View Vacancy - Entry Clearance Officer (20/20 PTA)

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:

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 the applicant to have integrity concerns.
  • If selected take on any extra roles and responsibilities to support Entry Clearance Managers 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, both 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.

2 April 2020
Executive Officer (EO)
Permanent
36.5
Africa
South Africa
Pretoria
British High Commission
R23,330.62 basic salary plus R4,024.77 responsibility allowance
4 May 2020

Learning and development opportunities:

You will be required to attend a training course at the British High Commission if successful in securing this role. If you do not pass the course your employment will be curtailed.

Security Clearance Level required: LE Confidential. 


Employment will be subject to obtaining the appropriate security clearance. Please note that only nationals of UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand  who have resided within these countries within the last five years 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 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.