Industry:
Professions – Government
Job Salary: Market Related
Workplace: On-site
About the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
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 the general direction of the Consul and Vice-Consul, the Consular and Passports Officer provides high quality consular, passport and notarial services to Australian citizens in South Africa and countries of accreditation. The officer may be required to provide emergency consular assistance outside of office hours and travel to accredited countries on an ad hoc basis.
Key responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to:
– Provide consular services to Australians in Pretoria and other countries of accreditation in accordance with the Consular Services Charter, the Australian Privacy Act and other departmental guidelines in circumstances that may include hospitalisation, arrest, imprisonment, death, welfare, whereabouts or a crisis situation.
– Provide a range of passport services, including client interviews for Australians in Pretoria and countries of accreditation in accordance with the Australian Passports Act and departmental guidelines
– Perform a range of notarial services consistent with Australian legislation and guidelines
– Provide timely advice and reporting on consular, notarial, and passport matters, including updates to the Embassy’s Crisis Action Plans and Travel Advisories.
– Work closely with the Australian Honorary Consuls in countries of accreditation to ensure they can provide high levels of consular and passport services.
– Establish, strengthen and maintain a strong network of key contacts across the region, including with local authorities, immigration and emergency services organisations, in relation to consular and/or passport matters.
– Develop and update consular and passport content for the Embassy website and social media platforms.
– Maintain consular and passport related databases and filing systems. Reconcile passport revenue when required in line with relevant financial management guidelines.
– Travel as required to conduct passport interviews and for consular purposes in South Africa and accredited countries
– As Sub-Cashier, undertake passport fee related financial management responsibilities in accordance with financial guidelines and delegated authority
– As safe custodian of accountable documents, undertake passport reconciliations and reporting, as required
– Perform visa services on behalf of Papua New Guinea
– Provide other administrative and operational support within the Embassy, including outside of regular business hours, as required.
Qualifications/Experience
– Demonstrated senior level experience working in client services or a similar area. Prior experience in consular and passport services an advantage.
– Ability to communicate professionally and sensitively with clients and authorities, including difficult or distressed clients.
– Demonstrated ability to prioritise work to meet deadlines, problem solve, think strategically and apply judgement and discretion to achieve results.
– Excellent communication skills including fluency in written and oral English. Local dialect and Portuguese language skills desirable.
– Ability to apply relevant guidelines, policies and legislation to complex situations
– Sound knowledge of local laws and customs, government agencies, local authorities, legal and social services in Pretoria or the ability to acquire this knowledge including for countries of accreditation
– Demonstrated organisation and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks with limited supervision while maintaining a high level of attention to detail.
– Strong IT skills, including an understanding of social media and other communication platforms.
To apply for this job email your details to [email protected]