Job at The British High Commission for Entry Clearance Officer, Abuja and Lagos

The British High Commission is looking to recruit an Entry Clearance Officer to work within the Visa Section.

Job Title: B3(L) Entry Clearance Officer

Location: Abuja and Lagos

Job Summary
The position is for an initial one year contract, and may be subject to renewal.


The candidate must be a British passport holder who already has or is able to obtain UK Security Clearance, or another national who has recently lived at least five consecutive years in the UK and may be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance.

The candidate must also provide evidence that they have permission to work for the British High Commission in Nigeria (i.e. that they are a Nigerian passport holder; or hold a Nigerian work permit that allows them to work for a diplomatic mission). Any applicant who does not provide evidence of this will be sifted out at the first stage.

Any suitably qualified member of existing BHC/DFID/British Council staff (who currently has SC) wishing to submit an application must also seek approval from their line manager prior to applying.

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

• 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.

• 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.

*Note that BHC refers to both staff in Lagos and Abuja

Basic Requirement
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.

• 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.
• 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.

• 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.
• Excellent team players - this is an all for one, and one for all environment.

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.

Remuneration
This is a full time position from 8am – 4pm, Monday to Thursday and 8am – 1pm on Friday. Flexible working hours may be available. The job will be graded B3(L) and the monthly starting salary is N442,149.00 per month including allowances. 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.

HOW TO APPLY
The selection process for this position is ‘competency-based’. Applicants will be required to complete an application form outlining how they meet the required competencies (as listed below). Those who advance in the selection process will be interviewed based on these competencies and may also be required to complete a written exercise and presentation.

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.

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

Applications should be sent to:

Human Resources Assistant
British High Commission Abuja
19 Torrens Close, Maitama,
Abuja, FCT.

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

Note: 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 in later last week of September 2014.

Application Deadline 15th September, 2014