Entry Clearance Assistant - Arabic Speaker

Vacancies have arisen at the British High commission (BHC), Nairobi for 2 x Entry Clearance Assistant Arabic speaker. The BHC consists of 360 employees with a wide variety of experience and job roles, representing 10 government departments working within Kenya and Somalia. The aim of the BHC is to help “build a more stable and prosperous Kenya”, and support British nationals who visit or live in Kenya. The jobs are graded at A1 (L) for which the current salary scale starts at Ksh 93,000 per month before deduction of tax. Where the jobholder is not liable to Kenyan tax the scale will be abated under HM Treasury rules and starts at Ksh 71,228 per month to take account of the tax they would have paid. The selection process will include typing and written tests and a competency based interview.

The Role:

The Visa Section is a very busy operational team of 36 members of staff in Nairobi and part of the wider Home Office Africa region. Our team takes a full part in the life of the British High Commission and the work of its many departments. Our Visa Section team is committed to providing a first class service, and balances the need for a high level of customer service with the maintenance of the integrity of the immigration control for the UK. The team in Nairobi is now the main processing hub for applications from East and Central Africa and covers Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, South Sudan, Seychelles and Sudan. The Visa Section has a vacancy at A1 (L) level commencing immediately. The successful applicant will be recruited on a two year renewable contract.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• To quickly and accurately enter all the details on the visa application form onto a computerised database and complete relevant checks on visa applications.
• To correctly print, pack, label and despatch all decisions and supporting documents to the relevant visa application centre.
• To ensure that all registry procedures are correctly followed and all visa files are filed away on a daily basis.
• To undertake verification checks following the correct procedure making telephone calls as required and accurately recording evidence on Document Verification Reports. This will include some work with documents in Arabic, and some liaison by phone and email with colleagues and institutions in Arabic speaking countries.
• To assist with correspondence and undertake any other tasks deemed appropriate to support the Visa Section team.
• To control and manage waiting room customers and the interview schedule. To take in applications from customers eligible to apply directly at the BHC and redirect those that cannot. To check the correct fee is paid, the correct form submitted and passport and all supporting documents received. To record biometrics details, ensuring they are recorded on Proviso and electronically dispatched to London.
• Monitor and follow up “Bring Ups” to ensure they are dealt with within the timeframe agreed with the relevant ECO, manager or other colleague. Monitor verification Bring Ups & chasers ensuring that chasers are sent as necessary to meet the target of completed verification checks.
• To ensure that you follow instructions regarding weeding dates and correct filing of retained documents in the registry. To ensure Data Protection Act and local security requirements are adhered to and to immediately report any breaches to an ECM. To support LE III officers and rest of the team in the delivery of UKVI objectives

Required Skills:

• Be computer literate with accurate typing skills of at least 25 words per minute
• Be able to complete tasks accurately, to an agreed standard and within set deadlines
• Treat everyone with consideration and respect, regardless of work pressure
• Flexible and willing to support colleagues and when they are under pressure
• Speak clearly and convey information confidently and accurately in English
• Be able to write straight forward information clearly and accurately in English
• Be customer service orientated
• Seek to improve existing skills and develop new ones and contributes to improvements in working practices
• Be a good team player
• Fluency in Arabic (reading, writing and spoken) is essential and will be tested as part of the assessment and interview process.

Core Competences:

Applicants will be expected to demonstrate the following core competences:

• Working with Others - Treats others with consideration and respect. Works effectively and supportively with colleagues, both individually and in teams.
• Communicating - Provides information clearly and concisely. Willing to express own views and contribute to team discussions.
• Customer Focus - understands and focuses on customer needs.
• Delivering Results - Demonstrates the skills and motivation to complete all tasks competently, accurately and on time. Solves problems within own area of responsibility but knows when to seek guidance.
• Learning and Developing - Open and flexible approach to new ideas, drawing on skills and experience to improve results.

Application:

The British High Commission has appointed Brighter Monday to process job applications for this position. However, the British High Commission will arrange interviews and expects no fees to be paid to anyone.

Applicants must have the right to live and work in Kenya.

The selection process will include typing and written tests and a competency based interview. Applications – (CV plus completed application form) clearly marked: - “A1 (L) Entry Clearance Assistant Arabic Speaker” Vacancy should be forwarded to

http://www.brightermonday.co.ke/81606

Applications should be received on or before 4.00 pm on 30th September, 2013.

Application Form - Entry Clearance Assistants [MS Word Document, 56KB]

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.