Pro Consul (Bulgaria and North Macedonia)

About the role

The British Embassy in Sofia is looking for a full-time Pro Consul to join its Consular Team. As Pro Consul you will provide frontline consular assistance to British nationals living in or visiting Bulgaria and North Macedonia, especially those who are vulnerable or in distress. The role is customer-facing, involves regular contact with the public, local authorities and partners, and works as part of a team of three.

Key responsibilities

• Provide consular assistance to British nationals in line with UK government policy, in person, by telephone or online, handling cases such as prison visits, death or hospitalisation, violence or sexual assault, child welfare, mental health and detention.
• Maintain accurate records on consular case management systems and prepare and issue consular documents, including Emergency Travel Documents.
• Work with colleagues in the Consular Directorate, the Consular Contact Centre, the Emergency Travel Document Centre and the Global Response Centre, and support other consular teams in the region during high demand.
• Build working relationships with local authorities, police, hospitals, prisons, social services and NGOs, and share information with other diplomatic missions.
• Deliver prevention activity, organise outreach events and meetings, and help keep public information on Bulgaria and North Macedonia up to date on GOV.UK.
• Take part in crisis preparedness training and exercises, and provide consular support during crises, which may include deployment within the two countries.
• Occasionally take on additional duties, including administrative or financial tasks, and travel occasionally within Bulgaria and North Macedonia; out-of-hours work may be required in emergencies.

Required profile

• Proficiency in English and Bulgarian (written and spoken), minimum C1 level.
• At least three years' experience in a customer-facing or service delivery role with regular contact with the public.
• Experience supporting customers in traumatic or emotionally demanding circumstances.
• Desirable: Macedonian language skills, previous consular or safeguarding experience, experience with government bodies, NGOs or international organisations, and a valid driving licence.

Required skills

• Clear, sensitive communication and empathy.
• Strong organisation, record keeping and ability to prioritise competing demands.
• Confidence with digital systems and Microsoft Office (Outlook and Teams).

What we offer

• 25 days' annual leave.
• A work mobile with unlimited national data and calls.
• Premium supplementary health insurance.
• Training opportunities in Bulgaria, the Europe South Region and the UK.
• Free parking in City Center, subject to availability.