The French Embassy in Kenya and Somalia serves as the official diplomatic mission of the French Republic to both the Republic of Kenya and the Federal Republic of Somalia. Based in Nairobi, the Embassy plays a central role in fostering and strengthening the multifaceted relationships between France and these two East African nations. It operates under the leadership of the Ambassador of France, who represents the French government and promotes its interests in the region.
In Kenya, the Embassy focuses on a broad range of bilateral engagements that include political dialogue, economic cooperation, cultural exchange, educational collaboration, environmental initiatives, and support for innovation and development. France is a committed partner in Kenya’s sustainable growth and has developed strong ties with Kenyan institutions in areas such as climate action, infrastructure, health, and governance.
With Somalia, the Embassy oversees France’s diplomatic presence and cooperation efforts, supporting peacebuilding, state reconstruction, and humanitarian assistance through strategic partnerships. The Embassy engages with Somali authorities and civil society to promote stability, democratic governance, and inclusive development.
The consular section of the Embassy provides services to French nationals residing in or traveling through Kenya and Somalia, including passport issuance, civil status registration, and consular protection. It also processes visa applications for individuals wishing to travel to France or its overseas territories.
Cultural diplomacy is a core aspect of the Embassy’s mission. Through institutions such as the Alliance Française and various bilateral programs, the Embassy promotes the French language, artistic expression, and intellectual exchange.
Overall, the French Embassy in Kenya and Somalia is committed to enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation through active diplomacy, people-to-people ties, and shared values of peace, progress, and international solidarity.
Temporary Visa Officer
The French Embassy in Kenya is pleased to announce a unique employment opportunity for individuals who are passionate about public service and diplomatic relations. The Embassy is currently seeking a qualified candidate to fill the role of Temporary Visa Officer within its Visa Service. This position offers a unique chance to work in a dynamic, multicultural diplomatic environment, contributing to the operations of the French diplomatic mission in Kenya and Somalia.
Applicants who meet the outlined qualifications and are looking for an opportunity to join a reputable international institution with a professional work culture are highly encouraged to apply. This fixed-term position offers exposure to the administrative aspects of consular work and requires high levels of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality.
Job Title: Temporary Visa Officer
Duty Station:
French Embassy in Kenya – Peponi Gardens, off Peponi Road – Nairobi
Contract Type:
Fixed-Term Contract (4 months)
Start Date:
June 1, 2025
Trial Period:
1 month
Working Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Gross Monthly Salary:
310,830 Kenyan Shillings (KES)
Job Description
The selected candidate will work under the supervision of the head of the visa department and in coordination with other Embassy personnel. The position involves a range of responsibilities that contribute to the effective and secure processing of visa applications. The visa officer will act as a liaison between the public and the French Embassy’s consular services, ensuring that all documentation and procedures adhere to French and Schengen visa regulations.
Core Responsibilities
- Administrative Processing of Visa Applications
- Receive visa applications submitted by the public and ensure they are appropriately logged into the consular system.
- Perform data entry tasks related to each application, ensuring accuracy and consistency with provided documents.
- Verify that the required documents are included and meet the standards of completeness and legality.
- Flag incomplete or suspicious applications for further review by senior staff.
- Organize appointments and manage schedules for application submissions if required.
- Email Correspondence and Public Communication
- Respond to inquiries received through email regarding the visa process, requirements, and application status.
- Offer guidance to applicants on required documentation, processing timelines, and common challenges.
- Provide updates to applicants on the status of their applications, ensuring clarity and professionalism in all communications.
- Archiving and Records Management
- Systematically archive processed visa applications and related documents, both physically and digitally.
- Maintain an organized and secure filing system for all visa records in compliance with data protection policies.
- Retrieve archived files when necessary for reviews or audits.
- Collaboration and Internal Coordination
- Work closely with other visa officers and administrative staff to ensure a smooth workflow within the department.
- Attend internal meetings when required and contribute to discussions related to improving consular services.
- Assist in training or onboarding new staff or interns when needed.
- Customer Service and Reception
- Greet applicants and provide clear, courteous instructions regarding visa application processes.
- Address general questions from walk-in applicants or scheduled visitors.
- Handle occasional challenging interactions with professionalism and poise.
Key Attributes and Competencies Required
The role demands a well-rounded individual who not only possesses administrative capabilities but also excels in interpersonal communication and ethical conduct. Candidates must display a genuine interest in public service and have the capacity to operate in a high-pressure, multicultural setting.
- Discretion and Confidentiality
- The visa officer will handle sensitive personal information daily. The ability to protect this information with discretion is mandatory.
- Integrity
- High ethical standards and honesty are vital, particularly when dealing with document verification and eligibility decisions.
- Teamwork
- The Embassy fosters a collaborative work environment. The ideal candidate should thrive in a team setting and be willing to support colleagues as needed.
- Self-Control and Public Interaction
- The visa officer must maintain professionalism in all public interactions, especially when facing stressful or emotionally charged situations.
- Attention to Detail and Rigor
- Visa application processing requires precision. The officer must avoid errors that could impact travel outcomes for applicants.
- Office IT Proficiency
- A strong command of general office software, including word processing, spreadsheets, email systems, and archiving software, is essential.
Attributes
Discretion and Confidentiality Required
In the role of a visa officer, discretion is paramount. The individual will handle sensitive personal information such as travel history, financial records, identity documents, and personal circumstances. Maintaining strict confidentiality is essential to uphold the trust of applicants and the integrity of the Embassy. Any breach of confidentiality not only compromises the individual’s professional credibility but could also have legal and diplomatic consequences. The ideal candidate must exhibit mature judgment and consistently protect sensitive information from unauthorized disclosure.
Integrity
Integrity is a foundational value for this position. The officer must demonstrate honesty and fairness in all dealings with applicants, colleagues, and supervisors. This includes ensuring that visa procedures are followed transparently, documents are evaluated fairly, and no personal bias or external influence affects the decision-making process. A strong moral compass will help the officer act ethically in situations that demand impartiality and accountability.
Ability to Work in a Team
The Embassy operates as a closely-knit environment where collaboration is key. The selected candidate must work effectively with other visa officers, administrative staff, and occasionally with senior diplomats. This means being receptive to feedback, sharing responsibilities, and contributing to a positive work culture that promotes unity and shared success.
Self-Control, Ability to Welcome and Communicate with the Public
Applicants come from diverse backgrounds and may be anxious, emotional, or confused. The officer must handle all interactions calmly and professionally. Good interpersonal skills, patience, and emotional intelligence are necessary to maintain decorum, offer assistance, and respond appropriately under pressure.
Rigor
This role requires a meticulous approach to detail. The officer must be thorough in verifying documentation, following procedures, and maintaining accurate records. Oversights can result in visa errors, delays, or security risks, making precision an essential trait.
Good Command of Office Automation
Efficiency in using digital tools is vital. The officer should be proficient in office software (Word, Excel, Outlook), data entry systems, and electronic archiving to process applications swiftly and securely. Familiarity with consular systems is an added advantage.
Conditions of Employment
The successful candidate will be offered a fixed-term employment contract with the French Embassy. The following are the key employment terms:
- Start Date: The appointment will commence on June 1, 2025.
- Duration: 4 months with a trial period of one (1) month.
- Salary: A gross monthly compensation of 310,830 Kenyan Shillings.
- Work Schedule: Full-time, following the Embassy’s operational hours.
- Workplace: Embassy of France in Kenya, located at Peponi Gardens, Nairobi.
Deadline for Application
All interested applicants must submit their applications by May 5, 2025. Applications received after this date will not be considered.
How to Apply
This opportunity represents more than a job—it is a gateway into the diplomatic world, a space for personal and professional growth, and a chance to make a tangible contribution to the relationship between France and Kenya/Somalia. If you possess the qualities outlined and are passionate about public service, you are highly encouraged to apply.
