correctional facilities, medical examiners, hospitals, morgues and mental health facilities.
• Maintaining close and proactive dialogue with the Consular Regional Operations Manager on matters within the consular district.
• Processing emergency travel document applications 
• Planning and delivering all aspects of consular preparedness for the FIFA World Cup matches to be held in Kansas City in June and July 2026. Support the wider consular network in North America throughout the tournament period. 
• Exceptionally, participating in call-out arrangements for emergency cases out of hours when our Global Response Centre in London requests additional support.
• Respond to crisis events as necessary.  “Crisis” includes situations where the number of British nationals in need of support exceeds the Consular team’s capacity and necessitates a wider response, for instance following a mass casualty incident. This role will lead on Consular aspects of crisis preparedness and response, including ensuring emergency equipment is tested regularly and fit for purpose. Ensure that the Consular team is fully trained and understand their role in a crisis, and that the wider Consulate General is equipped to support Consular in case of crisis. 
• Contributing to a positive local working environment at the Consulate General, including undertaking a non-consular internal responsibility which supports this (eg. First Aider, organising team building events, mentoring).  
• Supporting colleagues in other parts of the America’s consular network as required.

Resources Managed:

• The Vice Consul manages one Pro Consul.

• Substantial relevant work experience including working with the public, supporting people in difficult situations and staff management.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to communicate at all levels.  
• Experience of managing outreach programmes.
• Ability to prioritise, effectively manage and execute multiple tasks.
• Proficiency in IT and MS Office.
• Initiative, drive & determination with superior problem-solving skills, sound judgement, common sense and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Experience of line management.
• A good knowledge of multi-cultural Britain, its language, and geography.
• An ability to handle distressing situations and engage with vulnerable people while remaining compassionate, resilient and effective.
• Proficiency in English language