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Photo by Rod Strachan

Terms of appointment

Working conditions

  • This role is mainly office based in Stanley, Falkland Islands, however there is a requirement to undertake physical activities connected with travel to South Georgia. This can include hiking/walking in adverse weather, travel on foot to remote locations, carrying heavy loads/personal survival equipment, undertaking shore landings from small craft, climbing up and down pilot ladders at sea in heavy swell and winds, and spending significant periods (<5 days) at sea in rough conditions.
  • Submission to regular medical and dental screening by the British Antarctic Survey Medical Unit is a requirement of the role.
  • Complex deliberations and discussions may be held in different time zones and carried out over several hours.
  • This post is required to attend civic or representational events which may be held in the evening, during weekends or on public holidays.
  • There is an expectation of international travel, sometimes at short notice and using non-standard transport such as the South Atlantic Airbridge and Fisheries Patrol Vessel which may be subject to disruption and delays.

Remuneration, benefits and terms of service

Contract Type: 3 years fixed-term, renewable. Open to UK nationals only.
Salary: £81,000 per annum + 25% (taxable) annual gratuity in lieu of pension/superannuation
Grade:  SCS1 (benchmarked – not a civil service post)
Hours:  36.25 hours per week
Reports to:  His Excellency the Commissioner, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
Probationary Period: 6 months
Centre of Duty: It is a requirement of the post that the incumbent resides in the Falkland Islands for the duration of their employment

Housing: For international applicants arriving in the Falkland Islands, furnished housing will be provided appropriate to the size of the household, which will be treated as a taxable benefit-in-kind. The postholder is responsible for the payment of utilities, fuel, telephone and internet. The Falkland Islands is a separate jurisdiction to the UK for tax purposes, and income will be subject to Falkland Islands taxes.

Dependents: The postholder may be accompanied by a spouse/partner and any dependent children. Children resident in the Falkland Islands are entitled to state education up to the age of 16 years (Year 11) which is the upper age limit for compulsory education. Provision for children with Special Education Needs is not available for staff recruited overseas, and any children accompanying the successful candidate may be required to undergo an educational needs assessment prior to arrival. There is no state provision on-island for post-16 education and there are no private schools. Overseas education allowances or other provision for off-island education settings is not available, including for those that attain the age of 16 years during the contract term.

Medical. Healthcare facilities on South Georgia are extremely limited. The postholder will be required to complete and pass a medical screening process with the British Antarctic Survey Medical Unit (BASMU) prior to taking up the role, which will include disclosure of prior medical history. Any job offer will be conditional upon a successful outcome of this screening process. Healthcare facilities on the Falkland Islands are also very limited, and consist of a single hospital in the capital city of Stanley. There is no capacity to treat or support chronic or complex physical or mental health conditions, and there are no private healthcare facilities. Therefore, any dependents accompanying the postholder will be required to participate in and successfully pass a medical screening process prior to arrival.

Travel: A flight from the United Kingdom to the Falkland Islands for the postholder, spouse and any dependent children will be provided at the start of the contract, and a return flight will be provided at the conclusion of the contract. In addition, a return flight to the UK to renew cultural and family ties will be provided after each calendar year of service.

Inclusion: As an employee of GSGSSI you have a responsibility to act in way that is inclusive.  Whilst equalities legislation in the UK is not extended to the Falkland Islands or South Georgia, there is an expectation that all employees will set an example of non-discriminatory behaviour and work practices.

Health and Safety: All employees of GSGSSI are required to take reasonable care to promote a healthy working environment and safe working practices.

Photo by Tom Hubbard