VACANCY NOTICE - POSITION: Consular Officer, Chennai Consulate
CLOSING DATE: Monday, 5 January 2015
WORK HOURS: Full-time; 37.5 hours Monday to Friday
STARTING SALARY: circa Rs. 52,044 (BB3.M.0)
Australian Consulate General, Chennai, is seeking applications for the position of Consular Officer.
The job description for the position and the selection criteria that the Interviewing Committee will use to assess applicants’ suitability for the positions, are enclosed. Applicants must address each of the selection criteria. Applications that do not specifically address the selection criteria will not be considered.
Employment is offered subject to the successful completion of pre-employment Police and medical checks. Engagement will also be subject to the satisfactory completion of a probationary period of six (6) months.
The salary package includes annual leave, medical and accident insurance, Diwali bonus and provident fund provisions.
Applications should be submitted to the Australian Consulate General, 9th Floor EA Chambers, 49/50L Whites Road, Chennai 600 014 or [email protected] by 4pm on Monday 5 January 2015. Interviews will be held on Thursday, 8th January 2015. Late applications will not be accepted and only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.
JOB DESCRIPTION –CONSULAR OFFICER
CONSULAR & PASSPORT SERVICES
1. Under direction and in collaboration with the Senior Admin Officer (SAO) and Consular Manager (CM) and within the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Telengana, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and the Union Territories of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Puducherry, provide high level support as follows:
a. In accordance with the DFAT Consular Handbook, provide a wide range of welfare and consular services to Australian citizens, including general advice, assistance to those arrested or in prison, assistance to those requiring hospital treatments or assistance to Australians in financial distress.
b. In accordance with the DFAT Passport Manual, and using TARDIS and PICS software systems, provide secure, prompt and courteous passport services to Australian nationals.
c. Draft records of consular assistance provided in the consular systems software (CIS and SATIN) and manage and update the Consular database.
d. Assist with the provision of Notarial Acts.
e. Monitor and update Online Register of Australians Overseas.
f. Maintain consular and passport records for quarterly statistics reporting, accountability and reconciliation purposes.
g. Monitor current affairs in India related to security and safety to be able to provide accurate advice on issues likely to impact on the security and/or welfare of Australian citizens.
h. Maintain and update emergency procedures and contacts on the Crisis Action Plan (CAP) document.
i. Maintain Consular contacts across Southern India and New Delhi.
PROTOCOL & CUSTOMS BACKUP
2. In the absence of CM, under the direction of the SAO, provide high level support as follows:
a. Manage and arrange all protocol issues relating to Diplomatic IDs, Diplomatic visas, official and Australian staff vehicles, customs clearances, inbound and outbound shipments (including the movement of A-based personal effects) and liaison with MEA and State Protocol offices in South India on visits and official delegations.
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT)
3. Under direction of the SAO and in the absence of the LANA, provide high level support as follows:
b. Assist with the overall responsibility and accountability for the operation and security of the IT and telephone systems, in particular, Consular related IT and telephone system.
c. In case of a consular emergency, initiate set up and operation of the crisis room.
d. Monitor and maintain the contact database on Unicel Bulk SMS Portal for mass mailing as per the guidelines.
e. Provide first level support and training to users and liaise with Canberra and regional technical officers in the resolution of software and hardware problems, as required.
f. Assist with all A-based staff residential internet, telephone and satellite/cable TV issues.
FINANCIAL
4. As the relieving Sub cashier, receipt, keep in safe custody and account for all public money.
FIRST AID
5. As Post First Aid officer, administer basic first aid as appropriate.
a. Run monthly checks on the Automatic electronic defibrillator (AED) and First Aid Kits and maintain a record of the same on TRIM.
b. Procure First Aid kits and monitor expiry on contents and replace as necessary.
OTHER DUTIES
6. Other duties as required may include representation on various office committees.
Note:
a. Occupants of this position may be required to work out-of-hours, including on weekends or public holidays, with little or no notice. Travel outside of Chennai to Southern India will likely be involved.
b. With prior consultation, occupants of this position may, at times be rotated through other general client service areas of the Consulate General.
SELECTION CRITERIA
All applicants must make their claims, with reference to the above duties, against the following selection criteria:
1. Demonstrate history of delivering high-level client services and excellent interpersonal skills including an ability to deal with distressed clients in an empathetic, tactful and professional manner, and to make sound judgments.
2. Strong oral and written communication skills in English and Tamil. A working knowledge of Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam and/or Telugu would be an advantage.
3. Proven ability to take initiative, respond to challenges and set priorities. Proven ability to adapt to different work environments.
4. Ability to handle sensitive personal and business information in a confidential manner.
5. High level of experience and knowledge in the management of computer systems and Microsoft software.
6. Relevant experience and tertiary qualifications are desirable.
Please note: Applicants shortlisted for interview may undertake a short computer-based test in English to demonstrate their claims.