The British Embassy in Podgorica represents the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in Montenegro, promoting cooperation and connections between the government and people of the UK and Montenegro.
We are currently looking for a confident, customer-oriented
Pro-Consul to join the British Embassy in Podgorica, Montenegro on a part-time basis. The successful candidate will be a resilient, quick-thinking individual, who can demonstrate empathy towards our most vulnerable customers, with good prioritisation and problem-solving skills and a strong sense of teamwork.
The Consular Team provides a high level of consular assistance and support to British nationals in Montenegro, focusing on the most vulnerable. You will have frequent interaction with members of the public, local, regional and UK authorities as well as colleagues in British Embassies across the Europe South Consular Network. You will also work with colleagues across the British Embassy in Podgorica, including with senior leadership. You will join a supportive Embassy team with a culture of continuous improvement and taking responsibility for personal learning and development.
The
Pro-Consul, in close partnership with the Regional Vice-Consul, is required to build relationships with key external stakeholders in local authorities and the British community to ensure we are in the best position to help British National visitors/residents in need of assistance when required.
Consular work is challenging and very rewarding. The different functions of the role will require you to adapt to shifting priorities and operational objectives, whilst maintaining a commitment to excellent customer service.
There will be a requirement for occasional travel and flexibility in working hours, in order to meet key stakeholders and visit consular customers in e.g. detention or hospital. In rare cases, you may be asked to provide assistance out-of-hours (TOIL or an out of hours payment may apply).
Consular work brings staff into contact with people experiencing distressing and/or traumatic situations. A high degree of personal resilience is required. We also have a wellbeing programme to ensure colleagues are supported through these potentially challenging situations. You will also be part of a network of colleagues who work together and provide support and guidance to each other.
Role and Responsibilities.
Consular assistance
- Provide consular assistance in accordance with current guidelines including, but not limited to, visiting British nationals in hospital or jail, providing in-person or remote support following bereavement, child custody matters, sexual assault, and cases involving mental health issues;
- Develop and maintain positive relationships with local authorities (e.g. police, prison, hospitals and social services), key stakeholders (e.g. travel and tourism industry, support groups, NGOs) and other diplomatic missions.
- To support the Emergency Travel Document Centre by printing Emergency Travel Documents.
- To manage the online appointments booking system as well as perform administrative duties, including updating information on consular case management systems in a timely and efficient manner.
- Work with colleagues in British Embassies across the Balkans and Eastern Adriatic Consular Network, to provide regional resilience and share best practice. On occasion, cover for absences of Vice Consul for Kosovo & Albania and Vice Consul for Serbia to provide consular assistance and advice remotely by phone and email and liaise with local authorities and stakeholders in Serbia, Albania and Kosovo during those times.
- Provide out of hours assistance to (rare) emergency consular cases as appropriate (and for which TOIL will be available).
- Provide cover for the Vice-Consul when they are absent.
Notarial And Documentary Services
- To prepare paperwork for notarial and documentary services.
- To issue notarial documents for British Nationals in accordance with FCDO guidance.
- To take fees and be responsible for cashier duties.
Crisis Preparedness And Response
- To assist with Embassy crisis preparation and response to large scale events
- To assist with crises which require a consular response e.g. possible deployment to the scene and support the Vice-Consul.
- To actively participate in crisis training opportunities.
