Office Circular No 27/15
Vacancy: Consular Officer
The Australian High Commission, New Delhi, is seeking applications for the position of Consular Officer, DFAT at the Australian High Commission, New Delhi.
Applicants are advised to read the Position Description below prior to addressing the selection criteria. Applicants must address each of the selection criteria. Applications that do not specifically address the selection criteria will not be considered. Further information on selection criteria is available on our website http://www.india.highcommission.gov.au.
Subject to the successful completion of up to a six month probationary period, satisfactory medical check and background verification, the successful applicant will be offered a two-year contract of employment, inclusive of the probation period. The contract may be extended subject to agreement between the employer and employee.
The commencing salary will be determined based on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. The package will include annual leave, limited medical reimbursements, Diwali bonus, provident fund provisions and gratuity provisions when service length is sufficient. The position encompasses a starting salary of Rs58, 731 per month, depending on skills and qualifications for the role.
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants must submit by close of business Friday 7 August 2015 the following documents in Microsoft Word format with subject header ‘Application for Consular Officer’ to [email protected]
(1) A font size 12 typed statement addressing each of the selection criteria (no longer than 3 pages).
(2) A curriculum vitae detailing your contact details, work experience, academic qualifications and the names and contact details of two referees.
Applications not meeting these criteria will not be considered. No late applications will be accepted and only short listed candidates will be contacted.
| Agency | Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade |
| Position number | ND17 |
| Title | Consular Officer |
| Classification | LE4 |
| Section | Consular Section |
| Reports to (title) | Consular Manager |
About the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)The role of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is to advance the interests of Australia and Australians internationally. This involves strengthening Australia’s security, enhancing Australia’s prosperity, delivering an effective and high quality overseas aid program and helping Australian travellers and Australians overseas.
The department provides foreign, trade and development policy advice to the Australian Government. DFAT also works with other Australian government agencies to drive coordination of Australia’s pursuit of global, regional and bilateral interests.
About the position
Under general supervision of the Consular Manager, the role provides a wide range of passport and consular services to Australian citizens.
The key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:
• Provision of consular services to Australian citizens and permanent residents in North and East India (21 states and 2 Union Territories) and Bhutan. This includes:
o Responding to consular emergency cases, including on weekends and after office hours (on a roster basis);
o Drafting consular cables, and
o Conducting prison and hospital visits.
• Responding to Freedom of Information requests through the collection of data and drafting a response.
• Assistance with familiarization visits to local authorities in the consular jurisdiction and reporting the outcome through a cable and in New Delhi and Bhutan Consular Action Plan.
• Reviewing and providing input on changes to DFAT’s travel advice for India.
• Providing passport advice and assistance to Australian citizens in places of accreditation.
• Conducting monthly reviews of passport and consular fees.
• Maintaining and updating monthly passport records, passport half yearly statistics and monthly passport revenue reconciliation.
• Performing notarial services, including issuing Certificates of no Impediment.
• Assisting with Post preparedness to provide consular assistance in the event of significant events.
• Providing voting facilities for Federal and State Government Elections and performing the role of the Assisting Returning Officer or Early Voting Centre Manager.
• Representing the High Commission at meetings with Indian government authorities.
• Assisting with organising and drafting crisis desktop exercises.
• Liaising with internal and external stakeholders on consular and passport issues.
• Providing data and drafting reports on passport and consular information, as required.
• Providing a back-up to the Consular Manager’s role.
Qualifications/Experience/Skills
• Relevant qualifications, knowledge of or experience in consular and passport services and management.
• Knowledge of Indian and relevant Government systems, consular and passport policies and processes.
• Proficiency in English and Hindi, written and oral.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office suite of programs and an ability to quickly gain knowledge on Australian High Commission systems.
Selection Criteria
1. Demonstrated experience and skills in administrative work. Excellent oral and written skills in both English and Hindi are required.
2. Commitment to pro-active client service and demonstrated ability to provide high level customer service in stressful situations. Ability to work effectively with members of team.
3. Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret and apply policy and procedures. High level of initiative, ability to make independent judgments and make logical recommendations.
4. Ability to use relevant office technology, including the internet and computer software
Note:
• It is essential that the successful applicant be willing to work outside of office hours on request at short notice and to undertake field trips outside of New Delhi.