Consular Assistant at The High Commission of Canada

Job Ref: 3974
Locations: Abuja, Lagos, Nigeria
Vacancy type: Indeterminate
Level: Assistant
Classification: LE-06
Closing date for applications: 15-03-2020 at 23:59 UTC/GMT

Term Details

• This position is a LES (Locally Engaged Staff) position, subject to the Terms and Conditions of Employment for LES in Nigeria. There is currently 1 position available in Abuja and 1 in Lagos.

Summary of position

• Under the general supervision of a Management Consular Officer (MCO) or Deputy Management Consular Officer (DMCO), the Consular Assistant provides consular support services to Canadians; responds to emergency situations involving Canadians in distress; processes passport applications and citizenship applications for Canadians abroad; supports the development of contingency planning and outreach programs; provides administrative and financial services in support of consular, passport and citizenship services at the mission; and undertakes other duties as required.

Essential qualifications

• Candidates will initially be screened against the Essential Qualifications relating to education, experience and language. Candidates must clearly demonstrate in their cover letter and CV how they meet each of these essential qualifications.

Education:

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.

Language:

• Fluency in English (reading, writing, comprehension and speaking)
• Basic knowledge of French (reading, writing, comprehension and speaking)

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years of recent* experience working within an office environment in an administrative support or program assistant capacity for a corporate organization, foreign mission, government office or international organization.
• Minimum 3 years of recent* experience providing effective client service and dealing with the public (in person, by telephone, and electronic messaging).
• *Recent experience is defined as within the last 5 years.

Rated Requirements

• The Rated Requirements relating to knowledge, abilities and competencies will also be assessed. Methods of assessment may include, but are not limited to, a written examination, an oral interview, role-play, practical tests, presentations and/or psychometric assessment.

Knowledge:

• Advanced knowledge of MS Office (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook);
• Basic knowledge of Canadian cultural, legal and political landscape.
• Basic knowledge of Canadian travel advisories

Abilities/Competencies:

• Effective interactive communication (both verbally and in writing) in English;
• Client focus;
• Ability to prioritize workload and multi-task effectively in a high-paced work environment;
• Ability to follow instructions and apply rules;
• Ability to research, analyze and evaluate information effectively;
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team;
• Ability to work under pressure;
• Flexibility and adaptability;
• Attention to detail/accuracy;
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with people from diverse cultures;
• Professional integrity, discretion and sound judgment.

Asset Qualifications:

• Preference may be given to candidates who meet the Asset Qualifications. Where applicable, candidates must clearly demonstrate how they meet any asset qualifications in their cover letter and CV.
• Fluency in French (reading, writing, comprehension and speaking);
• Experience working in a diplomatic mission;
• Experience working in a similar role (providing passport and consular services) at a diplomatic mission;
• Familiarity with local administrative and governmental procedures related to expatriate residents.

Organizational Needs
Operational Requirements:

• Normal working hours are 37.5 per week Mondays to Thursdays (08:00 to 16:30) and Fridays (08:00 – 13:30);
• Some overtime required (on week days and/or during weekends if job demands);
• Some occasional travel may be necessary;
• Please note the High Commission operates a schedule of public holidays according to a combination of Nigerian and Canadian dates, which means you will be required to work on certain Nigerian holidays.

Condition(s) of Employment:

• You must be a Nigerian citizen or legally able to work at the High Commission of Canada in Nigeria. (Please note that neither The High Commission nor The Deputy High Commission sponsor work authorizations directly or indirectly).
• Before an offer of employment can be made, candidates must provide a local Nigerian address as proof of residence so that if selected, it will appear on the offer letter.
• Proof of educational qualifications will be required at the interview stage of the process.
• Obtain and maintain a Reliability Status (security clearance) from the Government of Canada covering the entire employment period. This includes a criminal and credit background check.

Area of Selection:

• Open to internal and external applicants who are legal residents or citizens of Nigeria, who meet all of the essential requirements stated in this job poster, and whose applications are received by the closing date. Please note that the High Commission Canada in Abuja, Nigeria and the Deputy High Commission in Lagos, Nigeria do not sponsor work authorizations directly or indirectly. The Government of Canada is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from diverse sections of the community. Candidates will be considered based on merit. Our organization offers an inclusive workplace where respect, teamwork, and collaboration are part of our culture. Canada’s missions abroad are committed to promoting and supporting an environment free from harassment and discrimination, as well as encouraging and supporting employees to learn and develop their skills and competencies.

Salary
7,417,162 Nigerian Naira annually