View Vacancy - AUS (Canberra) - Executive Assistant to the Defence Adviser, B3

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)

Applications are invited for the position of Executive Assistant to the Defence Adviser at the British High Commission in Canberra for a fixed-term contract of 2 years. 

The main purpose of the job is to provide efficient and effective administrative support to the Defence Adviser (DA), the Assistant Defence Adviser (ADA) in the DA’s absence, the British High Commission and the wider Defence team as required.

Key element to this role will be providing support to the Exchange Officer (EO) programme to include:

  • 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 ADA’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.
  • Prepare DRE expense claims forms for the DA and ADA Military Adviser (MA)including writing draft justifications.
  • Draft the DA’s post visit expense claim forms in consulation 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.
  • Oversees the Defence Section Hospitality Register.
  • Provide Guidance to DA Driver about office administration; prepare weekly/daily driving programmes.
  • Be prepared to assist in crisis management.

 


  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Similar experience in a team support or Personal Assistant / Secretary / Executive Assistant role
  • Sound working kowledge of Microsoft Office (particularly Excel and Word) and Microsoft Outlook
  • Holds a current driving license

3 December 2017
Executive Officer (EO)
Fixed Term
38
24 months
Asia Pacific
Australia
Canberra
British High Commission
1
AUD
70, 890
8 January 2018
7 February 2020

Salary is at AU$ 70,890 per annum (paid out monthly), plus 11% superannuation.

Initial appointment is for two years. The formal job description may be subject to amendment in the future.

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

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

Staff recruited locally by the British High Commission and its Consulates is subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Australian employment law.

The British Government supports flexible working practices. Interstate applicants will be required to meet their own travel and relocation expenses. 


All applications must be received before 11:55PM AEST-Australian Eastern Standard Time (UTC/ GMT +10) on 03 December 2017.

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.

To those applicants not short-listed, we extend our appreciation for considering the British Government as a potential employer.

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.