JBC BLOG & NETWORK: BHC Hiring Community Liaison Officer

Thursday, July 6, 2017

BHC Hiring Community Liaison Officer – 2 Positions BHC Abuja, NG

Job description

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, 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.

We Are Recruiting To Fill The Position Below

Job Title: Community Liaison Officer (CLO) (07/17 LOS)

Grade: A2 (L)

Slot: 2

Type of Position: Part-Time

Working hours per week: 25 hours

Job Category: Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Residence and Support Staff)

Job Subcategory: Community Liaison

Main Purpose Of Job

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

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 / What Will the Job Holder Be Expected to Achieve?:

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.
Specifically to engage in information gathering and providing advice on spouse/partner employment at Post and children’s education. To remain actively engaged with new arrivals by following up after a period of time to ensure that people have settled in well. (40%)
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. (40%)
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 updated the CLO Welcome Pack, and, with Post Management, coordination of update of the Post Report.(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 him on community needs where relevant to wider management decisions.

Essential Qualifications And Experience

Must have a sound understanding of expatriate life.
You must be able to demonstrate excellent written and spoken English
Must be comfortable using Word, Excel and Outlook.
You will need to be able to work independently, using initiative and problem solving skills.
The successful candidate must be sympathetic, discrete and a good listener.

Required Competencies

Desirable Qualifications and Experience