View Vacancy – Vice Consul, Consular Section – British Embassy Panama

Main purpose of job:

Based in Panama City, the successful applicant will run all consular operations at the British Embassy in Panama City and on behalf of the British High Commission in Belize. The role will involve interaction with members of the public, local, regional and UK authorities as well as colleagues across the consular network to fulfil the delivery of the FCDO’s Consular Strategy.  As a Head of Section based in Panama City, the role will also require the applicant to play their part as a member of the Embassy’s senior team, and to collaborate with teams across the Embassy. They will provide high quality consular support to British nationals in Panama and Belize. The jobholder will also play a part in providing virtual resilience across the Americas consular network.    

The jobholder will report to the Consular Regional Operations Manager based in Mexico City and will manage relations with two Honorary Consuls.    

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 the authorities of Panama and Belize, members of the public and their legal representatives, airlines and tour operators, and British Government Departments to achieve strategic goals.
• Designing, costing and implementing an effective Prevention strategy and monitoring and reporting budget expenditure. (Prevention is the work consular staff undertake to identify case trends and try and prevent them happening).
• Proactively leading on consular issues at the Embassy and High Commission, 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, prisons and detention centres, medical examiners, hospitals, morgues and mental health facilities.
• Maintaining close and proactive dialogue with the Consular Regional Operations Manager on matters within Panama and Belize.
• 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 support staff in Panama and Belize are fully trained and understand their role in a crisis. Respond to crisis events as necessary.
• Contributing to the good-functioning and management of the Embassy as a senior member of the Embassy team.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Supporting colleagues in other parts of the America’s consular network as required.

Resources managed: 

2 Honorary Consuls.
Budget for travel and networking with key contacts essential in delivering positive outcomes for British people who need assistance. 

• The successful candidate must have a substantial relevant work experience (to include working with the public, and staff management skills).
• Excellent communication and customer service skills, both written and oral, including the ability to communicate at all levels, in Spanish and English.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work collaboratively with colleagues
• 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.
• Proficiency in MS Office required.
• Consular work can be demanding. The successful candidate must have a high degree of personal resilience and empathy

Language requirements: 

Languages: English and Spanish

Level of language required: Fluent in both languages

The successful candidate must be Panamanian, or have a valid and current Work Permit through Ministry of Labour, and be able to provide it when requested by Embassy.