Honorary Consul at British High Commission in Tanzania

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 identity, 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. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require.Job Category  

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Residence and Support Staff)Job Subcategory  

ConsularJob Description (Roles and Responsibilities)  

What is an Honorary Consul?

Honorary Consuls are paid volunteers who help extend the reach of an overseas Embassy/High Commission, particularly in areas that are remote or where the UK does not have a physical presence. Honorary Consuls are not members of His Majesty’s Government, nor are they employees of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) but they do carry out work on behalf and at the direction of the British High Commission (BHC) to further UK interests. This is primarily through the delivery of consular services to British nationals that require assistance. Additionally, they can fulfil a representational role, supporting the wider work of the British High Commission in safeguarding British nationals and projecting UK influence.

Main purpose of the job:

This is an exciting opportunity to represent the UK in Zanzibar. Zanzibar is an important region for the UK, given it attracts many British tourists (tens of thousands) who visit each year. The UK also has strong business and development interests in in Zanzibar. This unique opportunity will place the suitable candidate at the forefront of these relations as the UK seeks to maintain cooperation in a number of critical areas. Given the scale of British tourism in Zanzibar, this role will focus on the delivery of consular support to British nationals on the islands.  You will primarily work under the direction of the Consular Section at the BHC in Dar es Salaam to help deliver these objectives. Full support and direction will be provided as well as learning and development opportunities. 

Duties and responsibilities:

• Support the provision of consular assistance to British nationals in Zanzibar.
• Work with the BHC when approached for assistance by British Nationals.
• Collaborate with UK Consular staff on action to be taken. This may include contacting British nationals or visiting them in hospital or prison. The BHC will provide training to support you undertaking these actions.
• Signposting British Nationals in your community towards consular services on the UK government digital platform, gov.uk. (please note that the High Commission does not handle visa or passport services, and you would not be asked to provide advice on these issues).
• Building a network of useful local contacts to support consular assistance work – e.g. with police, immigration, hospitals, prisons, emergency services, social services, tourist operators etc.
• Assisting BHC staff in keeping GOV.UK online information up to date. This will include research on specific topics helpful to British nationals (for example, bereavement or imprisonment) or maintaining lists of local service providers.
• In times of crisis, working with BHC to deliver a high-quality crisis response, including liaison with local authorities, providing ‘on the ground’ intelligence, and occasionally, practical assistance depending on the circumstances. In recent years, Honorary Consuls were an integral part of the UK response to the COVID-19 crisis, supporting BHC operations to repatriate British nationals.
• Ad-hoc work on behalf of the British High Commissioner in Dar es Salaam, following consultation with them, for example, representing the UK at state events.

Appointment terms:

• Honorary Consuls are recognised in the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations as ‘consular officers’ and will therefore be accredited with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Prior to appointment, the successful candidate will be subject to security vetting, including checks for criminal records in the UK and Tanzania.
• All conflicts of interest, existing, potential or perceived, must be declared at the first stage of application.
• The initial appointment is probationary and for the duration of 12 months. After this time, and subject to mutual agreement, the appointment may be extended for the period of five years on a rolling basis.
• The successful candidate will report to the Vice Consul in their capacity as the Honorary Consul relationship manager.
• The Honorary Consul will have the flexibility to manage their diary and duties as they see fit. An office space will not be provided but they will be given an FCDO email address which can be used for communicating with British nationals.

Please note

•  The deadline for applications is 3 March 2026.
• Once applications are received, a sift process will begin and candidates will be notified if they will be invited to interview.
• The successful candidate will be formally appointed in May 2026, subject to security clearance and accreditation.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience  

• Strong and demonstrable links to the UK (e.g. lived, worked or studied in the UK);
• Communication and influencing skills;
• The ability to engage with British nationals in a professional and empathetic manner;
• Residency in Zanzibar and good standing in the community;
• Fluency in English.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience  

• British nationality;
• Kiswahili language skills;
• Previous experience in public facing roles.

Required behaviours  

Working TogetherApplication deadline  

3 March 2026Type of Position  

Flexible workingRegion  

AfricaCountry/Territory  

United Republic of TanzaniaLocation (City)  

Dar Es SalaamType of Post  

British Deputy High CommissionNumber of vacancies  

1Start Date  

1 May 2026Other benefits and conditions of employment  

Remuneration:

• The Honorary Consul will not be expected to work more than 4 hours per week. This role does not include any overtime or payment in lieu.
• Any reasonable and actual expenses incurred in the course of their duties will be reimbursed in full, e.g. transport around Zanzibar.
• This role attracts an honorarium of £3000 per annum.

Learning and Development:

• The successful candidate will receive a comprehensive L&D package, which will include online and in-person learning; opportunities to shadow the consular section in Dar es Salaam and access to guidance and policies on the provision of consular assistance.
• Any expenses incurred through L&D (transport and accommodation) will be fully funded by the BHC.

Additional information  

Please ensure that your application is authentically written based on your own experiences. If AI tools are used, their usage must only be limited to specific tasks such as ensuring formatting consistency and keyword relevance. The core content, personal narratives, and responses to behaviour and skill-based questions must genuinely reflect your professional journey, experiences, and achievements. We place great importance on originality and individual effort throughout the application process. Any form of plagiarism will result in immediate disqualification.

The British High Commission will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position

Employees recruited locally by the British High Commission in Dae Es Salaam are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Tanzania

All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit

The responsibility lies on the successful candidate to;

1.Obtain the relevant permit

2.Pay the fees for the permit

3.Make arrangements to relocate

4.Meet the costs to relocation

Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount.

Please note: Job grade AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5

Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted on successful candidates

Please log into your profile on the application system on a regular basis to review the status of your application

Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate