View Vacancy - AUS (Canberra) - Executive Assistant to the Defence Adviser, EO

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.
Other British Government Departments (Partners across Government, including UK Visas)
MOD (Ministry of Defence)

Main purpose of job:

To provide efficient and effective administrative support to the Defence Adviser (DA), the Deputy Defence Adviser (ADA) in the DA’s absence, the Office Manager, British High Commission and the wider Defence team as required.

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve:

  • Manage DA diary, including appointments and meetings, coordinating across Defence and the British High Commission.
  • Organise DA visits programmes including all interstate and overseas travel.
  • Book DA’s flights, hotels and car hire for interstate and overseas travel.
  • Organise visits programmes for Military/Ministerial/MOD civilian visitors to Australia as directed by the DA.
  • Maintain DA’s work-related social programme, including liaison with senior defence and ministerial personnel and outer offices.
  • Organising Defence events including arranging for caterers, preparing and sending of invitations and the tracking of RSVPs. Assisting with the delivery of events as and when required.
  • Prepare expense claims forms for the DA including writing draft justifications, if appropriate.
  • Draft the DA’s post visit expense claim forms in consultation with the DA.
  • Undertake research and routine staff work as requested, including assistance with preparation of letters/papers/briefs as required.
  • Create and maintain a strong, professional network both internally in the BHC and externally, in particular with DOD.
  • Maintain the Defence Section Hospitality Register.
  • Maintain the Stakeholders database and VIP/key stakeholders contact lists. 
  • Provide Guidance to DA Driver about office administration and oversee the stationery account; ensure the Driver is briefed daily on the DA’s movements.
  • Be prepared to assist in crisis management.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure): 


Stationery Account

  • IT Skills: Sound working kowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word and Microsoft Outlook. Knowledge of SharePoint is useful but not essential.
  • Driving License:  Holds a current driving license
Changing and Improving, Making Effective Decisions, Delivering at Pace, Working Together
1 February 2023
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time, Permanent
38
Asia Pacific
Australia
Canberra
British High Commission
1
AUD
AUD 80,507
9 May 2023

Salary is at AU$ 80,507 per annum (paid out monthly), plus 11% superannuation.

Appointment is subject to an AFP records check and UK security clearance.

Open to Australian citizens, permanent residents, and partners/ dependents of UK-based diplomatic staff currently posted in Australia.

A security check (and clearance) may be required prior to employment.

Staff recruited locally by the British Consulate General and its Consulates is subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Australian employment law. Interstate applicants will be required to meet their own travel and relocation expenses.

The British Government supports flexible working practices for all employees. Within the Australia Network of posts, employees are supported by the Flexible Working Policy. Any flexible working arrangement is to be agreed between the line manager and successful candidate.

Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):

The Australia network offers a wide range of learning and development opportunities, including job-specific training as necessary and broader learning linked to the FCO Diplomatic Academy.

There are opportunities to job-shadow other staff, and the successful applicant will be encouraged to take part in broader British Consulate General activities.

The British Consulate General is committed to providing all staff with learning and development (L&D) opportunities and we will work with you to develop your own L&D plan.

Working Patterns:

Full time employment (38 hrs). 

The British High Commission supports flexible and remote working for all its employees. A flexible working culture is encouraged by senior leadership however please note, remote working may not be suitable for all roles or business areas. Any flexible and / or remote working arrangement should be agreed with the employee’s line manager. 

Your application must be submitted before 23:55 AEST-Australian Eastern Standard Time (UTC/ GMT +10) on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”

Applications must include a current CV. Kindly omit any personal information such as name, birthdate, address and contact #.

Incomplete application forms will not be taken into consideration, so please ensure you provide the information requested. We regret to advise that we will only be contacting short-listed candidates. Applicants called for an interview will be assessed on the core competencies listed above.

Advertised start date is provisional and subject to completion of reference and security checks.

Kindly check your application centre or email regularly for any update on the status of your application.

Applications will only be considered from Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and building a culturally diverse workplace. We actively encourage applications from people from the widest possible diversity of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Our culture of inclusion is underpinned by our excellent staff networks which cover disability, faith and belief, gender equality, social mobility, age, race, LGBT+, and how to be an ally.

Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

This opportunity is closed to applications.