Main purpose of job:

Based in Chicago, the successful applicant will run the day-to-day consular operations at our Chicago Consulate General, delivering consular support to British nationals in Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.  The role will involve interaction with members of the public, local, regional and UK authorities as well as colleagues across the consular network in order to fulfil the delivery of the FCDO’s Consular Strategy.  As a Head of Section, the role will also require collaboration across the Consulate-General, including engagement with senior management on a regular basis.  They will manage and deliver a prevention programme and provide high quality consular support to British nationals in the region.  

The Post holder reports to the Consular Regional Operations Manager based in Chicago and manages one Pro Consul.     

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 are fully implemented 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 meetings and activities;
• Representing the British government at consular related events, 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 passport applications and requests for notarial services.
• Exceptionally, participate in call-out arrangements for emergency cases out of hours when our Global Response Centre in London requests additional support.
• Lead on Consular aspects of crisis preparedness and response, including ensuring emergency equipment is tested regularly and fit for purpose. Ensure Consular team is fully trained and understand their role in a crisis. Respond to crisis events as necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Supporting colleagues in other parts of the America’s consular network as required.

Resources managed: 

• Manage 1 Pro Consul

• The successful candidate must have substantial relevant work experience (to include working with the public, and staff management skills)
• A strong team player with previous experience of managing a team is essential for this position.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to communicate at all levels.
• Experience of managing outreach programmes including undertaking a wide variety of public speaking duties.
• Initiative, drive & determination with superior problem solving skills, sound judgement, common sense and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Ability to prioritise, effectively manage and execute multiple tasks.
• A good knowledge of multi-cultural Britain, its language, and geography.
• Proficiency in MS Office required.

Language requirements: 

Language: English

Level of language required:  Fluent

Under US State Department requirements, the UK Government in the US may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Permanent Residents, A and NATO visa holders with EAD cards, and L2 visa holders with an up-to-date I-94 form.