View Vacancy - Entry Clearance Officer (11/18 ABJ)

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 identity, 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.
Other British Government Departments (Partners across Government, including UK Visas)
UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration)

Main purpose of job:


The British High Commission is looking for regional Visa Officer to be based in either in Pretoria, Lagos or Abuja. The successful candidates will undertake a variety of tasks to support visa operations and will be expected to be able to travel within the Africa region. This position is initially on a 12 month fixed term zero hours contract from September 2018. There may be an option to extend or apply for a full time role depending on performance and demand. The successful candidate(s) will work as required to meet operational demand. The position presents an ideal introduction to UK visa work with the added incentives of regional travel and flexible working to suit life styles.     

Roles and responsibilities

  • Assessing visa applications in a fair, objective and courteous manner.
  • Making quick and pragmatic decisions to issue and refuse visas in accordance with the Immigration Rules, and within agreed time-scales.
  • Dealing with correspondence and other enquiries from applicants, sponsors and members of the public. Preparing well-presented and accurate replies, written in plain English, within target times.
  • Preparing written statements and paperwork related to the appeals process, and making sure that they are also well presented and accurate.

    • We are looking for a candidate who meets the criteria listed below with good oral and written communication skills. In particular, the successful candidate should be able to work quickly and accurately, often under pressure, have a positive approach to tackling problems and a willingness to take on new tasks.
    • Previous experience of working within a visa section is strongly preferred, and good keyboard skills and familiarity with computers and software packages (notably MS Word, Excel and straightforward databases) are essential for the role.
    • Good communication with excellent spoken and written English.
    • Computer literacy with accurate typing skills of at least 25 words per minute.
    • The ability to remain customer focused, polite and courteous under pressure.
    • The ability to work quickly and reliably with little supervision to meet challenging targets.
    • The capability of making quick decisions, in accordance with set rules and the ability to show that these decisions are fair and just.
    • Ability to work well under pressure.
    • Excellent team players - this is an all for one, and one for all environment.
    • Flexibility and a positive attitude to working in a forward thinking, modern and motivated department, which is working at the forefront of visa work. We are committed to improving standards and procedures - and we are looking for like-minded employees.
    • To effectively represent the Visa Section, the British High Commission, and the UK Government as a whole.

    Language requirements:

    Language: English

    Level of language required: Fluent 


    • Previous experience as an Entry Clearance Officer.
    • Familiarity with software packages (notably MS Word, Excel and straightforward databases) 
    3 August 2018
    Executive Officer (EO)
    Fixed Term
    12 months
    Africa
    Nigeria
    Abuja
    British High Commission
    N610,536
    1 October 2018

    This position will be based either in Pretoria/Lagos/Abuja

    All applicants should hold a UK passport and citizenship and have an accountable work and/or personal record for the past 5 years. All candidates should be aware that this appointment is subject to security checks and clearance prior to appointment

    • The candidate must  provide evidence that they have permission to work for the British High Commission in the country in which he/she will be based, i.e. that they are a Nigerian or South African passport holder; or hold a work permit that allows them to work for a diplomatic mission in Nigeria or South Africa). Any applicant who does not provide evidence of this will be sifted out at the first stage.
    • Please complete the application form in full as the information provided is used during screening. Please check your application carefully before you submit, as no changes can be made once submitted.
    • The British High Commission will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position.
    • Employees recruited locally by the British High Commission in Abuja are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Nigeria.
    • All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit.
    • The responsibility lies on the successful candidate to;

    Obtain the relevant permit

    Pay fees for the permit

    Make arrangements to relocate

    Meet the costs to relocation

    • The British High Commission does not sponsor visas/work permits except where it may be local practice to do so.
    • Employees who are not eligible to pay local income tax: e.g. certain third-country nationals and spouses/partners of UK diplomats will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.
    • Information about the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Competency Framework can be found on this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-competency-framework Please note: AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5
    • Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted on successful candidates.
    • Please log into your profile on the application system on a regular basis to review the status of your application.
    Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

    This opportunity is closed to applications.