An opportunity has arisen for an International Student Adviser to join our Student Immigration Team, working on a part-time (0.5 full-time equivalent) basis. The role holder will work alongside our full-time international adviser to provide advice to international students on all aspects of living and studying in the UK. The post-holder will provide specialist immigration advice to allow students to make successful visa applications, working closely with colleagues in the Visa Compliance Team who deal with the compliance aspects of UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) legislation as it affects University. The advice given is regulated by the OISC (Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner) and the post-holder will be required to demonstrate they have already undertaken or commit to undertaking formal OISC training and undertake supervised experience to appropriate standards.

The University has a large cohort of international students and International Student Advisers provide professional advice on immigration matters to students and their families by email, phone, during appointments/drop-in sessions, and during information and outreach events. The role requires initiative, attention to detail, accuracy and the ability to deal with students, staff and external stakeholders, including parents, in a clear and professional manner.  You will have experience of working in a busy, first response, setting, and of working with young people, with experience of students proving an advantage.  You must be willing to share information with your colleagues within this unit in a professional co-working context. An ability to remain calm under pressure and to prioritise work is vital. This person will have to work in a fast paced environment and should be sufficiently resilient and robust to rise to this challenge with a flexible approach.

Important information about this role:

The main purpose of the role is to provide immigration advice and assist students with visa applications. As such, the post-holder must have undertaken required training at OISC Levels 1 and 2. 

• Applicants who can evidence that they are have already completed required training at OISC Levels 1 and 2 at the point of application will be considered for appointment to the position at Grade 6.

• Applicants who are not trained or experienced in the delivery of OISC regulated advice and guidance to students in an international setting at the point of application will be considered for appointment to a development role, and initially placed on grade 5. This provides the opportunity for the role holder to develop and build up relevant experience, in a structured manner, and to complete relevant OISC Level 1 and 2 training which will equip them to work within the OISC framework in the context of higher education, developing the skills and competencies required to effectively undertake the full grade 6 role. It is expected that this development will take place over a period of a maximum of 2 years. Upon successful completion of the Level 2 training, the role holder will move to grade 6 point 30.

• Please ensure that you indicate in your application whether you wish to be considered at Grade 6 or Grade 5.

The successful applicant will be required to work 18.125 hours per week but also to work flexibly at peak times. The role holder will work with the full time International Adviser within the unit, and reports to the Deputy Academic Registrar. The post holder will meet with students experiencing a wide range of issues and therefore relevant training will be given in other areas of the service.

Further information and informal enquiries may be directed to Heather McNeill, Deputy Academic Registrar email: hm248@st-andrews.ac.uk. 

Applications are particularly welcome from people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented in professional posts at the University.  

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the St Andrews experience.  We strive to create a fair and inclusive culture demonstrated through our commitment to diversity awards (Athena Swan, Carer Positive, LGBT Charter, Race Charters and Stonewall). We celebrate diversity by promoting profiles of BAME, LGBTIQ+ staff and supporting networks including the Staff BAME Network; Staff with Disabilities Network; Staff LGBTIQ+ Network; and the Staff Parents & Carers Network.  Full details available online: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/.

In accordance with the new immigration rules, it is with regret that this role does not meet the current suitability requirements set by the UKVI to enable sponsorship of migrant workers.  The University encourages all interested candidates to apply regardless of nationality and all applications received are assessed against the essential and desirable criteria listed in the further particulars.  The successful candidate will have to demonstrate their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment and where required, obtain the right to work in the UK without relying on University sponsorship.  Information on other visa options is available at https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa or by contacting our HR Immigration Team on hrimmigration@st-andrews.ac.uk.

This post will be primarily based at the Eden Campus at Guardbridge, a state-of-the-art working environment for professional services units.

Closing Date: 12 June 2023

Interview Date: 27 June 2023

Please quote ref: AD2588SB

Further Particulars: AD2588SB FPs.doc

Academic Registry

Salary: £36,333 - £43,155 per annum pro rata (£37,099 - £44,263 pro rata from 1 August 2023)

Start: As soon as possible