Executive Assistant to Deputy Secretary - Multiple Vacancies
Job Req ID
Home Affairs - 139491
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
Alyssa Broomby on 0429 414 673 or alyssa.broomby@homeaffairs.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 14/09/2025 at 11:59pm AEST (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.
About our opportunity
This process is being used to fill a number of immediate positions.
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 Department of Home Affairs supports a prosperous, secure and united Australia through the management of a range of functions including responsibility for Australia's migration and citizenship programs, cyber security policy, the protection of critical infrastructure, countering terrorism, and countering foreign interference and espionage. In addition, it is responsible for strengthening multiculturalism and democratic resilience, and facilitating legitimate trade and travel while maintaining the integrity of the Australian border.
Home Affairs seeks to create an environment to ensure our staff can perform to their full potential. As a department we are focused on demonstrating exemplary leadership, progressing our game-changing agenda and ensuring collaboration is at the core of what we do. Our leaders must epitomise excellence, set high standards and inspire and invest in our people to ensure that we are well positioned to continue delivering for the community into the future.
Our work is underpinned by our partnerships with government, international and industry partners.
Contribute to building a prosperous, unified and safe Australia - work in a challenging but rewarding role that touches many parts of Australian life.
Please visit our website for more information about the Department of Home Affairs or Australian Border Force
Our ideal candidate
An APS6 Executive Assistant (EA) works alongside the executive within the Department of Home Affairs or the Australian Border Force. To be successful in this role, you will have extensive experience in supporting Senior Executives, be comfortable in managing high volumes of work and navigating competing priorities. You will be an effective communicator, demonstrate high levels of initiative, have impeccable attention to detail, sound judgement and resilience.
We are looking for candidates who are:
- Reliable and accountable, who take personal pride in their work and ensure that tasks are completed, to the highest standard;
- Confident and quick thinking, who can problem solve to meet immediate needs, anticipate further needs and is able to recognise and resolve potential problems
- Calm, well organised and responsive to urgent matters and competing demands
- Flexible, who can work as required to support a Deputy Secretary, including outside of normal business hours, when required
- Demonstrate experience in coordinating complex or sensitive projects or work programs that have a strategic and / or operational significance
- Communicates factually and with clear intent
- High level of emotional intelligence and a positive, proactive attitude
- Team orientated, with the energy and commitment to actively lead, foster and develop other support staff across the Department and the wider APS
- Able to develop and support complex relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Duties and responsibilities
As an Executive Assistant supporting a Deputy Secretary, you will play a pivotal role in the day to day operations of the Deputy's office. You will work as part of a small team and will operate with limited direction with sound judgement, confidence and the ability to think strategically.
Your duties will include, but are not limited to:
- Undertaking complex diary management, including prioritising time and drawing attention to matters of importance or of a sensitive and/or complex nature
- Coordinating meetings with internal and external stakeholders and coordinate venue bookings, audio visual equipment and other meeting resources
- Understanding the priorities of the Group in order to prioritise work and engagements for the Deputy
- Performing duties on the Deputy's behalf including fielding requests and complex enquiries, informing decisions, and managing expectations that best support the Deputy, Group and the Department
- Coordinating and contributing to briefings and supporting materials, including reporting, meeting and event briefs, travel itineraries etc
- Working closely with members of the Group to ensure timely delivery and quality of work, and with the Deputy's Executive Support Staff to ensure alignment and transparency of work and deliverables for the Deputy
- Managing travel arrangements, visas, accommodation and supporting documentation, including acquitting corporate travel cards
- Proactively establishing and maintaining productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders to achieve work and organisational goals
- Performing a leadership role to the Executive Support Service (ESS) and actively foster and promote strong EA networks across the APS
- Contributing to a healthy and safe working environment, modelling ethical behaviour and practices consistent with the APS Code of Conduct and APS Values.
How to apply
Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 14/09/2025 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
- 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 – 139491 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.