Company Profile

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. 

Job Description

• Application deadline: 5 April 2017
• Grade: A2 (L)
• Type of Position: Fixed Term
• Duration of Post: 36 months
• Starting monthly salary: GHS 2,825
• Start Date: 1 May, 2017

Main purpose of job
This is an exciting opportunity for a self-starter to support the British High Commission (BHC) community. The CLO is a critical role for the BHC. He/she helps UK-based officers and their families as they prepare for a posting in Ghana, as they settle in, and throughout their stay in Ghana. It’s one of the most important corporate services jobs.

Roles and responsibilities

• Providing information to UK-based officers and their families – from all departments and the British Council – on issues such as spouse/partner employment in Ghana, child and adult education, career and training opportunities, recreational facilities & social matters;
• Providing advice (and a listening ear!) to officers and their families – including issues that single officers and foreign-born spouses may have;
• Acting as an initial contact point for new arrivals, welcoming families and helping them integrate as smoothly and quickly as possible into life in Ghana;
• Being an advocate and voice for UK-based staff and their families in the BHC – in particular on the Post Housing and Security Committees;
• Acting as liaison point for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Diplomatic Service Families Association (DSFA), including completion of DSFA returns and maintenance of databases
• Acting as a hub for  community and social events, communicating these to UK-based and local staff and helping organise events that knit the community together;
• Maintaining the UK-based staff emergency contact (telephone tree) list, and supporting the BHC during any crises or emergencies;

The nature of the job means some evening and occasional weekend work may be necessary. Flexible working is possible – and the job holder will entitled to Time Off in Lieu.

Other benefits and conditions of employment

• Part time working and flexy hours possible.
• There will be on-the-job training initially on the High Commission’s operating systems, support from the network and access to the High Commission’s excellent online training, available to all staff. We offer a good L&D environment and encourage staff to develop their skills and expertise. Job shadowing etc is actively encouraged

Required Skills or Experience

The successful applicant will:

• Prioritise well, working between teams, assuming 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 approachable, open, pro-active when required, honest, caring, friendly and a good listener;
• Be comfortable in possession of sensitive or personal information, and the associated need for discretion;
• Represent spouse/family issues at meetings;
• Have experience of, or a willingness to learn quickly about, Ghanaian culture;
• Observe the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s diversity and equality policies
• Be flexible - hours can otherwise be unpredictable;

Required competencies  
Making Effective Decisions, Leading and Communicating, Collaborating and Partnering, Managing a Quality Service