British High Commission (BHC) Graduate recruitment in Abuja, March 12th 2016

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, 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.

British High Commission (BHC) is recruiting to fill the position below:



Job Title: Entry Clearance Assistant - Team Leader
Location: Abuja
Job Category: Other British Government Departments (Partners across Government, including UK Visas)
Job Subcategory: UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration)
Grade: A2 (L)
Type of Position: Fixed Term
Duration of Post: 12 months

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

• Line management of 5 grade A1(L) staff
• Team Leader of the Customer Care and Registry Unit
• Management of the different aspects of this team including:
  • Escalations
  • Correspondence
  • IHS (payments and refunds)
  • Provide daily statistical data to the Operations Manager
  • Ensure the smooth running of the CCU / Registry teams
  • Management of JRs and PAPs
  • File Management
  • Appeals
  • ARs

• Previous experience of working within a visa section
• Microsoft Office package
• Customer service experience preferable

• Seeing the Big Picture, Making Effective Decisions, Leading and Communicating, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace.

• Employees recruited locally by the British High Commission in Abuja are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Nigeria.
• Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted.
• Any questions you may have about this position will only be answered during interview, should you be invited.
• Employees who are not eligible to pay local income tax: e.g. certain third-country nationals and spouses/partners of UK diplomats will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.

• 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.
• 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.

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

• Seeing the Big Picture, Making Effective Decisions, Leading and Communicating, Collaborating and Partnering, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace.

• Plan,  organise and direct the administration of the British High Commissions   transport requirements, staff duty rosters including fleet management and   deployment.
• Effective   and efficient management of all resources; vehicle replacements,servicing,  spares and fuel stocks.
• Manageand supervise a group of transport co-ordinators, mechanics and other  support staff employed in the transport team in addition to a combined pool of 30+ drivers.
• Prepare and monitor annual/quarterly budgets for the transport team, prudentlymanaging, authorising, recording and regularly reporting on all  expenditure.
• Close supervision  of the official pool of vehicles, ensuring valid documentation, proper maintenance, driver competence and adherence to health, safety andsecurity regulations.
• Central point  of contact for liaising and communicating with various customers, internaland external partners (including the Nigeria Police, FRSC, DFID, BDHC  Lagos, British Council, etc) on all transport related matters. 
• Plan and co-ordinate logistical arrangements for VIP visits and up-country journeys. 

• Relevant educational qualifications (University Degree, HND or Professional Certificates)
• Familiar with the Nigerian transport system and the Abuja road networks
• Possess a valid drivers licence

• Previous experience in Transport or Logistical Management
• Experience of managing a large team to deliver a quality service in a high pressure   environment
• A good command of English language - both verbally and in writing .
• Flexible approach to problem solving with an ability to think on their feet
• Demsontrate good interpersonal skills
• A self starter able to work with minimal supervision
• Good organisational skills - capable of working quickly and accurately
• Budgeting and financial management experience
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office tools.

• Making Effective Decisions, Leading and Communicating, Collaborating and Partnering, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace.

• To apply please attach CV and a cover letter as one document
• Employees recruited locally by the British High Commission in Nigeria are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Country.
• Employees who are not eligible to pay local income tax: e.g. certain third-country nationals and spouses/partners of UK diplomats will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.
• Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted.
• Any questions you may have about this position will only be answered during interview, should you be invited.