Community Liaison Officer at British High Commission

Ref No: 06/18 ABJ
Grade:  A2 (L)
Type of Position: Part-Time
Job Category: Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Residence and Support Staff)
Job Subcategory  Community Liaison
Working hours per week: 25
Start Date: 2nd July, 2018.

Main Purpose of Job

• The main purpose of the Community Liaison Officer’s job is to support and bolster a cohesive and mutually supporting wider BHC community
• The successful candidate will be part of a small team advocating for and providing support to UK-based staff and families on family and community issues, primarily in the areas of arrival and departure from post, information gathering, welfare and communication.

Roles and Responsibilities

• To ensure that all new arrivals (single officers, couples, families and officers on temporary duty) are welcomed and supported into the community; that advice on living in Abuja is provided in advance both proactively and on demand, and to guide new arrivals through the arrival process, including orientation and induction briefing, with due care and attention. To remain actively engaged with new arrivals by following up after a period of time to ensure that people have settled in well
• Engage in information gathering and providing advice on spouse/partner employment at Post and children's education, career and training opportunities, recreational facilities, social matters and completion of DSFA Spouse and Partner Annual Employment Report. (35%)
• To contribute fully and actively to a strong sense of community cohesion by ensuring that all members are encouraged to contribute and share relevant information on social events and amenities/restaurants/shops etc. To facilitate events, coordinate volunteers, and liaise/network with other missions’ CLOs and local expat groups/organisations. (35%)
• Advocate for UK-based staff and dependents in addressing issues of importance with Post Management, including as their representative on the Joint Post Management Board, Post Housing Committee, and evacuation/contingency planning, and as the chief link between Post and DSFA in London.  (15%)
• Resource management of CLO Imprest, book and DVD library, keeping up to date the CLO Welcome Pack, and, with Post Management, coordination of update of the Post Report.  (5%)
• To maintain the UKB Spouse contact list (telephone tree) and supporting the BHC in any crisis or emergency. (5%)
• Acting as a hub for community and social events, communicating these to UK – based and local staff. (5%)

How should this be achieved?

• The successful CLO needs to be approachable and sympathetic, be a good listener, discreet and able to respect confidences. CLOs may often be the first person at Post to hear of a problem and should be prepared to listen and signpost to where solutions may be obtained
• The CLOs report directly into the Deputy High Commissioner, and are expected to advise her on community needs where relevant to wider management decisions.

The successful applicant will also need to be able to:

• Demonstrate the ability to prioritise well, working between teams and be able to assume responsibility for tasks with minimum supervision;
• Have excellent judgement and emotional intelligence, with clear self-awareness and an understanding of verbal and non-verbal communication;
• Be comfortable in possession of sensitive or personal information, and the associated need for discretion;
• Observe the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s diversity and equality policies.

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Previous experience of overseas postings or working within a large community

Language Requirements:

• Language: English
• Level of language required: Fluent

Required Competencies: 

• Changing and Improving, Leading and Communicating, Collaborating and Partnering, Managing a Quality Service

Starting Monthly Salary

• N296,577.

Other Benefits and Conditions of Employment

• Learning and Development Opportunities: The successful applicant will be expected to do the FCO CLO Course in London soon after taking up the appointment. Other training opportunities as relevant and agreed with the Line Manager do come up.