Senior Consultant

Job description / Role

.The business immigration specialists at the Dubai office work closely with members of EY's Human Capital group, to help companies address the challenges associated with managing today's globally mobile workforce. EY helps companies efficiently relocate people wherever they need them to be, anywhere in the world. The firm's comprehensive range of services-from advising on immigration issues and the use of international agreements in immigration matters, to arranging entry visas, work permits or permanent resident status-makes operating across borders less painful and more cost-effective for employers. And for employees, these services mean less stressful, low-risk cross-border travel.

We are currently seeking an experienced professional to assist with multiple and challenging UAE business immigration engagements and to contribute to the delivery of solutions and ideas for our diverse client base. This position offers excellent opportunities for teaming, leadership, and career advancement to the right candidate.

We are currently looking for an individual with the following experience and knowledge:
- Solid understanding of UAE immigration rules and effectively applying this knowledge to client situations.
- Working on multiple MNC client immigration engagements.
- Managing junior team members (associates) responsible for lodging UAE employment visas, residence permits, business visas, visiting embassies etc.
- Reporting to an Immigration Manager (or Assistant Manager), the Senior Consultants primary role is to support the team of immigration managers and manage the team of associates in order to provide compliant immigration advice and co-ordination of visa processing.
- Consultants will have similar responsibilities to Senior Consultants but will require more support and guidance and will be given more responsibility as they gain experience.

Responsibilities:
- Effective and clear communication and development of strong working relationships with client representatives including HR and Global Mobility Managers, assignees and third parties (eg. translation companies, lawyers)
- Liaise with managers to discuss questions raised by the client or to proactively escalate potential issues and then relate information back to the client contact/applicant as appropriate
- Follow up with applicants and HR contacts to obtain copies of release forms/visas/documents
- Collect information from HR contact and applicants and ensure that both internal managers, client contacts and applicants are kept informed of progress in order to manage client and applicant expectations and to ensure effective resource planning
- Research and liaison with government authorities and development and maintenance of strong working relationships with key contacts in the different jurisdictions and free zones within the UAE
- Conduct case assessments with applicant and draft case assessment forms for review, highlighting potential issues, providing clear information and guidance on requirements and supporting the applicant and his/her family throughout the process
- Review application packs as compiled by associates
- Ensure visa applications are submitted in a timely manner, tracked and reported
- Draft emails in response to queries by client
- Plan and proactively manage workload ensuring that urgent work is prioritised, deadlines are met and work is technically accurate, clear, concise and error free
- Delegate appropriate work to associates and assist with their development as appropriate
- Contribute to performance feedback for all levels of staff
- Understand, follow and communicate workplace policies and procedures to team members
- Build strong relationships with other service lines within EY
- Ensure information and expiration dates for applicants' status are input into EYs tracking system and that expiry reports and renewal reminders are actioned as appropriate
- Assist in compiling metrics/reports as required
- Ensure that client files are maintained in accordance with agreed protocols
- Contribute to and ensure maintenance of EYs precedents and proprietary material and update the team regarding any changes to visa processes and procedures, as appropriate
- Ensure adherence to EYs internal quality and risk management procedures
- Take advantage of the available education and learning experiences to ensure that personal and technical skills are developed on an ongoing basis.

Requirements

- Undergraduate university degree, college diploma,
or
- equivalent 2-3 years of business immigration experience, preferably UAE specific
- Must be proactive, highly organized and have the ability to communicate effectively and professionally, to manage own workload with limited supervision and to delegate appropriately
- Excellent English language skills, written and verbal
- Strong attention to detail

About the Company

EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available on our site.

The MENA practice of EY has been operating in the region since 1923. For over 95 years, we have grown to over 7,500 people united across 21 offices and 16 countries, sharing the same values and an unwavering commitment to quality. As an organization, we continue to develop outstanding leaders who deliver exceptional services to our clients and who contribute to our communities. We are proud of our accomplishments over the years, reaffirming our position as the largest and most established professional services organization in the region