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 Scott H. DeLisi 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 Vis 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:
Universal Application for Employment as a Locally Employed Staff or Family Member (DS-174), Download it Here. Please clearly indicate the position number and position title in this form.
Candidates who claim US Veterans preference must provide a copy of their Form DD-214 with their application. Candidates who claim conditional US Veterans preference must submit documentation confirming eligibility for a conditional preference in hiring with their application.
Any other documentation (e.g. essays, transcripts/certificates, awards) that addresses the qualification requirements of the position as listed above.
Submit Application To:
Human Resources Office
By email at KampalaHR@state.gov
NB: Only electronic submissions will be accepted and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Please clearly indicate the position applied for in the subject area of the email submission.
Please use standard file types such as Microsoft Word (.doc) and Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) and please send all documents in one file attachment.
Telephone: 0414-306001/259-791/5
Deadline: 23rd March, 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.