September 9, 2024

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Canberra

APS5 Executive Assistant - Affirmative Measures First Nation

APS 5 - $81,690 - $89,615 per annum plus superannuation
Bulk Recruitment (across Divisions) DAFF Division
Canberra- ACT

Affirmative measure - Indigenous employment – The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an affirmative measure under section 8(1) of the 'Racial Discrimination Act 1975'. This vacancy is only available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Who we are
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is committed to supporting the growth and sustainability of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries, and forestry sectors. We partner with industry and government to enhance productivity, profitability, and resilience across these vital areas. Our focus spans agriculture, fisheries management, forest conservation, biosecurity, and climate change. Together, we’re safeguarding the future of rural communities and ensuring the prosperity of Australia’s primary industries.

The Opportunity
In this role, you will contribute by supporting our Senior Executives to ensure smooth operation of daily activities. As an Executive Assistant, you will be highly valued for your organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to handle sensitive information. This position offers multiple career pathways within the department and provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the diverse and impactful work we do.

What you’ll do
As an APS5 Executive Assistant, you will provide comprehensive administrative support to Senior Executives.

Correspondence and Scheduling: Handle day-to-day communications, diary management, exercise discretion with sensitive information, and deliver effective communication.
Travel Coordination: Organise and manage travel arrangements, including flights, accommodation, itineraries, and delegation tours.
Document Preparation and Secretariat support: Provide secretariat services, including agenda preparation speaking notes, briefs, and talking points and minute-taking for committees and meetings.
Stakeholder Engagement: Liaise with divisional staff to ensure smooth workflow and clear communication.
Team Collaboration: Engage with the executive assistant network, offer feedback, and mentor junior team members.

What We’re Looking For
We seek candidates with demonstrated experience in managing a Senior Executive office or providing high-level administrative support in a fast-paced environment.

Key skills and capabilities include:

Communication: Highly developed oral and written communication skills with ability to establish strong working relationships and work collaboratively across different locations
Organisational Excellence: Strong administrative and organisational skills to manage tasks, prioritise responsibilities, and maintain accurate records.
Judgement & Adaptability: Proven ability to exercise good judgment, manage competing priorities, and adapt to changing circumstances to meet deadlines.
Problem Solving: Ability to gather, understand, and interpret complex information, solve problems, and determine the next course of action.
Digital experience: Proficient in Microsoft Office, with MS Teams experience.
Professionalism: Consistently displaying professionalism in all aspects of the role with commitment to the APS Values and Code of Conduct.

Eligibility and other requirements
Citizenship: To be eligible for employment with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry you must be an Australian citizen.

Security Clearance: These roles require a Negative Vetting 1 security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

Pre-employment Check: Your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and where required a pre-employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period of 6 months.