The Embassy of Japan has announced vacancies for two local staff members to serve as Assistants within the Consular Section. The recruitment process is aimed at identifying qualified individuals who can provide administrative and client-facing support in consular services. The selected candidates will form part of a professional diplomatic environment, assisting with critical public service functions. Employment Details and Working Conditions The positions are offered under permanent employment terms, subject to the Embassy’s internal regulations and performance expectations. The working arrangement is structured to ensure consistency and operational efficiency within the Consular Section. Key employment conditions include: Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 16:30 Lunch Break: 12:45 to 13:45 Overtime: Occasional overtime may be required, including short-notice emergency duties Work Location: Embassy of Japan, Groenkloof, Pretoria Employment Type: Permanent position Salary: Determined by the Embassy based on the candidate’s academic qualifications, professional experience, and overall suitability The role requires flexibility, reliability, and readiness to respond to consular emergencies when necessary. Application Deadline and Recruitment Timeline All applications must be submitted by 17:00 on 30 April 2026. Any applications received after this deadline will not be considered under any circumstances. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in the next stage of the recruitment process, which includes both a written assessment and a panel interview scheduled between 11 and 15 May 2026. The expected commencement date for successful applicants is early June 2026. Key Responsibilities of the Position The primary responsibility of the role is to support the Consular Section in delivering efficient and effective services to the public. The assistants will be responsible for handling a wide range of consular-related tasks, including: Responding to internal and external enquiries related to consular services Assisting with passport applications and renewals Supporting the issuance and processing of certificates and official documents Assisting with visa-related administrative procedures Providing general administrative and client support within the consular office Ensuring accurate communication through telephone, email, and in-person interactions The position requires attention to detail, professionalism, and the ability to manage sensitive information responsibly. Required Qualifications and Competencies Applicants are expected to meet the following minimum requirements: High-level proficiency in English, both written and spoken, to manage enquiries at the consular counter, via telephone, and through email correspondence Knowledge of Japanese language at JLPT N2 level or above is considered an advantage but is not mandatory Ability to work overtime on short notice, particularly during emergencies or high-demand periods Possession of a valid driver’s licence and access to a reliable personal vehicle Basic computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint Capacity to commit to long-term employment, with a valid South African work permit required for non-citizens Good general health and physical ability to meet job demands Residency within Pretoria, specifically within a 25-kilometre radius of the Embassy The Embassy places strong emphasis on reliability, adaptability, and professionalism in a diplomatic working environment. Application Procedure Interested candidates are required to submit their applications via email to consul@pr.mofa.go.jp before the closing date. Applicants must include the following documents and information: A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) A completed CV summary using the official Embassy template available on the Embassy’s website Current salary information Daytime telephone contact number Email address Contact details of professional referees, including name, job title, organisation, and telephone number The subject line of the email must clearly state:“Application for Local Staff of Consular Section” It is important to note that submitted documents will not be returned. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment. Applicants who do not receive communication should consider their application unsuccessful. Additional Notes and Conditions The Embassy has outlined several important conditions for applicants: All applicants must reside in Pretoria within a 25-kilometre radius of the Embassy Employees are responsible for their own commuting arrangements to and from the workplace Reference checks may be conducted with current and previous employers for candidates with prior work experience Selection will be based strictly on submitted application documents, with shortlisted candidates invited for interviews and assessments Candidates not selected for the shortlist will not receive individual feedback The Embassy does not provide detailed feedback regarding the recruitment outcome All communication regarding the vacancy must be conducted exclusively via email through the Consular Section. VIEW THE CALL FOR APPLICATION HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the vacancy. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.