VISA ASSISTANT - US EMBASSY

Introduction
The Consular Section has an opening for the position of Visa Assistant. The position will be available immediately.
Minimum Requirements

• Completion of high school and two years college studies is required.
• Minimum of three years experience in an office environment translating for the public as needed, handling administrative-related duties and providing customer service is required.
• Level IV (fluent) English and Level IV (fluent) Kiswahili is required.
•  Must have strong writing skills (will be tested).
• Must have advanced computer skills (will be tested on Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power point).
• Must be able to type 45 WPM.

Job Specification
The jobholder will screen and prepare visa cases and passport and consular report of birth abroad applications according to a complex set of laws and procedures.  Procedures are standardized and policies are clearly defined. The jobholder will file and track the status of cases through a computerized system, print passports, visas and other official documents, and perform quality checks on all documents.  The position also involves translation duties, constant public interaction, the handling of sensitive personal information, drafting letters, email correspondence and drafting documents, and the use of multiple computer databases and applications.  The incumbent reports to and is supervised by the LES Supervisor of the unit to which he or she is assigned.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  
Consular Assistance Responsibilities (70% of time) 

• Maintains management controls, as set forth by Consular Management, and relevant parts of the FAM, FAH, and other regulations.
• Serves as needed with the American Citizen Services Unit, Nonimmigrant Visa Unit, Immigrant/Diversity Visa Unit, Fraud Prevention Unit, or as a cashier. 
• Receives, screens, and reviews applications submitted by customers at public counters. 
• Processes visa, consular report of birth abroad, or passport application data. 
• Prints adjudicated documents and checks all printed documents for biodata or typographical discrepancies.  
• Alerts Consular Officer to any missing documents, irregularities or potential fraud indicators.  Informs officer of any particularly complicated, sensitive or improperly processed cases. All of this requires maintaining detailed knowledge of applicable U.S. laws, local laws, FAM and FAH regulations, and civil documents. Alerts FPU and officers to questionable documents.  
• Drafts responses to congressional, attorney and general public inquiries.  Drafts Security Advisory Opinions and other clearances as required.  
• Organizes, maintains, and tracks cases as required by a complex set of laws and procedures. 
• Responds to numerous telephone inquiries regarding information, procedures, and case status, and disseminates information on how to schedule appointments. 
• Creates, updates, and reproduces information sheets and brochures for all Consular units. 
• Interprets from local ethnic languages including, but not limited to Kiswahili, to English for the Consular Officer during American citizen service interviews and visa interviews. 
• Organizes outreach programs aimed at educating the public on Consular services, including visits to institutions such as universities and corporate organizations to address visa and citizen service issues.
• Manages expedited appointments through either the Customer Service Center system or American Citizen Services database.  
• Maintains a visa referral log, ensures applicants adhere to established referral procedures, and that referring officers meet the requirements for referrals.  
• Receives documents from DHL and enters updated data into the applicant's file. 
• Performs other tasks as directed by Consular management. 
• Prepares an inventory of all Consular equipment, ensures that it is in good use, identifies faulty equipment, and orders necessary equipment via the Consular Affairs website.
•  Cashier Responsibilities (30% of time)
• Primary responsibility for consular cashier services and accounting for all daily Consular fee transactions as determined by America Citizen Services, Diversity Immigrant and Non-Immigrant fee schedules. 
• Responsible for the daily delivery of money and accounting tapes to the Embassy Class B Cashier.
• Prepares monthly statistical reports of services for the respective units of the section for use in compiling the Consular package.

Closing date for this position is May 29, 2012. 

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