Vacancy description:

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.

Job Category: Other British Government Departments (Partners across Government, including UK Visas)
Job Subcategory: UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration)

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities):

The British Embassy Abu Dhabi has vacancies for Entry Clearance Assistants (ECA) on temporary contracts starting November 2022.

These fixed term contracts will be for an initial period of twelve (12) months and in response to seasonal demand. There is the possibility of extension and/ or renewal of the contract depending on performance and operational requirements.

The objective of this role is to provide administrative support to the Entry Clearance Officers and Managers in providing a high quality, efficient visa application processing system to meet published customer service standards.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Oversee the visa application delivery / collection process from the Commercial Partner (CP).
• Uploading visa application data to the computer system, amending biographic data as necessary to achieve 100% accuracy with printed records whilst meeting agreed benchmarks.
• Conducting local alert and sponsor checks on 100% of applications.
• Reviewing visa application details/ supporting documents and linking applicant history.
• Completing risk assessments and document verification.
• Completing vignette production when cleared, trained, and required to do so.
• Accurately respond to electronic, phone, and written enquiries from customers and other stakeholders within benchmark timescales and in line with customer service standards.
• Participate in ad hoc tasks in support of specific activities or projects or to cover absences on other desks as directed by the Team Leader.

The above list is not exhaustive and the jobholder will be required to be flexible and take on other ad hoc tasks as required, including participating in the Embassy’s emergency planning and any response to a crisis.

Key behaviours required:

• Delivering at Pace - Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.
• Managing a Quality Service - Deliver service objectives with professional excellence, expertise and efficiency, taking account of diverse customer needs.
• Communicating and Influencing - Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses and opinions of others.

Eligibility:

• Applications will only be considered from those who are currently residing in the UAE and with a current and valid UAE resident visa. Applicants will be asked to provide evidence of their UAE resident visa/ Emirates ID as part of their application.
• Applicants must have a current passport that is valid for the next 12 months, i.e., will expire after October 2023.
• Applicants must be available in a full time capacity to work on site at the British Embassy Abu Dhabi - these are not part time positions or available for remote working.
• Applicants must be able to obtain a valid UAE police clearance certificate.

The ideal candidates will possess the following qualifications, skills and experience:

Essential qualifications, skills and experience:

• Excellent spoken and written English. Ability to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely. Please submit with your application either an IELTS certificate at a minimum of level 6.5 or an equivalent qualification (if applicable), or evidence of secondary/ higher education in the medium of English.
• Computer literate with accurate typing skills of at least 25 words per minute and experience of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).
• Ability to work quickly and reliably with little supervision and meet challenging targets on a daily basis.
• Adaptable and flexible with a positive attitude to change.
• Proven ability to work quickly and accurately in a target driven environment, prioritising key tasks as necessary.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

• Desirable qualifications, skills and experience: Arabic, Farsi, or Urdu language skills
• Required behaviours: Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace, Communicating and Influencing
• Application deadline: 9 September 2022
• Grade: Administrative Assistant (AA)
• Type of Position: Fixed Term, Full-time
• Working hours per week: 38
• Duration of Post: 12 months
• Region: Middle East & North Africa
• Country/Territory: United Arab Emirates
• Location (City): Abu Dhabi
• Type of Post: British Embassy
• Salary Currency: AED
• Salary: 8,722
• Start Date: 14 November 2022
• Other benefits and conditions of employment: The Embassy aims to offer an attractive working environment and remuneration package for this role, including: 25 days of leave per annum (calculated pro-rata); on-site swimming pool, gym, and sports facilities (subject to COVID-19 restrictions).

Salary is at AED 8,722 per month.

There are no other allowances payable as part of this package. No accommodation and relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position.

Conditioned working hours are 38 hours per week. Standard working hours are from 07:30 to 15:06, including a lunch break of 36 minutes, from Monday to Friday. However, there may be a requirement for working on Saturday with a compensatory day off during the week.
There is also a requirement for working a late shift, which is currently 10:00 to 17:00, for one week in every eight.

The successful candidate will be required to transfer their visa under the Embassy's sponsorship.

Additional information

How to apply:

Interested candidates must include the following in their online application form:

• An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) with a copy of UAE resident visa and passport (all in one file);
• A covering letter/ motivation essay stating how you meet the requirements of the role; and
• Examples, in the relevant section of the online application form, of how you meet the key behaviours required.

Applications that do not include this information will not be considered.

Closing date for applications is at 23:55 UAE local time on 09 September 2022.Applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered.

Process:

The recruitment process, including security clearance, is expected to take around two months. You may experience some delay in the progress of this recruitment campaign, and we are working hard to minimise any disruption.

Due to the large number of applications we receive, only those shortlisted for the next step of the recruitment process will be contacted.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview in October 2022. Interviews will be done remotely via MS Teams.

The start date mentioned in the job advert is a tentative start date and the successful candidate will be required to undergo security-vetting procedures. Any offer of employment will be subject to the candidate achieving suitable clearances.

The British Embassy Abu Dhabi is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.

Additional Requirements

• Arabic or Farsi or Urdu
• Excellent spoken and written English