Embark on a Rewarding Diplomatic Career – Vice Consul Role Open at British Embassy Harare

Vice Consul Role Open at British Embassy Harare

Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
Salary: USD 3,588.66/month (subject to tax and statutory deductions)
Grade: Executive Officer (EO)
Application Deadline: 26 June 2025
Start Date: 4 August 2025
Type of Position: Permanent, Full-Time
Hours: 35 hours/week (excluding breaks)
Region: Africa

About the Role

The British Embassy in Harare is seeking a resilient, compassionate, and proactive professional to serve as Vice Consul. This critical role involves providing consular assistance and services to British nationals in Zimbabwe in line with the FCDO’s public guidance and Consular Charter.

The successful candidate will be the frontline of support in both straightforward and highly complex cases, requiring minimal supervision. They will also support British nationals across the Southern Africa Consular Network, contribute to crisis preparedness and response, and spearhead impactful prevention campaigns aimed at reducing consular cases.

Key Responsibilities

Consular Assistance

Handle sensitive and complex cases, such as deaths, hospitalisations, detentions, welfare assistance, and sexual assault support.
Liaise with local authorities and support networks, and ensure the dignity and rights of British nationals are respected.
Offer mentorship and support to consular staff in the region.

Also Read: Join the British Embassy Harare as a Corporate Services Officer (Stores)

Prevention Projects

Lead prevention initiatives on issues affecting British residents and visitors (e.g. mental health, addiction, bereavement, crime).
Develop local online guidance content and organise engagement events or stakeholder workshops.
Advocate for policy changes and safety measures with Zimbabwean authorities.

Crisis Management

Act as deputy consular manager or consular manager in crisis situations.
Participate in crisis planning and rapid response deployments, including travel within Zimbabwe and the region when needed.

Consular Services

Issue Emergency Travel Documents and officiate at British Citizenship Ceremonies.
Ensure services meet the highest standard of efficiency, timeliness, and integrity.

Leadership & Administration

Monitor and report on consular service performance against KPIs.
Manage the Honorary Consul in Zimbabwe.
Produce monthly casework reports and ensure compliance with internal policies and procedures.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, particularly when dealing with distressed individuals.
Strong emotional resilience and professional demeanor in high-stress or traumatic situations.
Demonstrable experience in a client-facing role, preferably working with vulnerable populations.
Ability to prioritise multiple demands and meet tight deadlines with minimal oversight.
High proficiency in English (spoken and written).

Desirable Experience

Previous experience in consular work, crisis response, or working within an international or diplomatic environment.
Familiarity with Zimbabwean authorities, government procedures, or relevant support organisations.
Proven experience in organising public engagement events or community-led initiatives.

Required Behaviours

Delivering at Pace
Making Effective Decisions
Managing a Quality Service
Working Together
Changing and Improving

Development Opportunities

The role offers a robust induction, continuous learning, and access to UK-based training. Mandatory courses include:

Consular Fundamentals and Developing Consular Expertise
Emergency Travel Document Processing
Crisis and Case Management
Safeguarding and Data Protection

There are also opportunities to participate in leadership training, mentoring, regional conferences, and crisis deployment initiatives.

Additional Information

All applicants must have the legal right to work in Zimbabwe. Work permits and relocation costs are the responsibility of the successful candidate if based outside Zimbabwe.
The British Embassy is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusivity.
Applicants may be placed on a reserve list for similar future roles within six to twelve months.

How to Apply

To apply, visit the official British Government’s Career Portal (tal.net) and submit your application by 26 June 2025. Ensure that all required documents are complete and accurate before submission, as changes cannot be made afterward.