mfat.govt.nz
Image from, under the headline (May 31, 2016): "Plans for NZ embassy in Colombia under fire"
The New Zealand Embassy in Colombia is seeking to recruit a Public Affairs & Consular Adviser. As Public Affairs Adviser, the person is responsible for contributing to the development and delivery of the Embassy’s communications and public diplomacy [JB emphasis] plans as well as events, including social media. As Consular Adviser, the person is responsible for providing consular advice and assistance to New Zealanders in distress in Colombia and countries to which the post may be accredited in future. This includes providing guidance and support for emergency response, including activating crisis contingency plans.
The Public Affairs & Consular Adviser will be responsible for:Public Affairs
- With Embassy managers, develop and implement the Embassy public diplomacy programme and strategic communications plan to support agreed post strategy and objectives.
- Manage an approved budget for events, activities and products, reporting on expenditures and outcomes.
- Draft items in Spanish and/or English for a range of events and channels including speeches, traditional media and social media content.
- Manage general enquiries and information requests about New Zealand from members of the public and other constituent groups.
- Manage the Embassy website and social media accounts.
- Develop and leverage a media network to convey background material and information on New Zealand.
- Identify, organise and manage cultural or promotional events.
- Provide accurate translations of Colombian media products e.g. articles and interviews with New Zealand visitors
- Assist with organising official visitor programmes including by New Zealand Government Ministers and other stakeholders.
Consular
- Provide advice to NZ citizens in Colombia and other accredited countries, including where they have a lost or stolen passport, where they need medical assistance, where they need assistance to obtain emergency funds from family or friends, where they have been arrested/detained, where an English speaking lawyer is needed, and in crisis situations (such as civil unrest or natural disasters).
- Work with national and international hospitals and prisons to ensure NZ citizens hospitalised or imprisoned have access to appropriate advice and services.
- Support delivery of Emergency Travel Document (ETD) services.
- Ensure the Ministry’s consular record-keeping system is up to date by regularly entering details of consular cases.
- Maintain a database of lawyers and local notaries who can provide legal and notarial services for NZ citizens.
- Preparation and signing of various statutory documents under the appropriate delegation.
- Assist the Embassy management staff in emergency response situations requiring consular input.
- Assist Embassy management with contingency planning products and exercises.
- Promote the Ministry’s safetravel website, including the registration of New Zealanders travelling overseas.
- Manage the Embassy’s safetravel registration database to ensure registrant details are current and use this network to communicate with NZ citizens in emergency situations or potential emergency situations.
- Participate, on a rostered basis, in the Embassy’s after hours on-call consular arrangements.
Further details on the role:
- This is a locally engaged position based in Colombia. The successful applicant will be employed on local terms and conditions
- The candidate must be a Colombian citizen or already have the right to work in Colombia
- Competitive Salary
Qualifications and Experience
- Position Description [PDF, 96 KB]
For queries about the position please email BogotaRSVP@mfat.govt.nzApplications and Close-off
- Applications, including curriculum vitae, cover letter and the names of at least two referees, should be sent to BogotaRSVP@mfat.govt.nz marked “Public Affairs & Consular Adviser BOG” in the subject line.
- Applications must be received by 5pm on Friday 18th January (Colombia Time).
- Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain an appropriate Colombian security clearance.
