Defence Support Officer

The successful applicant will be engaged as a locally engaged staff member by the Australian Embassy, Berlin._ _

**About the Australian Government’s Defence Section in the Australian Embassy Berlin**

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.

The role of the Defence Section in the Australian Embassy Berlin is to develop, facilitate and sustain the Australian government’s bilateral defence relationships with Germany, Poland and Ukraine. This role is assigned to the Defence Attaché (DA) - Australia’s Senior Defence Representative in Germany - supported by a small team.

**About the position**

Under direction, this position provides high level executive, administrative and organisational support to the Defence Team in Berlin. The primary purpose of this role is to manage the financial and administrative duties within the Defence section. Working closely with the Defence Office Manager (DOM), this position supports the Defence Attaché (DA) and the Assistant Defence Attaché (ADA) to ensure the section’s administration is operating effectively.

**The key responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to**:

- Processing procurement paperwork, keeping accurate records of transactions and reconciling monthly financial reports with budget data.
- Providing high-level administrative support, including maintaining an efficient records management system, managing travel arrangements and acquittals and managing property and assets associated with Defence offices and Defence personnel accommodations.
- Managing requests for visit submissions and supporting visit logistics and protocol, including briefing and liaison with internal and external stakeholders.
- Processing Diplomatic flight clearances for military aircraft and maintaining accurate records for all flight clearances.
- Acting as back up DOM during their absence as required.
- Coordinating the delivery of representational events and commemorative services hosted by the DA, ADA or the Australian Government.
- Providing translation from German to English of official correspondence and other documents as required.
- Liaising with other agencies in the Embassy and Defence in Canberra.
- Driving senior Defence personnel during official visits or as required.
- Assisting with other functions and activities as directed.

**Qualifications/Experience**
- Must hold a current Australian national security clearance to Negative Vetting Level 1 (or be able to obtain one) which must be maintained throughout employment.
- Eligibility for a valid EU working visa.
- Excellent organisational skills with ability to work independently to deadlines and to reprioritise tasks in a dynamic office environment.
- Proactive attitude with the ability to identify gaps and opportunities and find workable solutions to problems.
- Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work cooperatively in a small team and liaise professionally with internal and external stakeholders.
- Excellent written and spoken German and English with a demonstrated ability to translate and/or summarise documents accurately.
- Must hold and maintain a valid permit to operate a motor vehicle in Germany for high level visits.

**Security Requirements**
- This position requires Australian Government NV1 Clearance. Therefore, applicants must hold Australian, British, Canadian, New Zealand or American citizenship in order to be eligible.
- Under Australian Law, persons with dual German, Polish and Ukrainian citizenship cannot obtain such a security clearance and therefore are not eligible for this position.

**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. Excellent oral and written German and English skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and translate accurately.

B. Effective diary management skills, including the ability to organise events and coordinate travel arrangements.

C. Ability to undertake a high level of executive and financial administration, including accurate record-keeping.

D. Well-developed judgement, planning and organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

E. Ability to build relationships with key stakeholders and work effectively in a team environment.

We are looking for a Defence Support Officer, with excellent administrative and executive support skills, to join the Australian Embassy in Berlin.