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GAZ - APS6 - ACT - Executive Assistant to Deputy Secretary - Multiple Vacancies

Job Req ID

Home Affairs - 141285

 

Location

ACT 

 

Employment Type

Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time 

 

Classification

APS Level 6 - $99,734.00 and $111,701.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)

 

Contact Officer

Emma Fooks emma.fooks@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 17/03/2026 at 11:59pm AEDT (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

 

About our opportunity

 

This process is being used to fill a number of immediate vacancies. 

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; Overseas Post; 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.

 

Our staff 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

 

APS6 Executive Assistants within the Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Border Force provide critical executive support, contributing to the effective coordination, delivery and oversight of the Department's priorities.

 

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. 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 a high standard in a timely manner
  • Articulate and communicate clearly, accurately and with purpose
  • Emotionally intelligent, with a positive mindset, and a proactive approach to their work
  • Collaborators, who are enthusiastic about leading, supporting and developing other support staff across the Department and the broader APS; and
  • Contributors to a healthy and safe working environment, modelling ethical behaviour and practices consistent with the APS Code of Conduct and APS Values.

 

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: 

  • Delivering high-level executive support to the Deputy Secretary, ensuring the provision of accurate, timely and professional administrative and operational assistance that enables the effective delivery of executive priorities
  • Coordinating and quality assuring briefing materials, correspondence, and executive documentation, monitoring workflows, tracking actions and deadlines, and liaising with relevant areas to support timely and high-quality outputs
  • Functioning as a trusted liaison point for internal and external stakeholders, including Ministers' Offices and other senior leaders, supporting effective communication, managing enquiries, and facilitating the smooth flow of information between the Deputy Secretary's office and business areas
  • Providing sound judgement, discretion, and problem-solving support in managing sensitive information, anticipating administrative issues, and resolving matters independently where appropriate
  • Contributing to the efficient operation of the executive office, identifying opportunities for process improvement, supporting office governance and record-keeping practices, and maintaining strong collaborative working relationships across the executive support team
  • Performing a leadership role to the Executive Support Service (ESS) and actively foster and promoting strong EA networks across the APS.

 

 

How to apply

 

Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 17/03/2026 at 11:59pm (midnight) AEDT  – 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 skill set, knowledge, and experience is relevant to the role against the work level standards of an APS6
  • Why you are interested in working to a Deputy Secretary within the Department of Home Affairs
  • Specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your capability to perform the duties of this role

 

Applicant response documents must be a minimum 11pt font in MSWord or PDF format, include your full name and the Requisition Number – 141285 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:

 

 

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

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