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.

• 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.

• Communication and influencing skills;
• The ability to engage with British nationals in a professional and empathetic manner;
• Fluency in English.

• Strong and demonstrable links to the UK (e.g. lived, worked or studied in the UK);
• Residency in Zanzibar and good standing in the community;
• British nationality;
• Kiswahili language skills;
• Previous experience in public facing roles.