Consular Assistant (ESP21.120)

Due to COVID-19, you may experience some delay in the progress of this recruitment campaign. We are working hard to minimise any disruption. You may find more information in the Additional Information section below.

The British Consulate General in Barcelona is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and is now looking for a temporary, full-time Consular Assistant.

The main purpose is to provide consular support to customers at the British Consulate in Barcelona, to manage Emergency Travel Document work at post - interviews, printing and handing to the customers and to manage the back office work at the Barcelona Consulate.

Roles and responsibilities:

• To manage Emergency Travel Document work at post - interviews, printing and handing to the customers;
• Office management at post – carry out any office management tasks as and when they arise;
• Contribute to local influencing in conjunction with global prevention champion with the aim of reducing preventable consular cases;
• To help prepare for crisis handling and implement Crisis Management Plan as and when activated;
• To handle counter, telephone and written enquiries from the general public and local authorities;
• To organise events and visits for senior staff when needed.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills enabling effective communication in both English and Spanish (minimum C1 level according to Common European Framework of Reference for Languages *);
• Proven experience in customer service handling;
• Excellent communication and customer service skills,
• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in Spain, Wider Europe Network and the UK;
• Attention to detail, strong analytical perspective and problem solving skills;
• Ability to work at pace and prioritise, managing an often heavy workload; excellent organisational skills;
• Good IT skills (proficiency in Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel and Teams);
• An understanding of the issues that British nationals in Spain may face - both tourists and residents.
• Knowledge of the Barcelona consular district (Cataluña and Andorra) particularly in relation to British residents and tourists;

• University degree would be desirable;
• Driving license.

This is a temporary, full-time position to cover for a maternity leave . The working hours are 37.5 hours per week.

The successful candidate is subject to a confirmation of a background check, security clearance and the successful completion of a probationary period.

The successful candidate will be enrolled in the Spanish Social Security Scheme and will therefore not be entitled to any gratuity from the Embassy based on gross annual salary.

The British Consulate General is a Diplomatic Mission with tax exempt status and does not collect taxes for other States. Employees are fully responsible for payment of Spanish income tax at the legally required rate. Staff recruited locally by the British Consulate General are subject to terms and conditions of service according to local Spanish employment law.

Visa/work permit requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Spain and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements to live and work in this country.

Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”.

We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application, since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered.

Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.

FCDO does not pay for travel related expense incurred in interviews (including Security Check) or accept any financial risk, including cancelation or reschedule costs. The FCDO will not meet the costs connected with relocation if offered a position.

Additional Information (due to Covid-19):

• You may experience some delay in the progress of this recruitment campaign and we are working hard to minimise any disruption;

• Interviews will be done remotely if the existing situation determines this to be the right course of action;

• Starting date may be delayed depending on circumstances at the time and it will be agreed with the selected candidate.

• Please note for more information on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment levels please click on the following link CEFR. Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your language skill is going to be assessed.