View Vacancy - Country Based Entry Clearance Officer, Grade - EO, Multiple Vacancies, New Delhi
Note: All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online application form including the employment and educational details, experience-based segment and the behaviours and technical/ professional skills-based questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the application forms only for all the required details. Forms that are incomplete in any respect will not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.’
Main purpose of job:
The United Kingdom issued over 2.9 million visa applications worldwide before the pandemic. India was one of the biggest markets and the Decision Making Centre at the British High Commission in New Delhi received almost 600,000 applications in 2018.
The British High Commission requires fixed term contract staff to help process the increase in visa demand that is expected now that restrictions have eased. The contract will be for one year but might be extended subject to intake, operational pressure and individual performance.
As a Visa Decision Maker (VDM), you will play an important role in ensuring that the immigration regulations are correctly and fairly applied to all applications for a UK visa so that only those who qualify are able to enter the UK.
VDM’s are expected to analyse information to make decisions which can sometimes be complex to ensure that a modern, efficient and courteous service is delivered within agreed standards.
Please note: The role will involve access to and handling of classified or sensitive commercial information therefore, Applicant must already hold a minimum of the UK’s SC level of clearance or be able to achieve it.
Because of the security clearance requirement mentioned above, only nationals of the following countries are eligible to apply:
UK or other EU country, Canada, Australia, USA, New Zealand.
Roles & Responsibilities (What will the jobholder be expected to achieve?)
Making Effective Decisions
Effectiveness in this area is about using sound judgement, evidence and knowledge to arrive at accurate, expert and professional decisions and advice. For all staff, it is about careful and thoughtful about the use and protection of government and public information to ensure it is handled securely and with care.
Managing A Quality Service
Are organised to deliver service objectives and striving to improve the quality of service, taking account of diverse customer needs and requirements. Plan, organise and manage your time and activities to deliver a high quality and efficient service
Delivering at Pace
Focus on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes. Working to agreed goals and activities and dealing with challenges in a responsive and constructive way
Changing and Improving
Demonstrate interest in others and develop a range of contacts outside own team to help get the job done. Change ways of working to facilitate collaboration for the benefit of the team’s work. Proactively seek information, resources and support from others outside own immediate team in order to help achieve results
Language requirements:
Language: English
Level of language required: Fluent written and spoken
Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):
- In house training and mentoring will be given
- Use of Visa Management databases and tools
- Training in document security, information protection, keeping children safe, all aspects of Entry Clearance decision making, equality and diversity
Working patterns:
-No relocation, housing or any other related costs or assistance will be provided.
-Interviews will be held via telephone or video conference in line with business needs and applicant availability
-This is an opportunity for a portable career and may particularly appeal to you if your spouse or partner works for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, UKVI, Home Office, British Council.
-Part time is possible.
Any other information (or specific local Post requirements):
The role will involve access to and handling of classified or sensitive commercial information therefore, applicants must already hold a minimum of the UK’s SC level of clearance or be able to achieve it.
Due to the security clearance requirement mentioned above, only nationals of the following countries are eligible to apply:
UK or other EU country (including EEA), Canada, Australia, USA, New Zealand.
Other information:
Personal cost to you: Successful candidates will be expected to meet the costs of their:
- Travel to and from their home to place of work.
Essential skills/qualifications:
- Computer literate; able to use the basic desktop functions (e.g. Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Explorer)
- Accurate typing skills of at least 30 words per minute.
- Pass relevant training and subsequent mentoring. The training will likely be held in New Delhi at the British High Commission
Security restrictions
Because of the security clearance requirement only nationals of the following countries are eligible to apply:
UK or other EU country, Canada, Australia, USA, New Zealand.
British citizens must have been resident in the UK for at least two of the previous 5 years. However, applications will be considered from candidates working overseas for HM Government in the past ten years or who already hold adequate security clearance.
The basic pay of INR 75,359 topped up with additional allowances:
- Skill Allowance of INR 129,605
- 18% of the basic in lieu of Provident Fund and Special Allowance/Superannuation Fund
A full breakdown of salary will be provided.
Additionally, the BHC offers a great benefits package that includes annual domiciliary medical cover, plus a Group Hospitalisation Scheme with INR 500,000 floater cover for your immediate family which includes self, spouse/partner and children up to an age of 23years and irrespective of age, only if with, physical or mental disability.
The following amounts may be deduced from your pay each month:
- Notional tax at a flat rate of 20% of gross salary will be deducted by the BHC if you are not liable to pay local tax. This applies to all spouses and partners of UK-based officers posted to India.
- Staff who are not spouses or dependants of UK-based officers are liable to pay local tax. In these circumstances tax is not deducted at source and staff must make their own arrangements to pay tax in accordance with Indian tax regulations.
The BHC is recognised as a good employer, with a robust, fair and transparent performance management & appraisal system linked to increments and staff bonuses. We have a 5-day working week, plus annual leave, public holidays, maternity leave provision, special leave, paid sick leave provision; ample development opportunities, travel opportunities, a good organisational culture, and excellent work/life balance.
Around half of our work forces are women. We treat people with respect and equality and have a policy of zero tolerance for any form of discrimination, bullying, or harassment.
This is a good opportunity to be part of a strong, diverse team, working in the biggest network that FCDO has anywhere across the globe. We are aiming to make it the best.
Important information:
ALL applicants must have permission to work in India by either holding a valid visa, be the recognised partner/family member of a serving diplomat from the countries listed above or hold an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card. THE BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION WILL NOT BE ABLE TO OBTAIN ANY VISAS FOR ANYONE WHO DOES NOT MEET THE CRITERIA ABOVE. Evidence of your nationality and permission to work in India must be sent with your application form, for example, photocopies of the details page of your passport and/or visa.
Employment will be offered only after appropriate level of UK standard security clearance is received, an interview for which will take place in New Delhi. Successful completion of training and mentoring is also essential and as noted above will be held in New Delhi.
Applicants who do not meet the above criterion will not be considered.
Note: All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online application form including the employment and educational details, experience-based segment and the behaviours and technical/ professional skills-based questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the application forms only for all the required details. Forms that are incomplete in any respect will not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.’
Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card holders will need have, or be able to obtain, a valid special work permit issued from Government of India (GOI) to work in the British High Commission (BHC). BHC will not be able to sponsor work visas or obtain/ assist with the special work permit from GOI. Offers of employment made to OCI card holders will be conditional upon candidates obtaining a special work permit.
Note: For requisite special permission to take up employment in any foreign Diplomatic Missions in India, OCI Cardholder must visit https://ociservices.gov.in
Please note – successful applicants will be offered employment on Country Based Staff (CBS) terms and conditions. This is not a permanent UK Civil Service position and does not attract diplomatic immunities and privileges (other than what an individual may already hold if they are a recognised partner/family member of a serving diplomat).
To Apply:
Please note applications without (a), (b) and (c) will not be considered.
A. Complete the Online Application Form
B. Complete the Experience, Behaviour and Technical/ Professional skills-based questions segment in the Online Application Form
C. Complete this duly filled Pre Employment Questionnaire
Internal candidates applying for this position need to inform their current line managers, else the applications will not be considered.
We will accept only online applications by 11th April 2024 (latest by 23:55 hours IST).
Please note that all the applicants will be required to strictly adhere to the security guidelines for British High Commission
Applicants who do not have the required qualification & experience should kindly abstain from applying, as their applications will not be considered.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and no telephone enquires will be dealt with. Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.
The appointment will be subject to Police Verification and other checks including references, medical, educational and professional.
We welcome all applications irrespective of age, race, colour, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief or creed. We are also open to applications from people who want to work flexibly.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
