2 Jobs At British High Commission - Kenya

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1. Driver S1, British Defence Staff East Africa

2. Vice Consul EO

Driver S1 – British Defence Staff East Africa

About the Role

The Driver will provide reliable and professional transportation services to the Defence Section, British Defence Staff, and authorised visitors. The role may also involve supporting the British High Commission (BHC) when required, with journeys taking place to assigned destinations across Kenya.

All driving must be conducted safely, professionally, efficiently, and courteously while complying with applicable road traffic laws, Ministry of Defence Transport Policy, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Transport Policy, British High Commission Transport Policy, and post security requirements. Where different requirements apply, the strictest standard must be followed.

This position offers an opportunity to work within one of Nairobi’s major diplomatic missions and provide wider logistical assistance to the Defence Section. Applicants must have a clean Category C1 driving licence and at least five years of driving experience. A strong understanding of Nairobi, its surrounding areas, and other parts of Kenya is also required.

The successful candidate should be highly organised, adaptable, and capable of managing changing schedules at short notice. They should be able to plan journeys effectively, select appropriate routes, use initiative, and maintain a high standard of confidentiality and professionalism when dealing with passengers and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Work as part of a two-driver team providing transportation support to the Defence Section and British Defence Staff.

• Keep Defence Section vehicles clean, well maintained, and professionally presented.

• Carry out scheduled vehicle inspections and routine maintenance checks.

• Confirm that vehicles are roadworthy before each journey, including checking tyres, fuel, oil, lubricants, spare tyres, jacks, and required safety equipment.

• Report vehicle faults, accidents, and other incidents promptly through the required procedures and systems.

• Operate both armoured and non-armoured Defence Section vehicles as assigned.

• Collect and transport authorised passengers to and from airports, meetings, official functions, and other engagements.

• Complete all required journey and vehicle documentation accurately, including Expressway credit management records.

• Work according to an agreed shift schedule, including on-call duties and occasional weekend work.

• Undertake occasional multi-day journeys where required, subject to Ministry of Defence driving-hour requirements.

• Ensure passenger safety by checking that seat belts are used and providing appropriate safety and security briefings when travelling in armoured vehicles.

• Prepare written journey plans for long-distance trips.

• Maintain familiarity with issued tracking equipment, radios, and satellite telephones where applicable.

• Maintain communication with the Defence Section and/or British High Commission using provided communication equipment when instructed.

• Ensure vehicle dashboard cameras are used correctly.

• Protect confidential information and exercise discretion concerning passengers, destinations, journeys, and official matters.

• Carry out additional duties agreed with the Defence Section, including covering for colleagues during authorised absences.

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Effective written and spoken English communication skills.

• A valid Police Clearance Certificate issued by Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

• A clean, valid driving licence with the appropriate entitlement for Category C vehicles.

• Strong knowledge of Nairobi’s road network, government office locations, and major routes to other parts of Kenya.

• Minimum KCSE or an equivalent secondary school qualification.

• At least five years of experience working as a driver in a government institution, NGO, corporate organisation, or office environment.

Desirable Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Experience operating civilian armoured vehicles (CAVs).

• Knowledge of the Kenyan military and Ministry of Defence.

• Previous experience with UK Government organisations such as British Peace Support Team (Africa) (BPST(A)), British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK), or the British High Commission (BHC) Nairobi.

• At least two years of experience working within or supporting a diplomatic mission, international organisation, or NGO.

• Experience working with UK Five Eyes partners.

• Good computer and IT skills.

• A recognised First Aid qualification.

Required Behaviours

• Changing and Improving

• Making Effective Decisions

• Managing a Quality Service

• Working Together

Vice Consul EO – British High Commission

About the Role

The Vice Consul will provide and manage consular services and assistance to British nationals in Kenya in accordance with the relevant UK government guidance, including Support for British Nationals Abroad and the Consular Charter.

The position involves managing both routine and complex cases, often with limited direct supervision. Responsibilities include providing assistance to British nationals, issuing travel documents, visiting detained British nationals, and supporting people facing difficult or vulnerable circumstances.

Based at the British High Commission in Nairobi, the role will work closely with the other Vice Consul responsible for Kenya. The post will have particular responsibility for Mombasa and other coastal areas while also supporting consular service delivery elsewhere in Kenya.

The successful candidate will provide cover for colleagues during periods of leave, work with the wider Horn of Africa and Indian Ocean Consular Network, and provide advice or remote assistance to neighbouring countries when necessary. There may also be opportunities to provide short-term in-person support elsewhere within the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) Regional Consular Network.

The role will also lead selected prevention initiatives designed to reduce risks faced by British nationals living in or visiting Kenya. This may involve preparing online guidance, organising events and workshops, engaging stakeholders, and working with relevant authorities. The post will additionally contribute to crisis preparedness and response and may serve as deputy consular manager during a crisis.

Key Responsibilities

Consular Assistance

• Take the lead on complex and high-profile cases involving vulnerable British nationals.

• Support families dealing with bereavement and provide welfare assistance to British nationals who are destitute.

• Assist victims of crime, including rape and sexual assault, as well as British nationals who have been hospitalised.

• Visit British nationals held in prisons and respond to a range of other consular concerns.

• Attend mortuaries and other challenging environments when required.

• Manage cases that may attract media or parliamentary attention.

• Provide guidance and support to consular colleagues across the Horn of Africa and Indian Ocean region on complex assistance cases.

Prevention

• Lead prevention programmes addressing significant risks and issues affecting British nationals.

• Organise workshops, events, and other engagement activities covering areas such as complex death cases, mental health, addiction and recovery, tourism safety, victims of crime including rape and sexual assault, and homelessness or destitution.

• Identify relevant stakeholders and engage national and local government authorities on important consular matters.

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external partners through regular engagement.

• Research and prepare online guidance for UK government websites, including bereavement and prisoner information.

Crisis Management

• Be prepared to travel at short notice or work outside normal hours during crises or complex cases.

• Provide regional resilience support when required.

• Contribute to crisis preparedness and response activities at post.

• Assist with the Consular Management Plan (CMP) and planning for the consular elements of crisis response.

• Act as deputy consular manager during a crisis.

Consular Services

• Manage consular services, including the issuance of Emergency Travel Documents to eligible British nationals.

• Occasionally organise and officiate at citizenship ceremonies for new British citizens.

People, Operations and Information Management

• Meet agreed consular business targets and ensure cases are updated promptly within the relevant management system.

• Deliver services in accordance with established Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

• Promote compliance with applicable processes and requirements.

• Analyse statistics, prepare reports, and identify relevant trends.

Corporate Responsibilities

• Contribute to the wider corporate activities and responsibilities of the British High Commission.

• Take on appropriate corporate roles and responsibilities as agreed after settling into the position and mission.

The nature of consular work means the role will involve difficult conversations with distressed individuals and visits to challenging locations, including prisons and hospitals. The successful candidate must therefore demonstrate professionalism, emotional intelligence, and personal resilience.

Regular travel to Mombasa and surrounding areas will be required to establish and maintain consular relationships. The position may also involve several weeks of travel each year within the wider SSA region and occasional travel to the UK.

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Excellent overall communication skills, including the ability to manage customer expectations and communicate difficult messages appropriately.

• Ability to remain composed and professional when working under pressure or dealing with distressing and emotionally difficult situations.

• Strong research skills and the ability to follow established guidance and procedures.

• Ability to organise, prioritise, and plan work effectively.

• Experience working in a customer-facing role.

• Essential experience working with vulnerable people.

Desirable Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Previous experience in consular services, crisis management, or a related field.

• Experience working for an international organisation.

• Experience working with Kenyan government authorities and support organisations.

• Experience managing projects and organising or delivering events and workshops.

Required Behaviours

• Communicating and Influencing

• Delivering at Pace

• Making Effective Decisions

• Managing a Quality Service

• Working Together

Application

• Driver S1, British Defence Staff East Africa

• Vice Consul EO