Who are we?
The British Embassy Zagreb is the representative office of the UK Government in Croatia, representing British political, economic and consular interests in the country. The Embassy is headed by the Ambassador and we are an ambitious, engaged and motivated team that supports each other and does our best to develop and fulfil our potential.
The Consular Team provides a high level of consular assistance and support to British nationals in Croatia, focusing on the most vulnerable, and is now looking to recruit Pro – Consul to join the team.
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 Zagreb, 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 British Embassy champions diversity both inside and outside the Embassy. We would welcome applications from any suitably qualified individual, whatever their gender, ethnicity, sexuality, disability or religion.
Our Offer:
- Learning and development opportunities;
- A combination of Croatian and UK public holidays – 14 working days-off per year;
- Supportive and inclusive work environment.
Main purpose of job:
We are looking for a confident, customer-oriented Pro-Consul to join the British Embassy Zagreb, Croatia. 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 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.
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 and flexibility in working hours in order to meet key stakeholders and visit consular customers in e.g. detention or hospital. In rare cases you may be asked to provide assistance out-of-hours (Time off in lieu (TOIL) will be provided).
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.
Roles and responsibilities:
Consular assistance
- Provide consular assistance in accordance with current guidelines including, but not limited to, visiting British nationals in hospital or prison, providing in-person or remote support following bereavement, child custody matters, sexual assault, and cases involving mental health issues. This may require short-notice travel within Croatia.
- 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 with colleagues in British Embassies across the Balkans and Eastern Adriatic Consular Network, to provide resilience and share best practice.
- Provide out of hours assistance to (rare) emergency consular cases as appropriate(and for which an out of hours payment will be made).
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.
