Vacancy: British Honorary Consul – Zanzibar

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Job Information

Job Category: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Residence and Support Staff)
Job Subcategory: Consular
Type of Position: Flexible Working
Region: Africa
Country: United Republic of Tanzania
Location: Zanzibar (reporting to Dar es Salaam)
Type of Post: British Deputy High Commission
Number of Vacancies: 1
Start Date: 1 May 2026
Application Deadline: 3 March 2026

What is an Honorary Consul?

Honorary Consuls are paid volunteers who extend the reach of a UK Embassy or High Commission, particularly in regions where the UK does not have a permanent physical presence. They are not employees of His Majesty’s Government or the FCDO, but they carry out work on behalf of and under the direction of the British High Commission (BHC).

The primary role is the delivery of consular assistance to British nationals, alongside supporting the UK’s broader diplomatic and representational interests.

Main Purpose of the Role

This role represents an exciting opportunity to support the UK’s presence in Zanzibar, a region of high strategic importance due to significant British tourism and growing business and development interests.

The Honorary Consul will primarily support British nationals requiring consular assistance and work under the direction of the Consular Section at the British High Commission in Dar es Salaam. Full guidance, training, and learning opportunities will be provided.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Support the provision of consular assistance to British nationals in Zanzibar.
Work closely with the British High Commission when assistance requests arise.
Collaborate with UK Consular staff, including contacting or visiting British nationals in hospital or prison (training provided).
Signpost British nationals to official consular services via gov.uk (note: visa and passport services are not handled locally).
Build and maintain a network of local contacts (e.g. police, hospitals, prisons, emergency services, immigration authorities, tourism operators).
Assist in keeping GOV.UK information up to date through research and maintenance of local service provider lists.
Support crisis response efforts, including providing on-the-ground intelligence and practical assistance when required.
Undertake ad-hoc representational duties on behalf of the British High Commissioner, such as attending official events.

Appointment Terms

Honorary Consuls are recognised as consular officers under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and will be accredited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Appointment is subject to security vetting, including UK and Tanzanian criminal record checks.
All actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest must be declared at application stage.
Initial appointment is probationary for 12 months, with possible extension to a rolling five-year term by mutual agreement.
Reporting line: Vice Consul (Honorary Consul relationship manager).
Flexible working arrangements; no office space provided, but an official FCDO email account will be issued.

Essential Qualifications, Skills & Experience

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

Desirable Qualifications, Skills & Experience

British nationality.
Kiswahili language skills.
Experience in public-facing roles.

Required Behaviour

Working Together

Remuneration & Benefits

Remuneration

Commitment: Up to 4 hours per week
Honorarium: £3,000 per annum
No overtime or time off in lieu
All reasonable and actual work-related expenses reimbursed (e.g. local transport)

Learning & Development

Comprehensive learning package including online and in-person training
Opportunity to shadow the Consular Section in Dar es Salaam
All L&D-related expenses fully funded by the British High Commission

Additional Information

Applications must be authentically written and based on personal experience.
Use of AI tools is permitted only for formatting or keyword relevance.
Plagiarism or misrepresentation will result in immediate disqualification.
The British High Commission will never request payment or fees to apply.
Candidates must be legally able to work and reside in Tanzania or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit.
Responsibility for permits, fees, relocation, and related costs lies with the successful candidate.
Reference checks and security clearance will be conducted prior to appointment.
Unsuccessful but appointable candidates may be placed on a 12-month reserve list.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted only through the official tal.net recruitment platform. Applications submitted through third-party websites will not be received.

Application Deadline: 3 March 2026

CLICK/TAP HERE TO APPLY:

To apply for this job please visit fco.tal.net.

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