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.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Residence and Support Staff)
Community Liaison
Main purpose of job:
The UK works in Rwanda to help reduce poverty, drive economic growth and mutual prosperity, support regional stability and work with a likeminded partner in the international system. The British High Commission (BHC) represents the UK in Rwanda. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is the largest UK government department in the BHC, and there is a smaller presence from other departments including HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the Office of National Statistics (ONS). The BHC includes around 20 UK-based (international) staff in addition to around 40 Country Based (locally recruited) staff.
The role of the Community Liaison Officer is to work closely with Post Management for the well-being of all staff at Post, in particular UK-based staff who are living away from their home country. They act as an advocate for and provision of support to all UK-based staff and families at the BHC on family, morale and community issues, principally in the areas of information gathering, welfare and communication. Where necessary they may advocate to management for change, for example on housing or recreational facilities.
The role requires someone who is proactive, approachable and friendly. The individual should have strong communication skills, including strong listening skills. They should also be willing to be adaptable and flexible to deal with changing circumstances and a diverse range of needs. Given the nature of the role empathy and discretion are particularly important.
Roles and responsibilities:
- To provide advice and information for new UK-based staff and families prior to and on arrival at post . This includes information on schools, spouse/partner employment, what to prepare and bring, recreational facilities, car purchase, and any specific issues affecting particular individuals (e.g. for single officers, LGBT people, etc). To support new arrivals by working with the Delivery Excellence Team (which includes corporate services) to ensure basic supplies are available in house on arrival and relevant staff are included on social media groups and email lists.
- To support staff and family welfare at post, helping new arrivals settle in and being a source of referral and support where questions or difficulties arise. Throughout their time at post, assist staff and families with welfare or administrative issues on a confidential basis, working closely with the Deputy High Commissioner as needed.
- Advocate for UK-based staff and families in addressing issues of importance with Post Management, including participation in the housing committee, attending Post Management Committee and Post Security Committee as relevant, and taking part in evacuation/contingency planning. Act as the chief link between post and the Diplomatic Service Families Association (DSFA) in London.
- Support community and social events at post. Produce a regular newsletter and use WhatsApp or other appropriate means to provide regular information to staff and families on social events, new activities and other relevant information (e.g. shops, clubs, exhibitions). Work with the Goat and Gorilla (BHC bar) committee to ensure regular social events for the BHC community. Advertise details of DSFA career support and other offerings.
- Information management including maintaining a Post Welcome Pack, and assisting with updating Post Report and Fact Sheet. Respond to routine requests from DSFA and FCDO HQ such as: Annual Spouse and Partner Employment Report; School Information Sheet; twice-yearly Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) survey. Facilitating inoculations for things like Flu etc and supporting in updating the MERP. Liaison with regional medical adviser to maintain up to date information on healthcare at post (including input to the Post Health Report and Medical Emergency Response Plan. CLOs are not expected to be medically trained and have no medical responsibility.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
- Organisation;
- MS office skills ;
- Flexibility
- Experience in a similar role e.g. CLO at another post
- Managing a Quality Service, Communicating and Influencing, Working Together
- 5 July 2022
- Administrative Officer (AO)
- Fixed Term
- 36 months
Africa
- Rwanda
- Kigali
- British High Commission
- RWF 455,792
- 1 August 2022
Learning and development opportunities:
Learning and development opportunities include a range of courses accessed through the Civil Service Learning portal, shadowing and on-the-job learning. All CLOs should complete CLO training and the Crisis Preparedness Management eLearning.
Working patterns: 18 hours per week, this role is suitable for flexible working hours.
- Your application must also include examples of when you have demonstrated the required elements in the Success Profile Questions section of the online application form.
- Applications that do not include these information will not be considered.
- Please complete the application form in full as the information provided is used during screening.
- Please check your application carefully before you submit, as no changes can be made once submitted.
- The British High Commission will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position.
- Employees recruited locally by the British High Commission in Kigali are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Rwanda.
- All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit.
- The responsibility lies on the successful candidate to; Obtain the relevant permit; Pay the fees for the permit; Make arrangements to relocate; Meet the costs to relocation.
- Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount.
- Information about the Civil Service Success Profiles can be found on this link:
Please note: Job grade AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5
- Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted on successful candidates
- The British High Commission will only contact successful candidates, if you do not hear from us please consider your application unsuccessful.
How to Apply
Qualified candidates may submit a complete curriculum vitae and a letter of intent to the “Apply” button below
