View Vacancy - Entry Clearance Officer (38/19 PTA) -FC
Main purpose of job:
To consider and assess visa applications from persons subject to UK Immigration Control in line with UK Immigration Rules and policy, thus helping to ensure that the UK is kept safe and secure. Providing value for money to visa applicants by endeavouring to make the right decision on each visa application first time every time and ensuring visa applications are processed within agreed timescales. Act in accordance with the Code of Conduct and Home Office Values at all times.
Roles and responsibilities :
- Assessing the full range of visa applications and interviewing applicants 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.
- Acting on feedback from management to improve decision quality with a view to making the right decision on every visa application first time every time.
- If identified ways of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the assessment process, letting the management team know.
- Acting with integrity and in accordance with the local code of conduct and Home Office Values. Reporting any incidents that cause you to have integrity concerns.
- If selected, take on any extra roles and responsibilities to support the management team in ensuring the efficient and effective running of the visa section.
- Good communication with excellent spoken and written English.
- Computer literacy with accurate typing skills of at least 25 words per minute.
- 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.
Language requirements:
Language: English
Level of language required: Fluent
Previous experience and/or knowledge of the UK's immigration legislation and operations is desirable but not essential. Full training, possibly in the UK and Pretoria,will be provided.
It is extremely important that the successful candidate is adaptable and shows a willingness to undertake a variety of tasks in a busy environment. There may be the need to work flexible hours.
A positive attitude is essential as is the ability to work as part of a team.
Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):
You will be required to attend a training course possibly in the UK, if successful in securing this role.
If you do not attend the course your position will be curtailed.
- The British High Commission pays in full for the Key Care Plus option on Discovery Health for staff including spouses/partners and dependants.
- Once you have successfully completed your probation the British High Commission will contribute 9% of your monthly salary to a Provident Fund.
- Annual leave entitlement of 25 days
- Working hours per week of 36.5
Security Clearance Level required: LE Confidential.
Employment will be subject to obtaining the appropriate security clearance. Please note that only nationals of UK, EU countries, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand are likely to meet this requirement.
The international arm of UK Visas and Immigration is an integral part of the Home Office working to help deliver the department’s three objectives of:
- Protecting our border and our national interests.
- Tackling border tax fraud, smuggling and immigration crime.
- Implementing fast and fair decisions.
Following the introduction of a visa regime for South African passport holders in July 2009 Pretoria has become one of UKVI’s largest visa issuing posts.
The operation has since expanded to include decision-making for Southern, East and Central Africa and now dealing with in excess of 160,000 visa applications per year.
We are committed to providing a first class service. Staff are expected to be flexible and make fair and defensible decisions on visa applications quickly, balancing the need for a high level of customer service with the requirement to maintain the integrity of the immigration control. We are at the forefront of innovation, always prepared to react positively to change and try new ways of working.
All applicants must be legally resident in South Africa and eligible to apply for UK security clearance.
Reference checking, police/security and medical clearances will be conducted.
All applicants must be legally resident in South Africa and eligible to apply for UK security clearance.
If you have not heard from us within 3 weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
- 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 Pretoria are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in South Africa.
- 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 do 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.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
