Visa Assistant Jobs – United States US Embassy



Job Title:       Visa Assistant
Organisation: United States US Embassy, US Mission in Uganda
Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda
Salary Grade: FSN-7 (Ugshs 46,440,981 p.a.  Inclusive of allowances)
Vacancy Announcement Number: 83-16 (Those who applied for 82-16 need to re-apply) 
About US Embassy:
Welcome
to the United States Embassy in Kampala, Uganda.  The United States has enjoyed diplomatic
relations with Uganda for over 30 years.  Ambassador Deborah R. Malac currently heads the U.S Mission to Uganda.  The Mission is composed of several offices and organizations all working under the auspices of the Embassy and at the direction of the Ambassador.
Among
the offices operating under the U.S Mission to Uganda are:
  • United States Agency for International
    Development (USAID)
  • Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
  • Peace Corps
Job Summary: The US Embassy Visa Assistant will serve as the Consular
Assistant and performs a broad range of Consular services. The jobholder will
mainly be responsible for assisting with processing of voluminous
follow-to-join asylee/refugee (Visas 92/93) cases. The incumbent assists, as
necessary, in the processing of special immigrant visas (SIV), adoptions and in
providing emergency assistance to Americans. The incumbent interacts with the
public on a daily basis, responds to public inquiries, must be able to explain
complex procedures in a concise manner, and is required to maintain a high
standard of customer service. Incumbent files correspondence, and on some
occasions may be tasked other special duties as required. The Visa Assistant remains
vigilant against fraud and malfeasance and reports any concerns to the
appropriate authority. The Visa Assistant will assist in the processing of
non-immigrants visas (NIV).
Key Duties and Responsibilities: 
1. Visas 92/93s: 50%
  • Renders support in preparing follow-to join
    refugee and asylee cases for adjudication, ensuring documentary
    requirements have been met and case progression.
  • Regularly alerts adjudicators to any
    inconsistencies or fraud red flags observed. Is a point of contact with
    international organizations involved with refugee resettlement such as IOM
    and RPC.
  • Quickly respond to numerous inquiries from
    Congress, attorneys and other interested parties concerned with individual
    cases.
  • Drafts Security Advisory Opinion cables and
    processes all other clearances, IAFIS and waivers related to Visas 92/93
    cases as needed and possible.
  • Schedules interview appointments. Assists
    with printing of all visas and prepares the final visa packets.
  • Stays abreast with new procedural changes
    affecting Visas 92/93 processing and of travel document issues pertaining
    to third country nationals and updates consular officers and other support
    staff accordingly.



2. Non-Immigrants Visas (NIV):
40 %
  • The incumbent helps review incoming NIV
    applications for completeness, performs data verification, and prepares
    cases for Consular officer adjudication.
  • The Visa Assistant guides members of the
    public and the Mission community orally and through written correspondence
    on application procedures and eligibility criteria.
  • The incumbent may print approved visa cases,
    and at all times must ensure that controlled items such as visa foils,
    seals, etc. are handled in accordance with accountability procedures.
  • The jobholder handles requests for official
    and diplomatic visas and referrals within Mission.
  • The incumbent files visa applications and
    responds to correspondence, and will also be tasked with special projects
    such as customer service surveys, validation studies, verifying
    authenticity of documents, etc.
  • Incumbent will also be requested to serve as
    a translator when required.
3. Others: 10% Serves
as back up with SIV processing. Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
NOTE: All applicants must
address each selection criterion detailed below with specific and comprehensive
information supporting each item.
  • The ideal candidate for the US Embassy Visa Assistant
    career opportunity should have completed two years of college studies in
    social sciences, public administration and management, secretarial,
    development studies, law, education, human resources management, project
    planning, languages or business administration is required.
  • At least three years’ experience working in
    an office and/or public service environment is required.
  • Broad working knowledge of general office
    management and administrative procedures is required.
  • Fast and accurate data entry skills, ability
    to work independently and exercise tact in dealing with the public; work
    under continuous pressure, exercise good judgment in referring cases to
    officers, write clear and concise correspondence, ability to use local
    resources to research legislation/policy and produce written information
    handouts for American citizens and visa applicants are required. Develop
    and maintain an extensive range of working contacts with local officials
    and private organizations.
  • Language Proficiency: Level IV fluent English in speaking,
    reading and writing is required. Ability to translate Luganda Level II
    (Limited knowledge) is also required.



How to Apply:
All those interested in working with the US mission in Kampala should send their applications and strictly adhere to the following:
  • Download a completed and signed Universal Application for Employment as a Locally Employed Staff, Download it Here.
  • Any additional documentation that supports or addresses the requirements listed above (e.g. transcripts, degrees, etc.).
Submit Application To:
Human Resources Office
By email at KampalaHR@state.gov
NB: Your application will be reviewed if you have fulfilled all the requirements including submission of standard file types such as Microsoft Word (.doc) and Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) in a single attachment (No Zipped files, Links or Multiple Attachments) and should not exceed 10MB. Please clearly indicate the position number and title you are applying for on the DS-174 form.

Deadline: 2nd September, 2016
The
US Mission in Kampala provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable
treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color religion,
sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status,
or sexual orientation.  The Department of
State also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel
operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs.
For
more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com
or find us on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline