View Vacancy - Visa Decision Makers - New Delhi

Main purpose of the job:

The United Kingdom issued over 2.9 million visa applications worldwide last year. 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 temporary short term relief staff to help process the increase in visa demand during the peak season, which typically starts in February and lasts for 5 months.

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 and responsibilities:

Making Effective Decisions

See the big picture is about having an in-depth understanding and knowledge of how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives and the wider public needs. Showing clarity of thought, setting priorities, analysing and using evidence to evaluate options before arriving at well-reasoned justifiable decisions.

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.

Collaborating and Partnering

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.

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 10 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.

Important information:

ALL applicants must have permission to work in India by obtaining the relevant work visa.  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.  Work permits will need to be obtained prior to arrival direct from the Indian High Commission in UK, however, HR department will assist with this.

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.  You will therefore need to be present in India to begin this process.  Successful completion of a three week assessed training course is also essential and as noted above will be held in New Delhi. The onus to apply for a Work Permit is with the applicant, you can re-claim one time visa cost after visa is issued, and after you start work.

Please state on your application form whether you are applying for a permanent/Fixed term or Temporary contract.  If you are applying for a Temporary contract, please also state your availability.

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:

If the job is suitable for flexible working patterns and part time, please provide details: -

• 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 Office, UKVI, British Council, or DFID.
• Part time.

Language requirements:

Language: English

Level of language required: Fluent written and spoken

Other skills / experience / qualifications:  

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 a comprehensive 2 week ECO training course on receipt of security clearance. The course will likely be held in New Delhi at the British Embassy.