Working for British Consulate General Shanghai
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-07)


General information

Welcome to our careers section where you can find out more about working with us at the British Consulate-General Shanghai.

We offer a range of interesting and rewarding roles at different levels at the British Consulate-General Shanghai. Jobs include helping distressed British nationals; political and economic analysis; media activities; tackling climate change; promoting UK-China trade and much more.

There are lots of opportunities for professional development and the chance to work with talented colleagues from the UK and China. As part of the team, you will play an important role in strengthening the partnership between the UK and China.

The British Consulate-General Shanghai is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce, and valuing difference.

We offer a competitive remuneration package including a supplementary commercial insurance package, generous annual leave, and flexible working arrangements.

Eligibility and selection process

Our job opportunities are open to Chinese nationals, British nationals and spouses or partners of diplomats in China who hold a valid ‘W’ visa. Some positions are open to British Nationals only due to security reasons.

Selection is based on the competencies and skills demonstrated by applicants in the application form and the interview. The specific requirements for competencies and skills needed for each role can be found in each job description.

We recommend all applicants understand the Civil Service Competence Framework before applying for any role and in preparation for interviews.
- Core competencies for SMS1(L) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7edb1940f0b6230268bf7e/SMS1_L_.docx) (MS Word Document, 44.7 KB)
- Core competencies for D7(L) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a75ad1640f0b67f59fcebd4/D7_L_.docx) (MS Word Document, 45.6 KB)
- Core competencies for D6(L) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7efdc040f0b6230268cd01/D6_L_.docx) (MS Word Document, 45.1 KB)
- Core competencies for C5(L) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a756e4a40f0b6397f35e5ec/C5_L_.docx) (MS Word Document, 44.8 KB)
- Core competencies for C4(L) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7dd6e7ed915d2ac884ddcc/C4_L_.docx) (MS Word Document, 43.8 KB)
- Core competencies for B3(L) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7d52d5e5274a2af0ae2ea7/B3_L_.docx) (MS Word Document, 43 KB)
- Core competencies for A2(L) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7efe6de5274a2e87db32e8/A2_L_.docx) (MS Word Document, 42.7 KB)
- Core competencies for A1(L) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7e0fa640f0b62302688ea5/A1_L_.docx) (MS Word Document, 42.9 KB)
- Core competencies for Band S (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7d90f1e5274a6b89a50d37/S_Band_Competences.docx) (MS Word Document, 41.4 KB)
- International Competences (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a75b756ed915d506ee80f4a/International_Competences.docx) (MS Word Document, 45.6 KB)
All candidates are required to register on Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Local Staff Vacancies Homepage (https://fco.tal.net/candidate) and complete an online application form on the system.

Due to the large volume of applications, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Short-listed candidates will be invited to an interview, a written test or presentation may be required at this stage. Details will be provided at the time of short-listing via phone or email. All interviews are conducted in English by a panel, usually made up of three members of staff.

All interviewed candidates will be contacted through the system whether or not they have been successful. More detailed feedback can be obtained from our HR team upon request.

All British applicants must be eligible to obtain a Chinese working visa (‘Z’ visa) after receiving the job offer. We can support this process by providing the necessary documents. Failure to obtain the correct visa will lead to withdrawal of the job offer.

Current work opportunities

If you are interested in a job opportunity at the British Consulate-General in Shanghai or one of the other UK delegations, DIT offices, other government departments or consulates in China, please visit the FCDO Local Staff vacancies website (https://fco.tal.net/vx/lang-en-GB/mobile-0/appcentre-1/brand-2/xf-7810a1ba3247/candidate).

To filter the search for current vacancies, use the “Country/Territory” field on the left of the page and select the country you wish to search.

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, 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.

Staff recruited locally are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law.

Job opportunities for our partner agencies

If you are interested in the career opportunities in our partner UK agencies, please visit their websites as below.

British Council China (http://www.britishcouncil.org/china-aboutus-jobvacancy.htm)

CBBC (http://www.cbbc.org/who_we_are/about_us/jobs)

VisitBritain (https://www.visitbritain.org/vacancies-page)

Our benefits

Working for the FCDO is challenging and rewarding. You can expect a supportive and stimulating work environment with many opportunities for learning and development. Some roles even have the chance for international travel!

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a complete package with a wide range of benefits:

Flexible working

We encourage our staff to have a good work-life balance. We recognise the importance of supporting staff as far as possible to match their working life with domestic arrangements to the benefit of our employees and the organisation.

Pay

We review pay arrangements on a regular basis in line with local law and within budgets allocated by parent Directorates. In addition to a monthly salary, this can include:

annual performance related bonuses to reward high performance. Bonuses are determined by individual performance and grade at the time of annual appraisals.

overtime or TOIL is given to staff who have to work outside of their working hours during busy periods.

Leave

All newly recruited staff receive 22 days’ annual leave per calendar year. Staff can be granted special paid leave in exceptional circumstances when they have to take time off for compassionate reasons.

Learning and Development

All local staff have a learning and development plan and everyone is encouraged to develop professionally during their time with us, whether that is for six months or ten years. There are a wide range of e-Learning courses available and the Regional Training Centre also delivers courses relevant to staff needs. .

Insurance Package

We offer a competitive package including social insurance and housing funds for eligible staff members, supplementary medical insurance, accidental insurance, life insurance and serious illness insurance for all long term staff. We also offer a free annual health check to staff.

Free Employee Assistance Programme is a 24/7 counselling service providing confidential advice on matters such as work, family and financial problems.

‘We Care’ scheme

On a regular basis our staff and their family members are invited to attend various social activities, such as Family Day, Christmas Party for kids, sports activities. We care about our staff and their lives outside of work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please find below some answers to common questions about getting a job and working with us.

What qualifications do I need to work for the British Embassy or Consulate?

A good command of English and strong communication skills are essential for all roles. Each job demands a different set of competencies, and job descriptions provide further details.

What kind of contract will I receive if I am offered a job?

All locally engaged staff receive a Letter of Appointment from the British Embassy or Consulate. Locally engaged Chinese staff are also required to sign a labour contract with their local Diplomatic Service Bureau.

What are the visa requirements for British Nationals working for the British Embassy or Consulate?

As a British National, you are eligible to apply to all jobs unless the application process states otherwise. However, you must be able to obtain a valid working visa before you start your role. The HR Office are able provide you with the necessary documentation for your visa application. It is your own responsibility to obtain the correct working visa to work for us.

What are the benefits of working for the British Embassy or Consulate?

Our total reward package includes a wide range of benefits. For more details, you can visit Our benefits section.

How can I find out whether my application has been successful?

When you submit your job application, you will receive an automatic reply to acknowledge receipt of your application. We only contact short-listed candidates for interview. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the deadline, you have not been selected for interview. However, we encourage you to apply for other roles for which you are eligible.

Life at work

Some of our local staff, from both the UK and China, share their experiences of working for the Embassy and Consulates across China.

Jane, Climate Change Team:

There’s a reason why staff end up working at the Embassy for a long period of time. The Embassy is a friendly and interesting place to work, where you have the opportunity to get involved in making an impact on the most pressing global issues. Both Chinese and British staff working here are intelligent and passionate about what they do and want to be working here.

I am the Programme Manager for the prosperity programme, which is a £5 million programme covering climate change, energy and sustainable economic growth projects. Over the last two and a half years, I have had the opportunity to work with senior policy makers in the UK, Chinese national and local government and a range of interesting and influential research institutes and think tanks on projects which support China to develop and reform policy. There are not many jobs that would give you this opportunity and there is never a day where I am bored or disinterested in what I am doing!

Ben, Political Section:

I have been working for the British Embassy for more than 11 years. Some friends and colleagues ask me why. One of the main reasons is that the job enables me to have a good work-life balance. I have a young daughter and, as well as having an interesting job, I get to spend time with her. The Embassy really understands family needs, which is really important for me.

My job isn’t just about interpreting or translating – a common misconception other people have about working here. In recent years, the Embassy has created much more specialised jobs for local staff. I am happy to use my legal knowledge and project management skills in my work and the Embassy is also keen to help you to develop.

The British Embassy is a place where you can be yourself. I am lucky enough to have built up some friendships with my previous managers and I am still in contact with them even though they no longer live in Beijing.

Emily, Communications Team:

I joined the British Consulate-General in Chongqing when it first opened in 2000. Since the beginning, I have seen it as a fantastic opportunity to work in an international organisation.

My first role was Personal Assistant to the Consul-General. But, with only seven staff, I also acted as the translator, receptionist, back-up accountant and system administrator! As the office expanded, my responsibilities changed to become a full-time Communications Officer. In 2004, I was promoted to Senior Press and Public Affairs Officer, leading on UK public diplomacy in South West China.

I consider myself lucky to have had a diverse role allowing me to get involved in a range of work, such as project management, arranging senior visits, climate change issues, commercial diplomacy and political reporting…the list goes on! Training and job-shadowing opportunities have been plentiful. And I’ve met lots of interesting people, like David Cameron before he became the Prime Minister.

To be successful here my advice is be proactive. Always think ahead and go one step further. When I go to work every day, I tell myself “today I am going to learn something new!”

Angela, DIT:

During my three years working for the Embassy, I have been promoted twice, and now I am a Senior Trade Officer. My different roles have given me the opportunity to cooperate with UK businesses, local government and companies. I have been lucky enough to work on visits with some well known entrepreneurs. My work gives me the chance to get really involved in building a strong relationship between Britain and China.

I like working here because all of my efforts and hard work are acknowledged by my employer. I have always been encouraged to do my job better and to apply for higher positions when there are openings. I have had lots of opportunities for learning and development. My roles have also given me the chance to travel across China and to the UK. I really enjoy working with colleagues from around the Network and across the globe.