Consular Officer

The Embassy is seeking to recruit a resourceful, proactive and flexible individual with previous experience in a similar environment to fill the position of Consular Officer in the Embassy.

Roles and Responsibilities:

The precise range of duties will vary over time according to the needs of the Embassy, but will include the following:

• Responding to public queries received by the Embassy over telephone and email;
• Providing excellent customer service at the Embassy’s public office;
• Taking receipt of and processing visa applications for travel to Ireland, including giving advice on the process to the applicant and liaising with Headquarters and the Department of Justice on any issues;
• Providing consular assistance to Irish citizens and their families;
• Assisting in processing emergency travel documents;
• Providing support to the Consul and undertaking other consular tasks as required;
• Liaise with external service providers on projects;
• Perform occasional translation, bookkeeping, and administrative work;
• Assist with management of Embassy records and consular files;
• Other duties as required, as directed by the Ambassador and Deputy Head of Mission.

Essential Requirements candidates must be able to demonstrate:

• Candidates must have a degree, preferably in disciplines such as:
  • Languages, business administration, management
• Candidates must have previous professional experience in a customer facing role;
• The candidate must demonstrate using work based examples of providing excellent interpersonal skills, being persuasive, working in a team but also dealing effectively with people in external organisations;
• The candidate must provide evidence of flexibility, efficiency and effectiveness showing strong organizational skills, attention to detail, able to work under pressure and to manage multiple tasks;
• The candidate should provide examples of being solutions-oriented, and committed to delivering results, including by adapting approach if necessary;
• The candidate must be fluent in English and German (C1);
• The candidate must demonstrate using examples, their working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel);
• All applicants must have a permanent legal right to reside and work in Switzerland.

Desirable Skills and Experience:

• A strong working knowledge of French.
• A good understanding of the role of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Embassy.
• Local knowledge and previous experience in a similar role in Switzerland.
• Previous experience in a diplomatic mission. The successful applicant will work alongside other local employees of the Embassy, and will report directly to the diplomatic staff in the Mission.

Terms and conditions of employment:

• The successful candidate will be hired on a fixed-term contractual basis for a period of 12 months and will be based at the Embassy of Ireland in Berne. The opportunity for a permanent position may arise.
• Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week, with standard office hours from 9:15am to 5:30pm
• Annual Leave entitlement 21 days per annum.
• The salary for the position is CHF 79,567.70 per annum, paid locally on a monthly basis. Salaries are paid direct to a bank account, therefore, the successful candidate must have a bank account

How to apply

• The Job Description and Application Form for this position are available on our website ireland.ie/berne
• Completed application forms should be sent via e-mail only to Write an email, with the subject line Consular Officer Vacancy.
• Applications must be received before 16:30 hrs. (Local time) on 30 April 2025
• Depending on response rates the deadline may be extended.

Selection Process:

• Depending on the number of applications received, a short-listing of candidates to be called for a competency-based interview may be undertaken based on the Essential Requirements above.
• It is planned that interviews will be held in May 2025.
• A skills test may be included in the recruitment process.
• A second interview may be included in the recruitment process.
• A panel may be set up depending on the calibre of candidates.

General Data Protection Regulation:

All personal information received will be kept in line with GDPR guidelines.

Security Clearance for Local Staff

Police security clearance will be sought in respect of individuals who come under consideration for appointment. Enquiries may also be made with the police force of any country in which the applicant under consideration for appointment resided. If unsuccessful, this information will be destroyed. If the applicant subsequently comes under consideration for another position, they will be required to supply this information again.

Please note that canvassing will disqualify applicants. The Embassy of Ireland is committed to a policy of Equal Opportunity