Australian Embassy Defence Office Manager

Australian Embassy

Brussels, Belgium

Australian Embassy to Belgium, Luxembourg and Mission to the EU & NATO

The Australian Embassy to Belgium and Luxembourg and Mission to the EU and NATO in Brussels has a vacancy for a Defence Officer Manager. The position will be full-time and the successful applicant must be able to commence in June 2013. The position is based on a fixed-term contract and is available immediately for a period of two years. The position will report directly to and provide support to the Australian Defence Adviser.

Duties include:

• Provide office and administrative support to the Australian Military Representative to NATO and the EU;
• Liaise effectively with both internal and external agencies and organisations;
• Manage the Military Representative’s appointments diary, invitations, correspondence, meetings and conferences, travel, accommodation and itineraries;
• Manage the Defence Adviser’s appointments diary, invitations, correspondence, meetings and conferences, travel, accommodation and itineraries;
• Register and file inward & outward correspondence, action appropriately and despatch outward mail;
• Monitor Australian Defence visits and assist with visitors’ programs and travel arrangements;
• Respond to requests for information and carry out research as directed by the Defence Adviser.

Selection criteria:

Mandatory

• The position requires an Australian national security clearance. Candidates must be eligible to hold an Australian Security clearance and must have permission to work in Belgium. Because of the requirement to hold an Australian security clearance, candidates cannot hold Belgian citizenship; hence Australian/Belgian dual nationals are not eligible to apply;
• Experience in an administrative or personal assistant role, including use of Microsoft Office, internet, email and office equipment;
• Ability to work with limited supervision, both independently and as part of a team;
• Must have strong written and verbal communication skills and be able to liaise effectively with a broad range of people from junior to senior levels with tact, discretion and initiative;
• English as a first language.

Desirable

• Good working knowledge of French;
• Experience in a finance, accounting or budgeting position;
• Knowledge and interest in the work of the Australian Embassy and Mission to Belgium Luxembourg, the EU and NATO and in Defence issues in particular.

Applicants must be eligible to hold an Australian national security clearance. Preference will be given to Australian citizens. Interested applicants should forward their curriculum vitae and a brief statement addressing the selection criteria as well as as the name and contact number of at least two referees to: Senior Administrative Officer, Australian Embassy, by post to: Level 7, Avenue des Arts, 56, 1000 Brussels; or by email to:vacancies.brussels@dfat.gov.au.

Applications close COB 8 April 2013

NB: No late applications will be accepted and applications must address the full selection criteria.
ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED FOR INTERVIEW.