The British High Commission Abuja - LE Entry Clearance Officer

The British High Commission Abuja has the following vacancies in its Visa Section:
Position: LE Entry Clearance Officer
Job Summary
The British High Commission is looking for a number of full time Entry Clearance Officers to work within the Visa Section.
The positions are for an initial one (1) year contract and may be subject to renewal. The successful candidates will undertake a variety of tasks to support visa operations. The main duties will include:
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.
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.

For this reason the successful candidates must be British passport holders who are able to obtain UK Security Clearance or other nationals who have recently lived at least five consecutive years in the UK and may be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance.

Any appointment is subject to the candidate successfully obtaining security clearance.

The successful candidates will undertake a variety of tasks to support visa operations. The main duties will include:
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.

Qualities Needed
We are looking for British passport holders or other nationals who have recently lived at least five consecutive years in the UK and may be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance with good oral and written communication skills. In particular, the successful candidates 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. The most important qualities required are:

· 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.

Previous experience of working within a visa section or other office environment is preferable and good keyboard skills and familiarity with computers and software packages (notably MS Word, Excel and straightforward databases) is essential for the role.

This is a full time position from 8am – 4pm, Monday to Thursday and 8am – 1pm on Friday. Flexible working hours may be available. The monthly starting salary is N329,656. In addition to your salary you will be entitled to a personal salary protection allowance of N65,931 Successful candidates who are not liable to pay Nigerian tax will be subject to a 10 % notional tax deduction on the basic salary. The salary will be paid in Naira.

Application Process


Selection process for these positions is ‘competency-based’. Applicants will be required to complete an application form outlining how they meet the required competences (as listed below). Those who advance in the selection process will be interviewed based on these competences and may be required to complete a written exercise.



Develop and Maintain Good Working Relationships

Builds co-operative relationships and encourages participation. Is approachable to others and provides support to colleagues when needed.



Leading on Equality and Diversity

Actively recognises, takes account of and includes equality and diversity of individuals and groups, styles and perspectives



Customer Focused

Understands and focuses on customer needs and demonstrates a systematic and innovative approach to improving the quality of service offered. Understands and takes responsibilities to meet all targets.



Review and Recognise Performance

Puts in place plans to assess progress against objectives and works steadily to ensure own work keeps on schedule.



Write Effectively

Write in a clear, accurate and structured way, using plain English. Produce written information which sets out key issues, options and actions in a clear and structured manner.



Use ICT (change summary and indicators)

Uses appropriate methods to communicate and influence others. Understands the need to present information clearly and use appropriate style according to audience



All those interested in applying must complete the LE ECO core competency based Application Form – giving examples of how you think you meet the competences. You should also enclose a passport sized photograph and a copy of your passport bio-data page.








The British High Commission is an equal opportunity employer. Applications are welcomed from all suitably qualified individuals irrespective of race, gender or disability. All applications will be treated on merit basis through fair and open competition.

Applications should be sent to:



Human Resources Assistant

British High Commission

No. 33, Dangote House

P. O. Box 4808

Aguiyi Ironsi Street

Maitama

Abuja



Or by e-mail to: recruitment.abuja@fco.gov.uk




Deadline for Applications: Friday 23rd November 2012




Applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered. Telephone applications and enquiries will also not be accepted. Only applicants called for interview will be contacted, and it is likely that interviews will be conducted the week commencing 10th December 2012