Consular Officer (Anticipatory)

Summary of Duties:

Under the supervision of the Management and Consular Officer, and per Global Affairs Canada consular mandate, the Consular Officer will be required to:  

• Provide consular services to Canadians in distress and manage consular cases in the regions of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan
• Process applications for Passports and Citizenship and provide notarial services
• Provide support for two Canada Honorary Consul offices in Central Asia
• Contribute to the Embassy's emergency and crisis management preparation
• Analyze and evaluate information to make sound recommendations
• Conduct research on issues in the region related to the consular program
• Represent the Embassy while in contact with Canadians abroad, officials in Central Asia and like-minded counterparts, as well as other interlocutors such as local organizations
• Develop and maintain awareness of the local environments and build a network of relevant contacts  
• Conduct administrative and financial activities for the program, and perform other related duties, as necessary

 

Area of Selection:

Open to all internal and external applicants who hold current documentation allowing them to work in Kazakhstan without restriction, who meet all of the essential requirements stated, and whose applications are received by the closing date. This will be verified by the Embassy at the time of initial screening.  

Please note that the Embassy of Canada to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan does not sponsor work authorizations directly or indirectly.

The Government of Canada is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from diverse sections of the community. Candidates will be considered based on merit. Our organization offers an inclusive workplace where respect, teamwork, and collaboration are part of our culture. Canada’s missions abroad are committed to promoting and supporting an environment free from harassment and discrimination, as well as encouraging and supporting employees to learn and develop their skills and competencies.

 

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates will initially be screened against the Essential Qualifications relating to education, language* and experience.

Candidates must clearly demonstrate when applying to the position how they meet each of these essential qualifications.

*Language will be assessed further during the process. 

Education:

Candidates will be required to provide proof of the completion of their education.

• University degree from a recognized institution in a field related to the position* (other related areas of study may be considered) 

OR 

• an acceptable combination of training and minimum three (3) years' work experience in a governmental or diplomatic organization 

*Related studies and work experience may include but are not limited to the fields of social work, crisis / emergency management, or psychology. 

Language:

• Advanced level in English (written and oral)  
• Advanced level in Russian (written and oral)  
• Intermediate level in Kazakh (written and oral) 

Experience:

• Recent work experience* in responding to public enquiries in a customer service role, and providing advice and services to clients (external or internal clients); 
• Recent experience* in an administrative role establishing and maintaining filing systems and maintaining accurate records; 
• Recent work experience* in the preparation of a variety of documents (e.g. briefing notes, presentations, official correspondence). 
• Experience in building and maintaining a network of professional contacts.

*Recent is defined as at least two (2) years of accumulated experience that was acquired within the last five (5) years. 

 

RATED REQUIREMENTS

The Rated Requirements are part of the essential qualifications and are relating to knowledge, abilities and competencies. Methods of assessment for rated requirements may include, but are not limited to, a written examination, an oral interview (online pre-recorded/live or in-person), role-play, practical tests, presentations and/or psychometric assessment.

Knowledge:

• Sound knowledge of Central Asia institutions and civil documentation (identity, education, employment);
• Knowledge of the Central Asia environment, particularly of local authorities and non-governmental social services and the assistance they offer;
• Professional knowledge of Microsoft Office Products.

* Applicants interested in the Consular Officer position are encouraged to read about Consular Services on this page of the Government of Canada website: About consular services - Travel.gc.ca

Competencies:

• Client orientation
• Resilience and adaptability
• Judgment and discretion 
• Networking and alliance building 
• Demonstrating initiative and being action-oriented 
• Working with others 
• Intercultural proficiency

Abilities: 

• Ability to respond to sensitive or complicated incidents with urgency and discretion
• Ability to manage competing priorities effectively with a high level of detail in a fast-paced work environment
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Ability to analyze, evaluate and present information to facilitate decision making

 

Asset Qualifications:

Preference may be given to candidates who meet the Asset Qualifications. Where applicable, candidates must clearly demonstrate how they meet any asset qualifications.

• Knowledge of the French language (written and oral)
• Experience working in a diplomatic mission or in an international organization 
• Experience providing services to clients in a challenging environment
• Experience in crisis and / or emergency preparation and management
• Studies and / or experience in corporate security, emergency management, or cybersecurity
• Experience writing reports based on research and analysis of information including threat analyses

 

Operational Requirements:

• Working hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday (7.5 hours per day) 
• May be required to work overtime on short notice
• May be required to work outside normal working hours (i.e. evenings and weekends) 
• Requirement to work directly with the public 
• May be required to travel domestically within and/or outside of Central Asia, or internationally
• Work is strictly office-based, work from home is not operationally feasible

 

Conditions of Employment:

Conditions of employment must be met or complied with before being appointed to a particular position, and are to be maintained throughout the employment while being the incumbent of this position.

- Valid work authorization: Ability to obtain and hold a valid work authorization covering the entire employment period.

- Security screening: Obtain and maintain a Reliability Status (security level) which includes a criminal and credit background check from the Government of Canada covering the entire employment period.

- Other conditions of employment:  

Certification of passport management: The appointment of the successful candidate will be subject to passing an exam on the passport issuance with a minimum passing grade of 80% within the first month of employment. The candidate will follow a two-week self-led course to prepare for the exam which will include coaching from the Embassy’s central authority. If the candidate is unable to pass the exam within the first month of employment, the employment will end. If the candidate has already completed the Passport Training for Foreign Operations course, proof of the certification should be then included with the application. 

 

How to Apply

• You must submit your application using the "Apply online" function. Only applications submitted via VidCruiter will be considered, unless a valid reason is presented and accepted prior to the closing date.
• Do not include personal data such as; age, date of birth, gender, marital status, family status, religion or a picture in your application form, CV nor cover letter (as required). Please only include information relevant to the vacancy as requested in the job poster.
• You must clearly demonstrate in answering the screening questions how you meet the education and experience factors listed in the essential and asset qualifications. You must provide specific examples to demonstrate clearly how you meet the qualifications. Global Affairs Canada cannot make any assumptions about your studies nor experience. Simply saying you have the required qualifications or listing your current duties will not be sufficient. Instead, you must provide concrete and detailed examples that clearly explain where, when, and how you gained the experience. No additional information will be sought beyond what you submit in your online application.
• Candidates may be required to upload a CV and/or a cover letter in English or French. These documents may be used as a secondary source to validate the answers to the screening questions.
• Applications which do not include all of the requested documents or information and/or which are not received by the closing date will be rejected.
• Candidates who are unable to submit their application due to technical difficulties must report these to CSDPEA.Candidates-CandidatesetCandidats.PPSCEA@international.gc.ca prior to the closing date. Failure to do so will result in the application being rejected.

Important Notes

• Only applications submitted in one of the official languages of Canada will be accepted (English or French).
• The language requirement for this position is identified under the essential qualifications (language). In consequence, the assessment process for this vacancy will be conducted in English.
• Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidates to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required.
• Candidates must provide an email address that accepts email from unknown users and regularly check their email, including spam folder.
• Reference checks may be sought for candidates who succeeded all of the assessments.
• Please note that the Embassy of Canada to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan does not reimburse any travel costs to and from interviews/exams nor does it reimburse any relocation costs.
• Before an offer of employment can be made, successful candidates must provide a local residence address as proof of residence in the specified area of selection. This information is necessary to issue a letter of offer.
• As recently announced by the Government of Canada, the Policy for Mandatory Vaccination: Canada and the Mission Network is suspended as of June 20, 2022. The Government of Canada will continue to assess the need for additional public health measures, including the possible reintroduction of a vaccination mandate at a later date.
• We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please contact us at CSDPEA.Candidates-CandidatesetCandidats.PPSCEA@international.gc.ca to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.
• The results of this selection process may also be used to establish one or more pools of fully or partially qualified candidates for similar term, indeterminate, part-time or full-time openings at the Embassy of Canada to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan which might arise following the completion of this selection process.
• For Canadian citizens/residents and Canadian dual nationals, please note that it is your responsibility to enquire with the Canadian Revenue Agency about any possible taxation implications linked to an employment with the Government of Canada.