Personnel Officer - LE4 - Defence - London at The… · London

The successful applicant will be engaged as a locally engaged staff member on a fixed term non-ongoing contract for a period of 24 months by the Australian High Commission, London.

The Fair Work Act 2009 is not intended to apply to the employment of Locally Engaged Staff (LES) at Australia’s overseas diplomatic and consular missions. The successful candidate’s terms and conditions of employment will be governed by the laws of the United Kingdom.

Please be advised that the Australian High Commission, London does not assist with relocation. Any costs associated with taking up the position would be the responsibility of the successful candidate.

About the Department of Defence

The Defence mission and purpose is to defend Australia and its national interests in order to advance Australia’s security and prosperity. Australia's defence policy is founded on the principle of self-reliance in the direct defence of Australia, and capacity to do more where there are shared interests with partners and allies.

About the Australian Defence Staff London (ADS-L)

The role of the ADS-L is to support the Australian High Commissioner in conducting engagements with the United Kingdom, and represent the Government of Australia on Defence matters. The ADS-L supports the Secretary, Chief of Defence, and their Group Heads in achieving their engagement objectives with the United Kingdom, and to support our people in the United Kingdom and Europe.

About the Defence Administration Office (DAO)

The DAO provides in country administrative support to Australian Defence Organisation, Australian Signals Directorate and Australian Submarine Agency personnel, and their families, whilst on long term overseas posting to the UK, Defence Lateral Recruits on enlistment in the ADF and other ADF related business as required.

About the position

The Defence Personnel Officer is responsible for providing specialist personnel support in accordance with current policy and legislation, for all members of the ADO and their recognised dependents on long-term postings.

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

• Provide administrative support, sound advice and recommendations based on current legislation and policy on a wide range of administrative tasks.
• Coordinate workflow and prioritise administrative tasks pertaining to ADO personnel and their dependants, making independent decisions and determinations within the bounds of the position delegations.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders including clients and UK third party suppliers to facilitate the transfer of personnel between the UK and Australia. This includes securing accommodation, transport, financial/banking services and any additional administrative services needed to assist with settling in the UK and return to Australia.
• Conduct routine financial administration including maintaining financial records, preparing claims for payment and/or reimbursement, ensuring accuracy and compliance with all appropriate procedures and policies.
• Understand and interpret applicable Personnel policy guidance. Provide timely and accurate advice to clients regarding personal entitlements and local policy.
• Liaise with the UK Ministry of Defence, Australian Defence agencies and other Australia High Commission agencies as required to obtain further advice, support, and guidance on personnel issues.
• Act as a contract administrator providing financial oversight and ADO specific advice to external stakeholders contracted to support the delivery of service conditions to ADO personnel. This includes attending third party supplier meetings, developing and maintaining effective partnerships, providing input and feedback on contract management key performance indicators and ensuring open communication for service delivery issues.
• Coordinate and create written documents pertaining to ADO personnel entitlements, including but not limited to arrival and departure procedures, long and short-term accommodation, international removals, healthcare, processing of payments and reimbursements.
• Vet potential local suppliers of commercial/serviced accommodation and make recommendations to the Assistant Defence Adviser and Chief of Staff London as to suitability and value.

Qualifications/Experience

• Demonstrated experience providing high-level executive and administrative support.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Sound communication and interpersonal skills and ability to build and maintain effective working relationships.
• Excellent level of spoken and written English with the ability to produce high-quality, accurate written materials.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a small team with minimal supervision.
• Ability to exercise discretion and manage sensitive information in accordance with policy requirements.
• Competency in electronic records management to meet audit requirements and to allow effective management of budgets.

Security Requirements

• Australian Baseline security clearance or ability to gain same. Therefore, applicants must hold citizenship of Australia, New Zealand, USA, UK or Canada to be considered.

Selection Criteria

Please ensure you provide a response to each of the listed selection criteria below. In your response, 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 to each selection criteria. The panel may not assess incomplete applications or responses which exceed the word limit.

A. Well-developed planning and organisational skills to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a high-volume, client-focused environment and achieve the required outcomes and deadlines.

B. An ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and to adapt your style according to the audience, including both internal and external stakeholders.

C. Ability to develop and support productive working relationships and work effectively in a team, showing flexibility and initiative.

D. The ability to effectively interpret and apply policies, delivering high-quality advice based on these policies to the relevant stakeholders.

E. Good financial knowledge, including the ability to maintain accurate financial records, manage supplier contracts and payments and to ensure they comply with relevant financial guidelines and policies.

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 use the 'Apply' button below. Please direct any other queries to recruitment.london@dfat.gov.au.

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.

Benefits package

Up to 11% employer pension contribution, flex time provisions, 20 days of recreational leave and up to 14 public holiday days