Australian High Commission

Executive Assistant / Public Diplomacy Officer

  • Basis:  Full-Time
  • Closing Date:  13 Oct, 2024
  • Job Ref:  KMP-93727

Job Description

The Australian High Commission, Malta seeks a motivated and organised Executive Assistant with public diplomacy skills an advantage.

The successful applicant will be engaged as a locally engaged staff member by the Australian High Commission, Malta.

Please be advised that the Australian High Commission, Malta does not provide relocation assistance and any costs associated with taking up the position would be the responsibility of the successful candidate. Applicants must have an existing permit to live and work in Malta as the Australian High Commission does not provide visa sponsorship.

About the Australian High Commission, Malta
The role of the Australian High Commission in Malta is to advance the interests of Australia and Australians in Malta and Tunisia. This involves strengthening Australia’s security, enhancing Australia’s prosperity, delivering an effective and high-quality overseas aid program and helping Australian travellers and Australians overseas.

The High Commission provides foreign, trade and development policy advice to the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).  DFAT also works with other Australian government agencies to drive coordination of Australia’s pursuit of global, regional and bilateral interests.

About the position
Under general direction, the Executive Assistant provides high-level executive, administrative and organisational support to the High Commissioner. The position is responsible for delivering the High Commission’s Public Diplomacy and Direct Aid Programs and undertaking research. The Executive Assistant also works with the High Commissioner to maintain the High Commission’s social media channels.

The key responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to

  • Manage the High Commissioner’s (HOM) office, provide high-level administrative support and maintain the HOM’s program of appointments, including travel arrangements.
  • Liaise and network with government and public officials, other diplomatic missions, the private sector and members of the public in support of the HOM’s priorities.
  • Manage the High Commission’s Public Diplomacy program, including cultural events and other activities that highlight links between Australia and Malta, and social media channels – Twitter and Facebook. Monitor media outlets and act as a point of contact for general media enquiries.
  • Manage the Australian Government’s small grants program in Tunisia. Includes convening secretariat, overseeing budgets, implementation support, organising meetings and events, reporting on outcomes and liaising with stakeholders.
  • Provide administrative and logistical support for visits programs, including liaison with Maltese and Tunisian government agencies, media, and other organisations.
  • Undertake research tasks to support the High Commission’s priorities where time permits.

Qualifications / experience

  • Essential
    • Previous experience providing high-level support to senior management.
    • Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure and manage priorities with limited supervision.
    • Strong oral and written English communication skills, including effective negotiation, liaison and consultation skills.
    • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build productive working relationships.
    • Proficiency and experience with Microsoft Office programs, including Word and Excel, as well as a good working knowledge of information and communication systems and social media platforms.
    • Proficiency in Maltese, Arabic or French is desirable.
  • Desirable
    • Experience in Public Diplomacy.
    • Able to obtain an Australian security clearance.

Selection criteria
Please attach to your application a one-page pitch addressing the below selection criteria. You should include relevant high-level examples from your experience that support your claims against the role.

Applications submitted without a one-page pitch will not be considered.

  • Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure and manage priorities with limited supervision.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills, including effective negotiation, liaison and consultation skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build productive working relationships.
  • Proven ability to provide accurate and timely research and reporting, with a demonstrated ability to set priorities, show initiative, exercise sound judgement, meet tight deadlines and achieve results.
  • Proven ability to implement and manage programs and related budgets.
  • Proficiency and experience with Microsoft Office programs, including word processing, spreadsheets and databases, as well as a good working knowledge of media and communications systems.

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.

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.

  • Salary:  €27,645 - €28,184
  • Location:  Ta'Xbiex