His Majesty's Governor of Gibraltar
- Job Reference: 00098048-1
- Date Posted: 13 March 2023
- Recruiter: TMP Worldwide
- Location: Gibraltar
- Salary: £95,000 to £100,000
- Bonus/Benefits: Residence provided
- Sector: Government & Defence
- Job Type: Permanent
Job Description
The Governorship of an Overseas Territory can be one of the most challenging and rewarding roles
in public service. The constitutional link between the UK and its Overseas Territories brings with it a
range of rights and responsibilities on both sides. The Governor is at the heart of making this
relationship work; working with the Government of Gibraltar and HMG to represent Gibraltar
interests in Whitehall and to ensure understanding of HMG’s policies in Gibraltar. The role of the
Governor is a high profile and highly political one with the scrutiny that can follow.
The UK, with Gibraltar, is negotiating with the EU on Gibraltar’s future relationship with the EU.
Whilst we expect those negotiations to be complete by the start of this posting, there is also the
chance that we will face a further period without a negotiated outcome. The territory could be going
through a period of change as it adapts to a new relationship.
Gibraltar’s location means security issues remain a strategic priority. Under the Gibraltar
Constitution, the Governor (and ultimately the UK) holds competence over defence and internal
security issues, so you will lead on assessing and mitigating potential threats to Gibraltar and UK
interests, working closely with MOD, Commander British Forces (CBF) Gibraltar and the Government
of Gibraltar. You will chair, jointly with the Gibraltar Chief Minister, the Gibraltar Contingency
Council, leading on the defence and security aspects of Gibraltar’s resilience. As Commander-in-
Chief of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment, you will work closely with CBF, supporting his objectives to
ensure a modern agile military presence in Gibraltar.
An effective Governor will lead with authority and be able to show a genuine interest in the people,
economy and society of Gibraltar, working with community leaders to promote a diverse and
inclusive society. The Governor is patron of a number of Gibraltar charities.
You will lead a small team to deliver quality outcomes. Working in collaboration with Europe Group
in FCDO and across Whitehall, you and your team will provide policy advice and guidance in support
of UK objectives for Gibraltar. You will continue the progress made to modernise corporate
practices within the Convent (The Governor’s Office) and play a full part in the corporate leadership
of the Europe Network.
Key Responsibilities
• To represent HM the King in Gibraltar.
• To act in accordance with, and uphold, the Constitution of Gibraltar.
• To exercise executive responsibilities, in accordance with UK Government policy towards
Gibraltar, including external relations, defence, internal security and certain functions in
relation to the appointment to public offices in Gibraltar.
• To work collaboratively with the Chief Minister and Government of Gibraltar, and support
UK Government policy and activity.
• To act as Commander in Chief of the British Forces in Gibraltar. The Chief of the Defence
Staff will ensure any appointee, civilian or military, is fully supported and briefed to
discharge these duties.
• To play a visible role in supporting community relations and maintain a high public profile.
• To lead a diverse team of UK based and local staff, ensuring a one team approach, with a
commitment to excellence and continued improvement.
If this sounds like an environment you’d like to work in, we’d love to hear from you.