Visa Processing Officer - LE3 - Berlin in Berlin bei Australian Embassy

Title: Visa Processing Officer

Department: Home Affairs, Berlin

Contract: Ongoing and Non-Ongoing

Full-time: 37.5 hours per week

Classification: LE3

Salary: 44,448 EUR p/a

About the Department of Home Affairs

The Australian Department of Home Affairs is a central policy agency, providing coordinated strategy and policy leadership for Australia's national and transport security, federal law enforcement, criminal justice, cyber security, border, immigration, multicultural affairs, emergency management and trade related functions.

This position is within the Immigration Programs Division, which delivers the permanent migration and temporary visa programs to maximise the long-term economic and social benefits to Australia across the Skilled, Family and Resident Return visa programs, and through Temporary entry to support tourism, education and international relations.

About the position

Under general direction and within established procedures and guidance, the Visa Processing Officer is responsible for undertaking visa application assessments of varying degrees of complexity. Visa Processing Officers undertake these duties while also completing appropriate verification activities to ensure the integrity of the migration program.

The key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Undertake visa related casework (assess, investigate, decide) for temporary and/or permanent entry to Australia, applying the relevant legislation and policy to make lawful and fair decisions in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations.
• Apply and interpret relevant legislation, policies and procedures to process visa applications, within service standards in a pressured environment, escalating sensitive and more complex cases to senior staff in accordance with office protocols.
• Investigate the integrity of documents and other information in connection with visa applications and escalate any instances of possible fraud.
• Liaise effectively with clients and other stakeholders to achieve work area and departmental business objectives, including conducting client interviews.
• Prepare moderately complex written documentation for visa applicants, including the preparation of visa decision records and client correspondence.
• Maintaining and monitoring data in the various information management systems, relevant to own caseload, to ensure timely, accurate decision-making and to appropriately manage client expectations
• Keeping up to date with new information and advice relating to the organisation, case administration and decision making
• Contributing to section work plans and operational objectives, supporting the management of resources as required and initiating work practice improvements as necessary.

Qualifications/Experience

• Previous experience in lawful decision-making requiring some research and analysis desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to monitor workflow, manage competing priorities to meet deadlines and deliver objectives.
• Good interpersonal skills, including an ability to build and maintain effective team and client relationships.
• Sound written and oral communications skills in English (and preferably also in German).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software applications, and ability to quickly learn to use new information systems.

Selection Criteria

A. Proven experience in a processing environment and ability to apply relevant legislation or policies, demonstrating effective decision-making skills.

B. Highly organised with the ability to manage competing priorities, achieving results while meeting tight deadlines.

C. Good interpersonal and teamwork skills with the ability to facilitate effective client services.

D. Excellent spoken and written communication skills and the ability to communicate with people from diverse backgrounds in a clear, concise and empathetic manner.

E. The ability to maintain accurate data and records in electronic information management systems.

Pitch

Please attach a one-page response in English (max 500 words) outlining any experience relevant to the selection criteria and the key responsibilities outlined against the role above.