Chief of Staff to the British Consul General, Toronto

About the role

The British Consulate General in Toronto is recruiting a Chief of Staff to the Consul General, a full-time permanent position based at the consulate. The post sits at the heart of the UK's priorities in Ontario, providing private office support to the Consul General including diary management, budget oversight and political briefings, and contributes to the running of a busy diplomatic mission with around 40 staff and six UK government departments represented. The role is offered on a full-time, permanent basis, subject to a successful security clearance.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the Consul General's diary and prepare briefings ahead of external meetings
• Provide administrative support: drafting and formatting letters, overseeing private office budgets and arranging travel
• Monitor Ontario political and policy developments and prepare briefings and reports supporting the country business plan
• Build relationships with provincial political stakeholders
• Prepare domestic and international visit programmes with the wider mission
• Research topical issues in Ontario of interest to the UK and Canada and keep standard briefings up to date
• Handle internal communications, including staff messages, internal campaigns and away days
• Cover for the Corporate Services Officer and Media and Events officer as required
• Line manage the Corporate Services Officer and oversee budgets for the FCDO, including procurement for the GREAT campaign, entertainment and travel budgets

Required profile

• Interest in international affairs and knowledge of current global issues
• Previous experience working with or for government, including in an advisory capacity
• Experience working with political parties and/or government
• Excellent organisational skills, including prioritisation, and ability to represent the organisation in high-profile, high-pressure situations
• Ability to exercise independent judgement and to act with discretion
• Legal status to live and work in Canada; references and security clearances required

Required skills

• Excellent organisational skills and prioritisation
• Knowledge of international affairs
• Ability to build collaborative relationships internally and externally, including with partners in the private and public sectors
• Delivering through virtual teams and working flexibly, including covering for colleagues and taking on corporate responsibilities such as learning and development, diversity and internal communications

What we offer

• Monthly salary of $6,675.82 CAD (non-negotiable)
• Generous vacation and leave time, flexible working patterns and learning and development opportunities
• Working from home is permitted and encouraged when realistic; weekend or evening work may be required for networking and media engagements, with time in lieu
• Reserve list for unsuccessful appointable candidates