Entry Clearance Officers: British High Commission Nigeria

The British High Commission Abuja is looking for two 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 British High Commission Abuja has the following vacancies in its Visa Section:

Job Position: Le Entry Clearance Officer (2)

Job Summary
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.
• Entry Clearance Officer positions are only open to staff who have, or can obtain, UK Security Clearance. Only those who have or can obtain UK Security Clearance should bid. The UK Government also requires that all Entry Clearance Officers have successfully completed the UK Entry Clearance Officer training course. Because of the urgent need to recruit staff to these positions, preference will be given to those bidders who have already completed the Entry Clearance Officer training course.

Qualities Needed
We are looking for British passport holders 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.
• Any successful candidates who have not undertaken entry clearance officer roles within a visa section in the last two years will also be expected to successfully complete the three week mandatory entry clearance officer training course in London on a date tbc before assuming their positions.

This is a full time position from 8am – 4pm, Monday to Thursday and 8am – 1pm on Friday. One of these positions is open to job-share possibilities. Should you be interested in part-time job-share working, please make this clear on your application form. The monthly salary is N329,656, and in addition to this 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
The application process is comprised of two stages. The first stage will comprise a written scenario exercise. The second stage will be an interview which will be split into two parts. For the first part  you will be presented with two scenarios to which you will be asked some questions. The second part you will be asked for specific examples of where you have demonstrated particular skills in the past. No prior knowledge of Entry clearance work is required.

All Applicants will be  assessed against the following core competencies:

• 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. You should also enclose a passport sized photograph and a copy of your passport bio-data page.

Method of Application
Click here to Download the Application form:
Fill the Application Form and send to:
Human Resources Manager
British High Commission
Shehu Shagari Way
Maitama, Abuja

Deadline For Applications
Friday 11th November 2011

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. Interviews are likely to be held during the week commencing 28 November 2011.