About the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The role of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is to advance the interests of Australia and Australians internationally. This involves strengthening Australia’s security, enhancing Australia’s prosperity, delivering an effective and high-quality overseas aid program and helping Australian travellers and Australians overseas. 

The department provides foreign, trade and development policy advice to the Australian Government. DFAT also works with other Australian government agencies to drive coordination of Australia’s pursuit of global, regional and bilateral interests.

About the Position

Under limited direction, this position plans and organises Embassy events and visits, including all related administration. This position also performs a range of other corporate enabling and client service duties to contribute to the efficient functioning of the Australian Embassy, Bern.

Key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• In conjunction with the Political Research and Corporate Affairs Manager, conduct day-to-day administrative and operational duties of the office.
• Lead on the planning and implementation of the Embassy’s public diplomacy agenda in close collaboration with the A-based team.
• Developing plans for, and overseeing the management of events and exhibitions, and in collaboration with the Ambassador and Residence staff, arrange representational events and functions, including coordinating contracts, catering, guestlists and invitations.
• Maintaining the Embassy’s website and supporting the Head of Mission in social media content generation, scheduling and reporting.
• Perform driving duties for the Head of Mission, Embassy staff and visiting officials and perform courier services as required.
• Prepare a range of high-level written correspondence, briefings and reports on financial, protocol and administration matters.
• Undertake procurement, asset replacement and inventory management activities in line with policies and proce
• dures.
• Network and liaise with local stakeholders in relation to operational matters.
• Supervise and manage local contractors.
• Provide back-up support for the Political Research and Corporate Affairs Manager as required.
• Any other duties as required.

Qualifications/Experience

• Demonstrated experience using social media in a professional context, including an ability to draft social media posts.
• Demonstrated experience working within a formal administrative framework.
• Familiarity with Australian and/or Swiss Government procedures is an advantage.
• Ability to work with limited direction, to set priorities, exercise initiative and meet deadlines.
• Strong capacity to exercise sound judgement and discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to contribute effectively in a busy team environment, including strong organisation and interpersonal skills, flexibility, and adaptability.
• High level of IT proficiency, including Microsoft Office products. 
• Fluent written and spoken English.
• French/German language skills would be an advantage.
• Valid driver’s licence with relevant driving experience and a proven safety record.

Desirable qualities

• Excellent attention to detail and record-keeping.
• Flexibility and a willingness to perform a wide range of varied tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to work as an effective, reliable and trustworthy small team member in a changing, and highly pressured small office work environment.
• Ability to prioritise workloads, maintain confidentiality and work effectively under pressure.
• A willingness to work outside of standard hours as necessary.

Selection Criteria

In your written statements, you must include relevant high-level examples from your experience that support your claims against the role. The word limit is strictly 250 words per response. The panel will not assess responses which exceed the word limit.

A. Experience organising events, meetings or travel for high-profile individuals or organisations.

B. Demonstrated experience using social media in a professional context and the ability to draft high-quality written content and build audiences and engagement.

C. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to facilitate and promote effective interactions with internal and external stakeholders.

D. Ability to manage supplier contracts and take responsibility for managing procurement and administrative activities with a high level of accuracy.

E. Strong organisation and planning skills, with the ability to work effectively and flexibly in a team environment.

The Human Resources Section based in the Australian High Commission, London is responsible for managing all recruitment processes across the European region. To apply, please click on this link . 

We are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees are valued. We appreciate the experiences, skills and perspectives of all individuals. We actively encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds who share  our values .