Who are we?

The British Embassy in Baku, Azerbaijan is part of a world-wide network representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas, and we are recruiting a Part-time Community Liaison Officer to work closely with Post Management for the well-being of all staff at Post, with primary function as advocate for and provision of support to One HMG UK-based staff and families on family and community issues, principally in the areas of information gathering, orientation, advice, welfare and communication.

Why should you apply? 

The Community Liaison Officer (CLO) acts as a bridge between staff assigned to the British Embassy from the UK, their families and the Embassy’s Corporate Services team. The CLO is a key point of contact and support for staff and families before, during and after their move to Baku, including the process of identifying suitable housing. The CLO also works closely with Corporate Services team on a range of issues.

Main purpose of job:

What will the jobholder be expected to achieve?
     
Welcome and arrival

• Brief and liaise with staff who are considering bidding for the post and their partners with the local information including local education, medical facilities, local employment or training opportunities for spouses/partners, language tuition, etc; 
• Liaise with the Estates officer about new family housing needs;
• Maintain, distribute and collect the domestic equipment float and manage inventory;
• Final check of accommodation and provide groceries for first 24 hours;
• Welcoming all staff accompanying families to ensure as smooth an integration as possible into the life of the Post community; following up to check that the settling in process is working; providing community induction (shops, clinics, nurseries, schools, clubs etc);
• Setting a long-term rhythm of face-to-face contact, e.g. monthly meetings.

Services

• Provide emotional and practical support to UKB officers, partners and families;
• Lead and coordinate community and family-oriented social events; 
• Visit all new properties as part of the housing identification and selection process;
• Act as the Deputy Welfare Officer in the Post Crisis Management Plan and participate in evacuation and contingency planning meetings.

Liaison with DSFA and FCDO Families

• Identify and meet all DSFA information needs e.g. annual returns;
• Pass DSFA information to families including details of DSFA career support services and courses;
• Supervision of Assistant CLO (part-time) on local language issues, liaison with the authorities, deputising during CLO absence;
• Arrange DSFA meetings/lunches
• Meet DSFA and UK based information requirements by inputting into corporate documents including:

1. Post Welcome Pack
2. A comprehensive information pack on childcare at post
3. DSFA Spouse and Partner Annual Employment Report
4. Cost of Living Allowance Survey (COLA)
5. Post Report and Fact Sheet

Communication and Information

• Liaise with other like-minded missions’ CLOs

Essential on arrival:  

• Fluency in English, both oral and written C1 Proficiency in English (both written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*);
• Familiarity with the culture of British families (experience in moving to different countries, moving to Azerbaijan, working with people from different cultures and backgrounds);
• Have excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to work with people from any background;
• Have strong communications skills, both in writing and orally;
• Have a good understanding of the issues faced by staff moving to live overseas;
• Have good organisational and delivery skills;
• Be able to handle personal information confidentially and with discretion;
• Be able to work flexibly without close supervision;
• Be familiar with living in Baku.