Job Description

(Roles and Responsibilities) 1


The British Consulate General in Toronto is recruiting for the position of Chief of Staff to the Consul General. This is a brilliant opportunity for the right individual to be at the heart of the UK\xe2\x80\x99s priorities in Ontario; provide Private Office support to the Consul General including diary management and briefings; and to contribute to the running of a busy diplomatic mission with around 35 staff on our platform. The role is offered on a full-time, permanent basis, subject to receipt of a successful security clearance and will be based at the British Consulate General Toronto. We are looking for someone who has interest in international affairs, has excellent organisational and problem-solving skills, and is able to communicate effectively with different groups of people and at all levels.
Roles and responsibilities: You will have an interest in foreign affairs and know about some of the top global issues on the agenda at the moment. The ideal candidate will have worked in or with government previously and have excellent organisational skills, be able to provide advice and be confident to challenge at all levels. You will need to be a strong networker and be able to build strong collaborative relationships internally and externally. As the front face of the Consulate, you will have a positive and can-do approach, work with the Consul General to ensure that we are maximising opportunities and prioritise time and resources effectively. You will need to be creative and curious, confident enough to share your ideas, and perceptive enough to encourage others to share theirs too. We encourage a fun and creative atmosphere where we can turn thoughts into ideas and ideas into action. This is key to give us the leading edge when we are looking at how we can make the most difference. The ideal candidate should be a good team player and loves being part of a nice but busy team. This means you\xe2\x80\x99re committed, can be counted on to get the job done and are inclusive and respectful of other people\xe2\x80\x99s opinions. You will be able to be flexible when needed for example helping out during crises. A big part of the role includes reaching out and developing good working relationships with a variety of partners \xe2\x80\x93 both in the private and public sector. You will enjoy delivering through virtual teams; you will be an active listener, understand motivations of different colleagues, able to have honest and open conversations, and help nurture talent. Day to Day duties include:

• Managing the Consul General\xe2\x80\x99s busy diary, and assemble briefings ahead of external meetings.
• Provide administrative support (drafting/formatting letters, oversee budgets, make travel arrangements).
• Prepare visit programmes (domestic and international) working with the rest of the mission which support our country business plan goals.
• Organise official events and entertainment including at the Residence including working with external vendors and organisations. Working with the Corporate Services Officer provide access to the Residence for contractors and maintenance staff, supervising them where necessary.
• Conduct research on topical issues in Ontario that are of interest to the UK and Canada. Keep standard briefing up to date, soliciting input from other team members as required.
• Handle internal comms for the Consulate including all staff messages, internal campaigns and away days.
• Cover for the Corporate Services Officer and Media and Public Affairs officer as required.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure): Budgets for FCDO including procurement processes for the GREAT campaign; entertainment and travel budgets.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience 1


Essential on arrival:

• Excellent organisational skills including prioritisation
• Ability to represent the organisation in high-profile and high-pressured external environments
• Exercise a high degree of independent judgement in dealings with internal and external clients and organisations
• Knowledge of international affairs
• Working with political parties and/or government including in an advisory capacity

Language requirements: Language: French is desirable but not essential.




Required behaviours 1


Seeing the Big Picture, Making Effective Decisions, Delivering at Pace, Communicating and Influencing
Application deadline 1 Application deadline - day Application deadline - month Application deadline - year


29 October 2023
Grade 1


Administrative Officer (AO)
Type of Position 1


Full-time, Permanent
Working hours per week 1


37.5
Region 1


Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
Country/Territory 1


Canada
Location (City) 1


Toronto
Type of Post 1


British Consulate General
Number of vacancies 1


1
Salary Currency 1


CAD
Salary 1


$4,759.96 monthly
Start Date 1 Start Date - day Start Date - month Start Date - year


18 December 2023
Other benefits and conditions of employment 1


The British Embassy Network offers a strong benefits package. This package includes generous vacation and leave time, flexible working patterns, and enriching learning and development opportunities. Learning and development opportunities: We want to attract the best diverse talent to join the Toronto team, and in return are committed to ensuring that all our staff are able to be their very best and flourish. We\xe2\x80\x99re committed to supporting staff aspirations and goals. Our strong L&D offer includes access to training provided in house; shadowing and mentoring opportunities; access to funds for professional qualifications; regular masterclasses from experts (including from private and public sector); and opportunities to get involved in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office corporate agenda across our global network. There are regular opportunities to travel across Canada and overseas to share best practise, learn from others and to support capability building of the global network. We are a diverse, supportive and fun team to work in which takes pride in high quality delivery. We hold regular team lunches and away days, back each other up during busy teams, and celebrate our achievements and lessons learned together. We are brilliant because we are all different. You will get to work on real world issues which means that no day can be the same; and you will get to see the difference that effective communications can make firsthand. Working patterns: We are proud of our commitment to work life balance and promote flexible working opportunities where operational and security needs allow. The successful applicant might be asked to work weekends/evenings to help support networking and media engagements. Time of in Lieu (TOIL) will be given. You will also be asked to take on a corporate responsibility for example working as part of our learning and development committee; diversity champion; sharing digital expertise; internal communications support. We support hybrid working; the successful applicant should plan to be in the office/on external calls for around 60% of the working week (possibly more depending on business needs).
Additional information 1


There should be pre-existing legal status to live and work in Canada. The successful candidate will be subject to satisfactory references and local and overseas security clearances and a six-month probation period. Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a \xe2\x80\x98reserve list\xe2\x80\x99. If during the reserve period of 6-12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate. Staff recruited locally by the British Consulate General are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Canadian employment law.
Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.