Executive Assistant, Australian Border Force Commissioner

Job Req ID

ABF - 139146

Location

ACT 

 Employment Type

Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time 

Classification

APS Level 6 - $94,563.00 and $107,713.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)

Contact Officer

Lyn Foster on 0474 583 733 or lyn.foster@abf.gov.au  

Office Arrangements

Onsite  - Flexible working arrangements can be negotiated in accordance with our Enterprise Agreement and the operational requirements of the role.
 

Applications close on 03/08/2025 at 11:59pm AEST (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

About our opportunity

This process is being used to fill 1 immediate position. 

Applicants suitable for the role but not offered the position for the current vacancy may be placed in a merit list or pool to fill similar vacancies for up to 18 months anywhere in ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; TAS; VIC; WA.
 

About our team

The Australian Border Force (ABF) is Australia's frontline border security agency and customs service. It plays a critical role at the border - which is one of Australian's most significant national assets - to provide a secure, resilient and prosperous Australia.

The ABF sits within the Department of Home Affairs and is led by the ABF Commissioner, who has control of ABF operations, working closely and collaboratively with the department and other Commonwealth agencies, industry and international partners in the delivery of functions and powers under the Australian Border Force Act 2015, Customs Act 1901, Migration Act 1958 and other relevant legislation.

Please visit our website for more information about the Department of Home Affairs or Australian Border Force

Our ideal candidate

We are seeking an experienced and highly professional Executive Assistant to support the ABF Commissioner. This is a key role at the heart of the ABF's leadership team, providing high-level executive, administrative and strategic support to enable the Commissioner to deliver on leadership responsibilities efficiently and effectively.

You will be the point of contact for senior stakeholders across government and external sectors, ensuring the smooth management of priorities, communications and engagements in a fast-paced high-pressure environment. This is a position of trust that requires sound judgement and exemplary levels of personal integrity, sensitivity, confidentiality and discretion.

Duties and responsibilities

The Executive Assistant will work in a small team that works collaboratively to provide seamless, professional and responsive support to the ABF Commissioner, ensuring priorities are managed efficiently and strategic objectives are delivered. In this fast-paced and dynamic environment, team members rely on strong communication, trust and a shared commitment to service excellence, often juggling competing demands while maintaining attention to detail and a proactive mindset.

The Executive Assistant will provide a range of high level administrative support services, which includes, but is not limited to:

• Managing competing demands, establishing or renegotiating priorities and adapting flexibly to meet objectives, including monitoring and tracking incoming documents and correspondence to ensure appropriate taskings are triaged and actioned accordingly.
• Undertaking research and analysis, exercising sound professional judgement and using a common-sense approach when dealing with issues, problems, confidential and sensitive matters, ensuring diplomacy and discretion.
• Proactively assist, pre-empt, react quickly and flexibly to any changes in the ABF Commissioner's schedule, including rescheduling to achieve the required outcomes.
• Diary management, including prioritising time and drawing attention to matters of importance. 
• Liaising with stakeholders and assist with the resolution of complex and/or sensitive policy, project or operational issues, responding to their needs and expectations as required.
• Team orientated, with the energy and commitment to actively lead, foster and develop other support staff across the ABF, the Department and the wider APS.

Additional information

Qualifications/Experience Requirements

• Ability to use your judgement and initiative to solve problems.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to carrying out tasks thoroughly and with accuracy and consistent high-quality.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to liaise, collaborate, build and maintain strong relationships with a range of stakeholders.
• Superior ability to self-organise, prioritise and manage time effectively. 
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft office suite.
• An ability to produce quality work within short timeframes and with competing priorities.

Highly desirable

•  Demonstrated experience in working to a high-level Senior Executive as an Executive Assistant or similar for more than two years.

How to apply

Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 03/08/2025 at 11:59pm (midnight) AEST  – Late applications will not be accepted.

As part of your application you will be required to prepare and submit a one-page applicant response document in relation to the advertised role, outlining:

• How your skills, knowledge, and experience will be relevant to this role, against the work level standards of an APS6
• Why you are interested in the role and what you can offer us
• Any specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your ability to perform the role

Applicant response documents must be a minimum 11pt font in MSWord or PDF format, include your full name and the Requisition Number – 139146 in the document footer.

​​​​​​​Prior to preparing your response it is recommended you review the Work Level standards relevant to the classification you are applying to. It may also be useful to refer to the Integrated Leadership Systems information relevant to the classification.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the position you must be an Australian Citizen.

The successful candidate will be required to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting Level 1 (AGSVA) security clearance, and:
 

• ABF Workers will also be required to obtain and maintain an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC).
• Home Affairs Workers will also be required to obtain and maintain an Onboarding Check.
   

In certain circumstances, an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC) may be required in addition to, or in lieu of, an Onboarding Check, which will be determined by the delegate as necessary.  

Diversity and inclusion

The Department is committed to workforce diversity and applicants who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, come from a diverse cultural or linguistic background or have a disability are encouraged to apply.

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. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability

Technical assistance

For technical enquiries please call or email for assistance:

• Email: recruitment@homeaffairs.gov.au
• Phone: 1300 793 883 (within Australia) or +61 2 6196 0444 (outside of Australia)

Please include any applicable screen captures, a response will be provided during business hours.

Notes

The Department of Home Affairs offers an attractive remuneration package, including salary, superannuation benefits and flexible working conditions appropriate to the level of the position. The Australian Public Service (APS) Employee Value Proposition (EVP) highlights the top reasons our employees enjoy working in the APS.

The Department may provide relocation assistance to eligible APS employees required to relocate. The level of assistance will vary depending on the reason for relocating and your personal circumstances. For further information please enquire with the contact officer listed in the advertisement.

Information about employment and advice on how to apply for vacancies can be obtained from the Department’s website at https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about-us/careers

Candidates should be aware that in roles where vaccination against COVID-19 is required by public health orders/directions or other legislation proof of vaccination will be required. If a candidate is not fully vaccinated or is unwilling to be vaccinated within a reasonable time period, they may not be offered that role.