The Australian High Commission in Nairobi is pleased to announce multiple career opportunities within its Department of Home Affairs – Immigration and Border Protection section. Talented and motivated individuals are invited to apply for Visa Processing Officer (VPO) – Level 3 (LE3) and Senior Visa Processing Officer (SVPO) – Level 4 (LE4) positions. These roles offer a dynamic and challenging work environment in a multicultural diplomatic setting and provide valuable exposure to Australia’s immigration and border protection frameworks.
Overview of the Vacant Positions
The available positions fall into two key categories:
- Visa Processing Officers (VPOs) – Level 3 (LE3)
- Senior Visa Processing Officers (SVPOs) – Level 4 (LE4)
There are multiple vacancies anticipated across both categories. The High Commission is recruiting for both ongoing (permanent) and non-ongoing employment contracts.
All positions are full-time roles, requiring 37.5 working hours per week and based at the Australian High Commission offices in Nairobi, Kenya.
Position Descriptions and Key Responsibilities
1. Visa Processing Officer (VPO) – LE3
Visa Processing Officers report to senior staff and are responsible for supporting Australia’s immigration and border protection goals through effective, lawful, and efficient visa processing. The VPO role involves routine and moderately complex visa casework, contributing to timely, fair, and policy-compliant decisions.
2. Senior Visa Processing Officer (SVPO) – LE4
Senior Visa Processing Officers undertake more advanced duties compared to VPOs. While they perform many of the same core functions, they are also entrusted with a higher level of independence, leadership in specific tasks or projects, and oversight responsibilities. SVPOs may also act as subject-matter experts, lead training for new staff, or assist in the resolution of complex and sensitive visa cases.
Shared Responsibilities for VPO and SVPO Positions
While the level of autonomy and complexity differs between LE3 and LE4, the general responsibilities for both positions include:
- Visa Casework and Decision Making:
Processing and assessing various types of visa applications in accordance with Australian immigration law and policies. This involves interpreting and applying legislation to ensure all decisions are consistent, legally sound, and aligned with the Department’s policy objectives. - Client Communication and Documentation:
Preparing correspondence and documentation for visa applicants, including outcome letters, requests for additional information, and general visa processing communications. Ensuring clarity, professionalism, and accuracy in written responses. - Stakeholder Engagement:
Liaising with internal and external stakeholders, including applicants, government authorities, employers, educational institutions, and other relevant parties on operational and administrative matters. - Recommendation Preparation:
Compiling reports and briefings for senior staff, outlining findings, recommendations, and decisions based on policies, guidelines, and supporting documentation. - Information and Record Management:
Maintaining accurate records of client cases and financial transactions. Ensuring compliance with document retention procedures and data protection protocols. - Team Collaboration and Workload Management:
Planning and prioritizing personal work to meet service standards and contribute to team outcomes. Collaborating closely with colleagues to ensure consistent and high-quality service delivery. - Risk and Integrity Management:
Upholding the integrity of the visa system by detecting, reporting, and responding to potential fraud, document forgery, or irregularities. Monitoring risk indicators and working with supervisors to manage emerging threats to the integrity of visa processing. - Training and Mentorship (for SVPOs):
Assisting with onboarding and supporting junior officers. Sharing knowledge and expertise with the wider team and contributing to training programs.
Selection Criteria and Essential Qualifications
To be considered for either the VPO or SVPO position, applicants must meet the following core selection criteria:
1. Communication Skills (Written and Oral)
Applicants must demonstrate a high level of English language proficiency, both spoken and written. This includes the ability to prepare reports, draft professional correspondence, and communicate clearly and sensitively with diverse stakeholders.
2. Client Service and Cultural Awareness
Demonstrated ability to work respectfully with individuals from different cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic backgrounds. Applicants should display empathy and professionalism when dealing with complex or emotionally charged situations.
3. Adaptability and Change Management
The roles demand flexibility, initiative, and the capacity to adapt to organisational changes, emerging priorities, and evolving immigration policies.
4. Time Management and Team Collaboration
Proven ability to manage time effectively under pressure. Applicants should be able to multitask, meet deadlines, and function cooperatively in a team-based environment.
5. Analytical Thinking and Decision-Making
Strong analytical skills and the capacity to interpret policy, legislation, and procedural guidelines. Applicants must be able to make sound decisions using evidence, policy frameworks, and professional judgement.
6. ICT Proficiency
Competence in using standard software applications, particularly Microsoft Word and Excel. A willingness to learn and operate bespoke visa management and document tracking systems is also essential.
Salary and Employment Conditions
| Position Title | Visa Processing Officer (LE3) | Senior Visa Processing Officer (LE4) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Salary | KES 161,213 | KES 215,354 |
| Employment Type | Ongoing and Non-Ongoing | Ongoing and Non-Ongoing |
| Working Hours | Full-time (37.5 hours per week) | Full-time (37.5 hours per week) |
| Location | Australian High Commission, Nairobi | Australian High Commission, Nairobi |
| Probationary Period | Three (3) months | Three (3) months |
| Start Date | To be confirmed | To be confirmed |
Please note that employment is contingent upon satisfactory medical and police/security checks, which will be conducted in Kenya. The final start date will be confirmed only after successful completion of these checks.
Eligibility Requirements
Only eligible applications will be reviewed. To be considered, applicants must:
- Be legally authorised to work in Kenya. Applicants must ensure they possess the relevant documentation and comply with local immigration laws regarding employment at foreign diplomatic missions.
- Submit all application materials in English.
- Submit the required documents in the correct format. Application packages must be submitted as a single PDF file, combining the resume (CV) and Statement of Claims. Submissions via external sharing platforms (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) will not be considered.
Application Instructions
To apply for the position, applicants must submit the following in a single PDF document:
1. Resume (Curriculum Vitae)
- Maximum two A4 pages.
- Outline your professional background, previous roles, achievements, and relevant experiences.
- Include the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of two referees whom the High Commission may contact (with your permission).
2. Statement of Claims
- Maximum one A4 page.
- Address each of the three selection criteria listed below. Use practical examples from your past experience to illustrate your competency and suitability for the role.
Selection Criteria to Address in Statement of Claims:
- Understands:
Provide an example of how you interpreted and applied legislation, policies, or procedures to arrive at a decision. - Connects:
Share an experience where your communication skills (oral and written in English) helped you effectively interact with clients or stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. - Innovates:
Describe a situation where you introduced or supported a change in workplace practices or processes, demonstrating initiative and innovation.
3. Indicate Where You Saw the Job Posting
In your application, please include a brief mention of how you came to know about this vacancy (e.g., Australian High Commission website, social media platforms, job boards, etc.).
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted no later than:
Tuesday, 22 April 2025 at 4:30 PM (Nairobi Time)
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. Those shortlisted may be required to:
- Demonstrate English language proficiency
- Complete a Work Sample Test relevant to the position
Important Notes
- This recruitment is being conducted by the Australian High Commission Nairobi, and employment will be governed by local Kenyan labour laws.
- Appointment to the advertised roles will be subject to satisfactory completion of medical and security clearances.
- The Australian High Commission is committed to diversity, inclusion, and merit-based recruitment. All qualified individuals, regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability status, or background, are encouraged to apply.
- Feedback on the recruitment process will be available on request, but only for those applicants who were shortlisted.
Apply Now
If you are ready to embark on a meaningful career that involves international cooperation, legal integrity, and public service excellence, this is your opportunity to join a respected diplomatic mission. Your contribution will support Australia’s immigration efforts while offering professional growth within a global work environment.
