This role sets the stage for the dynamic diplomatic relationship between the UK and Australia. You will be the creative and logistical wizard behind our events, functions, meetings and hospitality. You will embrace, curate and innovate our brand across our five missions in Australia, and deliver hospitality and an experience for our guests which captures the values and interests we share, and demonstrates the best of British and Australia culture, sustainability and impact.
The British High Commission in Canberra is the HQ at the centre of our five-post Australia Network (comprising Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane). You will join a team of around 140 passionate and enthusiastic colleagues, representing more than ten different UK Government functions and departments represented. You will help us deliver the breadth of the UK-Australia relationship, from security and defence to trade and prosperity, from supporting vulnerable British Citizens to law enforcement, political and foreign policy, and from science and tech to agriculture and health. Not to mention the cricket and football.
This role is based in Canberra, and you’ll be part of the Private Office of the High Commissioner and Deputy High Commissioner, which delivers the effect for our senior leaders.
You will deliver a busy schedule of events in Canberra, including at the High Commissioner’s prestigious Residence (Westminster House), while also making use of the other spaces available to the High Commission. You will work closely with policy teams to deliver dinners, receptions, roundtables and more to support the High Commission’s objectives. The job holder will, over time, increase our commercial income generation through events, working with commercial partners to deliver sponsorship.
The job holder will also support logistics of official and Ministerial visits to Australia. Most recently this included a four city visit by the UK Foreign and Defence Secretaries.
The job holder will also work closely with the Residence manager and the facilities management company to ensure Westminster House is at its best, safe, sustainable and fit for purpose.
This is a busy, high-profile role that provides an insight the work of a High Commission. Every day is different and it would suit someone looking for a challenging and varied role. The job-holder will need excellent organisation skills, the ability to work at pace and manage competing demands. Events, marketing or logistics experience would be a benefit. The job holder will need to work flexibly across two sites in Canberra; the High Commission and the Residence, and be willing to undertake interstate and occasional international travel. We are a busy team. And we are deeply committed to developing and supporting our staff.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Salary is at $98,659 per annum + 12% superannuation.
Appointment is subject to an AFP records check and UK security clearance.
Open to Australian citizens, partners/dependents of UK-based diplomatic staff currently posted in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, US, UK passport holders with local permit/right to work in Australia.
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.
Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):
The successful applicant will have the opportunity to develop a variety of skills and competences on the job, including event management, project management and policy skills.
The British High Commission actively promotes continuous development, and the jobholder will have access to a full range of learning development opportunities including through the UK’s recently established Diplomatic Academy. If they wish to, they will be able to work towards the City and Guilds Diploma in UK Foreign Policy and Diplomacy.
The British High Commission offers a wide range of learning and development opportunities, including job-specific training as necessary and broader learning linked to the FCDO’s International Academy. This includes newly developed online modules on international technology. There are also opportunities to job-shadow other staff, and the successful applicant will be encouraged to take part in broader UK Government activities. The UK Government 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:
The jobholder will be expected to work full-time in the High Commission office though some flexibility can be agreed on timings and expectations.
The overall package includes the standard 14 days of public holidays that the UK in Australia Network works to as well as 22 days annual leave.
Any other information (or specific local post requirements):
Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment and security checks. Staff who are locally recruited by the British High Commission are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to Australia local employment law.
No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position. All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit. Any costs related to obtaining or renewing permits and visas are the responsibility of the successful applicant.
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.
Advertised start date is provisional and subject to completion of reference and security checks.
The FCDO also operates an agile workforce. To facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time as we may reasonably require.’
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 #.
All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the online application form completely including the employment and educational details, experience, professional skills and behaviour-based questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the applications and incomplete form in any respect may not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.
Please ensure that your application is authentically written based on your own experiences. If AI tools are used, their usage must only be limited to specific tasks such as ensuring formatting consistency and keyword relevance. The core content, personal narratives, and responses to behaviour and skill-based questions must genuinely reflect your professional journey, experiences, and achievements. We place great importance on originality and individual effort throughout the application process. Any form of plagiarism will result in immediate disqualification. Only shortlisted candidates for interview will be contacted. Interviewees will be assessed on the core behaviours/qualifications listed above. Unsuccessful candidates will be notified via the system in due time. Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 6 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate”.
Kindly check your application centre or email regularly for any update on the status of your application.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
