Community Liaison Officer

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.

Job Category

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Residence and Support Staff)

Job Subcategory

Community Liaison

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

Main purpose of job:

The British Embassy is looking to recruit a Community Liaison Officer (CLO), to provide practical and pastoral support to all staff at the Embassy. This is a great opportunity to contribute to the life of one of the biggest and busiest missions in the UK diplomatic network. The CLO in particular helps UK-based (diplomatic) staff and their families to integrate smoothly, become part of the thriving Embassy community and get the most out of all the opportunities that living and working in Washington DC offers.

The successful candidate will be energetic and enthusiastic, and will be able to confidently work autonomously as well as collaboratively with several busy teams. They will be approachable and empathetic, and be resilient. They will need to quickly familiarise themselves with the Embassy’s working practices and policies. There is a comprehensive training course for CLOs, run by London.

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:

Communicate effectively: The CLO initiates Embassy contact with newly-recruited staff and families and helps them navigate the administration of taking up a diplomatic posting and moving to a new country. They are responsible for the Embassy Welcome Pack and the Post Report and contribute to induction processes.

Gather comprehensive and accurate information: The CLO collates guidance for staff and their families on: spouse/partner employment regulations; children's education; childcare; career and training opportunities, and; recreational facilities and interest groups. The CLO also compiles several annual surveys that provide data about the Embassy for London.

Support staff welfare and morale: The CLO acts as a source of referral and support where questions, concerns and challenges arise. They also, working with the Embassy Social Committee organise social events with the objective of bringing the whole Embassy community together.

Advocate for UK-based staff and families: The CLO helps staff and families address issues, including with Corporate Services, for example acting as their representative on the Post Accommodation Committee, and as the chief link between the Embassy and the Diplomatic Service Family Association in London.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to be professional, confident, courteous, and deal with interlocutors at senior level.
Excellent organisational skills with the ability to multi-task and strong problem solving skills.
Excellent customer service skills, with proven ability to take responsibility and exercise considerable discretion.
Current valid driving licence.
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 or A visa holders with EAD cards*. If you hold a visa other than an A visa you are not currently eligible to work at our office. Please refer to our website for information on exceptions to this policy at www.gov.uk/government/world/usa. All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work. *A visas are acceptable at the Embassy and Consulates. The UK Mission to the UN (UKMIS) accepts G visas, and British Defense Staff (BDS) outposts accept A or NATO visas.

Required competencies

Changing and Improving, Collaborating and Partnering, Managing a Quality Service, Demonstrating Resilience

Application deadline

21 November 2021

Grade

A2 (L)

Type of Position

Full-time, Permanent

Working hours per week

40, including some nights and weekends

Region

Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories

Country/Territory

United States

Location (City)

Washington

Type of Post

British Embassy

Number of vacancies

Salary Currency

USD

Salary

$21.36 (hourly)

Start Date

10 January 2021

Other benefits and conditions of employment

Working patterns:

This job is suitable for a job share splitting the time and tasks between two people.

Additional information

The UK Government operating in the US offers a substantial benefits package including generous leave, a choice of medical insurance, 401(k) matching up to 7%, extensive learning opportunities and a great work/life balance. Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary, eg some non-local national staff and some spouses or partners of UK diplomatic staff, will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount. Internal candidates must inform their supervisor before they apply to a different position. Only successful candidates will be contacted. Please no phone calls. Due to the high volume of resumes we receive, we cannot guarantee consideration of your application if the submission instructions are not properly followed. The British Embassy is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and to creating a diverse working environment, free from discrimination, where everyone is included and treated fairly, based on merit alone. We are an equal opportunity employer, making all employment decisions without regard to race, gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or any other criterion protected by law.