Visa Processing Officers (VPO) – LE 4
Applications are invited for visa officer (delegated) positions, level 4 (LED4) within the Family Migration Section within the Department of Home Affairs (Immigration and Border Protection section). This recruitment exercise is to fill non-ongoing fixed term contracts of 12 months. The closing date for applications is 13 November 2022, 4.30pm (Nairobi Time).
LED4 Visa Processing Officers (VPO) work under the broad direction of a manager in the Department of Home Affairs at the Australian High Commission in Nairobi. As a locally engaged (delegated) officer, employees work within clear guidelines and operate under general direction. The role involves the ability to interpret legislation, decision-making and requires sound judgment. A requirement of these positions is that applicants are Australian Citizens or hold Australian permanent residency.
A Position Description (PD) which also sets out specific skills and other specifications is provided below.
How to Apply
For any application to be ELIGIBLE and therefore considered, it must be written in English and include the following:
1.Resume (CV) (maximum of two A4 pages) outlining previous relevant work experience and achievements. Please include the names and contact details (phone number and email addresses) of two referees in the resume.
2.A Statement of Claim addressing each selection criterion in no more than 250 words per criterion. In addressing each criterion, please ensure that you provide example(s) based on previous experience where available, to demonstrate your capability.
Please send your application in MS Word or PDF format to [email protected]
Links to/or files shared by OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, or any other external repository location will not be considered.
Please name the email subject ‘Application for LE4 VPO RHSP– [insert first name and last name]’. For example, Application for LED4 VPO RHSP JASON RAMSEY.
Selection Criteria
1.Independence and Decision making
Provide an example when you have interpreted and applied legislation, policies, and procedures to make a decision using sound evidence-based principles supported by research and analysis; (maximum 250-word limit)
2.Supports productive working relationships/strives for service excellence
Provide an example when you have demonstrated a high level of written and oral communication skills (using English) to effectively communicate with clients/stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to achieve a collective goal in an accurate, timely and consistent manner; (maximum 250-word limit)
3.Achieves Results
Describe a situation where you have shown initiative and flexibility in responding to uncertainty and changing demands. (maximum 250-word limit)
Applicants shortlisted for interview will be required to demonstrate language skills. Shortlisted applicants may also be asked to undertake a Work Sample Test
Contract Conditions
| Position: | Visa Processing Officer (VPO) |
| Work Level Classification: | LED4 |
| Commencement Salary: | KES 2,268,832.80 Per Annum |
| Department: | Department of Home Affairs |
| Date of Commencement: | As soon as possible after probity checks are complete (see below) |
| Employment Period: | Non-ongoing fixed term contract for 12 months (37.5 hours per week) |
| Probationary Period: | Three months |
| Place of Work: | Australian High Commission Nairobi, Kenya. |
Employment will be subject to satisfactory medical and police/security checks. The actual start date will be confirmed following the outcome of the police checks, which will be carried out in Kenya.
It is the employees’ responsibility to obtain the relevant documents and associated work permits to ensure that they comply with immigration regulations that relate to their employment with the Australian High Commission in Kenya.
Position Description
| AGENCY | Department of Home Affairs |
| POSITION NUMBER | Various |
| POSITION TITLE | Visa Processing Officer |
| CLASSIFICATION | LED4 |
| SECTION | Family Migration |
| REPORTS TO (TITLE) | Second Secretary Home Affairs (Senior Migration Officer) |
About the Department of Home Affairs
The Department of Home Affairs is a central policy agency, providing coordinated strategy and policy leadership for Australia’s national and transport security, federal law enforcement, criminal justice, cyber security, border, immigration, multicultural affairs, emergency management and trade related functions.
About the position
Under general direction, Visa Processing Officers are responsible for the assessment and/or finalisation of visa applications. Visa Processing Officers undertake these duties while also completing appropriate verification activities to ensure the integrity of the migration program.
The key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:
- Undertaking visa related casework for Family Migration visa applications, applying the relevant legislation and policy to make lawful and fair decisions in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations
- Working within stated service standards in a pressured environment, escalating sensitive and complex cases to senior staff in accordance with office protocols
- Preparing moderately complex written documentation for visa applicants and client correspondence
- Liaising with internal and external stakeholders on moderately complex operational and administrative matters
- Preparing recommendations for senior staff based on research and well-established policy and practices
- Maintaining records, including, but not limited to, client files and financial management
- Organising and taking responsibility for own workload, working cooperatively and harmoniously to deliver services in accordance with the client service charter standards and program outcomes
- Supporting risk management strategies and integrity standards in visa processing, including by maintaining knowledge of risk profiles and indicators in caseloads and reporting integrity concerns and trends
- Investigating the integrity of documents and other information in connection with visa applications
- Interviewing clients and requesting additional information to support visa applications
- Working in a team environment, assist with team tasks and assist with training of new staff
Qualifications/Experience
- Strong written and oral English language communication skills
- Demonstrated sensitivity to the needs of clients from a variety of backgrounds and with varying needs. Such situations may include telephone interaction, interviews, liaison, and representation, preparing reports and correspondence
- Demonstrated ability to respond and adapt to change. apply initiative, flexibility, and willingness to pursue continued improvement in the context of change within the organisation
- Highly developed time management skills, both individually and as part of a team, and the ability to work effectively, cooperatively, and flexibly in a team environment to respond to priorities and meet deadlines
- Demonstrated analytical skills with an ability to use multiple datasets and/or interpret and apply complex legislation and apply sound judgement in all casesDesirable
- Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field
- Experience in an application processing environment and/or working with refugees
- Proficiency in computer software applications including Microsoft Word and Excel, and the capacity to learn new systems
