Senior Consular Affairs Officer at Dynamic People Consulting (DPC)

Job level: 07, hours per week: 38 (fulltime)

General Description

In the position as Senior Consular Affairs Officer you work in a small team at our Consular Affairs department at the embassy. As the Senior Consular Affairs Officer, you will work on every aspect of the consular work, including those that are more sensitive and complex. You do not merely provide consular services, but you also inform authorities and interested third parties on legislation (and its interpretation) in the assigned field of work, implements specific regulations and performs various sensitive/complex duties.

The senior consular affairs officer fulfills generally formulated assignments (working independently without direct supervision by a superior), enjoying freedom of choice about method of preparation, way of working and implementationAlso, you are granted a large degree of independence as regards personal conduct (in contacts with interested third parties/private individuals) and use of own judgement (assessment of applications for travel documents, for visas and authorizations for temporary stay, etc.). 

You work closely with our partners, f.e. our Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Netherlands, our colleagues at our embassy, VFS, etc., to provide excellent service to our customers. 

TASKS 

• Answering general and specific consular questions on any topic, from simple to complex (visa, passport, option procedures, adoption etc.).
• Processing of visa (short and long stay) and passport applications, 
• Liaise with the back office at our Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Hague.
• Processing legalization requests.
• Liaise with DNA specialist to take samples, interviewer for family reunification purposes.
• Conduct civic and naturalization exams.
• Prepare consular statements for Dutch nationals.
• Acquire and update knowledge on all possible consular topics.
• Provide consular assistance to Dutch nationals in need. 

RESULT AREAS

1. 1. Consular Services
2. Assessing completeness of applications for, for example, travel documents, visas and authorizations for temporary stay, etc. for compliance with statutory requirements, and checking whether the accompanying documents are complete and accurate.
3. 2. Information and knowledge transfer
4. Informing authorities and interested third parties on legislation (and its interpretation) in the assigned field of work.
5. Advising and/or providing information on the interpretation and implementation of regulations in the consular field and associated legislation, the application of legislation and/or ministerial orders and guidelines, and action to be taken to encourage efficient provision of and accounting for consular aid and assistance.
6.  
7. 3. Implementation of specific regulations 
8. Providing substantive support by preparing advice and decisions (on nationality issues, recognition, visas, etc.) and, in that connection, gathering information and assessing it in the light of existing legislation, regulations, instructions, guidelines and applicable case law. Keeping the daily financial records, and records of fees and chancery dues.

Competences

1. Integrity
2. Accuracy
3. Initiative
4. Empathy
5. Result Orientation
6. Client Orientation

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nairobi is, besides Kenya, also responsible for Somalia and the Seychelles. The Ambassador is moreover Permanent Representative to UNEP and UN-Habitat. The embassy is an integrated organization that consists of approx. 50 employees, including attachés from several ministries in the Netherlands. The embassy comprises several clusters, which reflect the different areas of responsibility such as  Trade and Investment, Development Cooperation,  Humanitarian assistance, Somalia, Defense, Agriculture, Security, Political and Cultural Affairs, Communication, Consular and General affairs.

The Head of Mission has overall responsibility for the work of the embassy, whilst the Deputy Head of Mission is also head of  Trade & Investment and Development Cooperation clusters. Next to the Deputy Head of Mission a deputy permanent representative for UNEP/Habitat and a deputy ambassador for Somalia are part of the mission.

The Consular Affairs team consists of 2 people and is part of the larger team  General Affairs department in the Embassy. 

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge and field of experience:

• Knowledge of the relevant legislation and regulations (consular matters, visas, chancery dues, etc.) and implementation provisions.
• Knowledge of relevant policy on migration and consular affairs, aspects of implementation in relation to international agreements and national legislation and case law, and the legislation and regulations in force.
• Skill in explaining the legislation applicable to the work.
• Skill in providing advice and drawing up reports.
• Skill in gathering and clarifying information and providing periodic management information.
• Social and communication skills and skill in overcoming differences in interests in direct contact with a wide variety of clients.
• Work in the consular field is always ‘on the move’ and changes regularly. This requires flexibility.
• Good collaborative skills and team player spirit.

Short characterization of the suitable employee:

1. Accurate and precise.
2. Socially skilled and empathic attitude.
3. Able to work independently under limited supervision.
4. Able to work under pressure.
5. Keen to learn.
6. Ability to work in a multicultural organization.
7. Excellent team player.

Level of education:

• Higher professional level.
• Relevant experience.
• Knowledge of consular rules and regulations is an advantage.
• Excellent communication skills in Dutch and English. Knowledge of Kiswahili is an advantage. 

WHAT CAN WE OFFER?

• An agreement for 38 hours/week
• End-of-year bonus. 
• Option to participate in the (local) healthcare plan.
• A challenging, high level international environment.
• Friendly, open work atmosphere. 

IMPORTANT NOTE

The selected candidate will have to have all relevant residence and work permits to live and work in Kenya. In case the selected candidate does not have a residence and/or work permit yet, the candidate will have to apply for one with the relevant authorities in Kenya. Costs for these applications and permits are to be borne by the candidate.