Job Title: Entry Clearance Assistant (from 7 September 2009 until 31 December 2009)

This is an exciting opportunity for a confident and customer focused individual.  This person will have particular responsibility for Visa work, but will also be expected to be able to cover all aspects of work within the Consular Section. We need someone who is flexible, a self-starter, able to work with minimum supervision and who is calm in a crisis and when under pressure or working to tight deadlines. Fluent written and spoken English and Spanish and IT literate.

Duties and responsibilities

• Collection of Visa applications and associated documentation
• Capture of biometric data
• Manage on-line appointment system
• Risk assess each application through document verification
• Despatch applications to New York hub
• Cashier duties for Overseas Territories/Commonwealth applications, in accordance with UKBA Best Practice
• Process visa applications for UK Overseas Territories/Commonwealth in accordance with UKBA Best Practice
• Provide cover for consular colleagues when needed. This can involve:
      - Collection of Passport applications
      - Notarial acts
      - Cashier duties for Consular Fees
      - Helping distressed British nationals, for example assistance in cases of death, illness, arrest, proposed deportations, etc.
      - Replying to formal notes from MFA

Essential skills

• Fluent written and spoken English and Spanish
• Customer focused: good interpersonal skills & ability to interface with the public
• Proactive attitude: willingness and ability to take initiative
• Highly organised, ability to work to deadlines & prioritise accordingly
• Good analytical skills
• IT Literate

Desirable skills

• Calm in a crisis
• Team player, able to fit in
• University degree
• Willingness to learn new skills
• Experience in Consular/Visa work
• Knowledge of British Nationality legislation

The job will be full time (Mon - Thu from 8:45-17:30 & Fri 8:45-14:00).

Pay and Benefits

• Temporary Position
• Monthly Salary: $4159 (gross)
• Leave: according to local law
• Grade: LE III

How to apply

1. Send your CV to: buenosaires.jobs@fco.gov.uk / REF: ECA
2. Include a short summary (250 words maximum) of how you meet the above requirements and what distinctive contribution you can offer. This should be in the body of an email not as an attachment.
3. Native Spanish speakers should apply in English. Native English speakers should apply in Spanish.

Interviews will be held at the British Embassy in Buenos Aires. The British Embassy seeks our strength through diversity, and all of our staff are recruited through fair and open competition. We do not discriminate on the grounds of race, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, or disability.

Application Deadline: Sunday 2 August 2009. Interviews to be confirmed.