Entry Clearance Officer at British High Commission

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 a candidate who meets the criteria listed below with good oral and written communication skills. In particular, the successful candidate 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.

•     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 strongly preferred, and good keyboard skills and familiarity with computers and software packages (notably MS Word, Excel and straightforward databases) are essential for the role. Ideally the candidate will have recent ECO experience however this not a mandatory requirement. Any successful candidate who does not have recent experience will be required to attend and pass an Entry Clearance Officer training course.

Seeing the Bigger Picture
Having an in-depth understanding and knowledge of how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives and wider public needs. Focusing your contribution on the activities which will meet Civil Service goals and deliver the greatest value.

Making Effective Decisions
Being objective; using sound judgement, evidence and knowledge to provide accurate, expert and professional advice. Showing clarity of thought, setting priorities, analysing and using evidence to evaluate option before arriving at well reasoned justifiable decisions.

Collaborating and Partnering
Creating and maintaining positive, professional and trusting working relationships with a range of people within and outside the Civil Service to help get business done. Working collaboratively, sharing information and building supportive, responsive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, whilst having the confidence to challenge assumptions.

Managing a Quality Service
Being organised to deliver service objectives and striving to improve the quality of service, taking account of diverse customer needs and requirements. People who are effective plan, organise and manage their time and activities to deliver a high quality and efficient service, applying programme and project management approaches to support service delivery.

Delivering at Pace
Focusing 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.

Leading and Communicating
Leading from the front and communicating with clarity, conviction and enthusiasm. Supporting principles of fairness of opportunity for all and a dedication to a diverse range of citizens