Key Features

• get qualified while you work
• gain a recognised qualification to support your career development
• start your career as an Executive Assistant, continue your career your way!
• receive an ongoing role at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• supportive team environment
• receive guidance from an experienced Executive Assistant Coach, Senior Mentor, and Buddy.

Overview

There are jobs and then there are careers. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (the department) can provide you with the opportunity to do the kind of work that adds up to something meaningful. The chance to challenge yourself and learn new skills. The prospect of working with a motivated, experienced, and visionary team in Australia and overseas.

The department is launching an exciting new, 2-year Executive Assistant Development Program (EADP) as an additional entry pathway into a career in the Australian Government, for people from all backgrounds and life stages.

Executive assistants are essential to the Australian Public Service (APS). Their work is a core function that provides support for senior executives and management.

What to expect

During the EADP, you will receive:

• a permanent Australian Public Service position (subject to probation)
• your choice from selected paid professional study options to create your career of choice
• study leave
• an ongoing, entry level position, commencing at an APS2 with advancement to APS3 upon completion of your first year and APS4 upon successful completion of your second year
• a starting salary of $57,614, increasing to $65,290 at completion of your first year with a further advancement to 73,162 subject to successful completion of your second year
• 15.4% superannuation
• an experienced Executive Assistant Coach
• networking and support community with other executive assistants
• a Senior Mentor and Buddy
• an inclusive and diverse workplace culture
• dedicated early career support team.

Who are we looking for?

Are you a school leaver, someone returning to the workforce, or just looking for a career change?

Do you have:

• good time management and organisational skills
• competent verbal and written communication skills
• problem-solving skills
• good computer skills and can operate in a Windows-based environment.

Are you:

• a team player
• proactive and willing to learn new skills.

Your role may include

Executive assistants are an essential part of the APS workforce. As the face of the executive team, and the first point-of-contact for internal and external clients, they provide critical support to senior management and are fundamental to ensuring the wheels of a department run smoothly.

By participating in this program, you will be supported to undertake a range of routine administrative tasks with the guidance of senior employees.

An executive assistant helps their executive with tasks such as diary and inbox management; answering and returning phone calls; coordinating tasking and reporting requests, making travel arrangements, maintaining records and any other administrative tasks that help the executive perform their job.

Training and support

We provide:

• structured on-the-job professional training and work experience
• support from learning and development providers including the APS Academy and Diplomatic Academy and a dedicated program management team
• guidance from an experienced Executive Assistant Coach, Senior Mentor and Buddy
• Certificate IV or Diploma qualification upon completion of the program.

When do applications close?

Applications close on Sunday 19 February 2023. Successful candidates will commence the program once a Negative Vetting Level 2 security clearance has been granted – approximately August 2023.

Who can apply?

To be eligible for the Executive Assistant Development Program, you must:

• have successfully completed at least year 10 studies
• be an Australian citizen
• prior to starting the EADP, obtain an Australian national security clearance at Negative Vetting Level 2 (we will help you with that).

The department welcomes applications from people of all ages and experiences. We embrace and foster a culture that supports diversity, inclusion, and respect, where people are empowered to fulfil their potential. We welcome people with diverse skills, experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds. We are dedicated and committed to attracting and recruiting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and encourage applications from people with disability, people that identify as LGBTQIA+ and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Take on a rewarding, varied, and broad career with an Australian Public Service agency that can bring balance and flexibility to your working life, while supporting you to stay connected to your community.

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job.

How to apply

Submit a resume outlining your:

• skills, knowledge, and experience
• extra-curricular activities
• volunteer roles
• other accomplishments (e.g., awards, leadership).

Your application will need to provide:

• your personal details
• a written statement no more than 400 words outlining you interest and suitability for the role
• a maximum four-page CV (uploaded); and
• contact details of two referees (one being your current supervisor if applicable).

Apply now