The successful applicant will be engaged as a locally engaged staff member by the Australian Embassy, Brussels on a replacement employment contract up to a maximum of two years.
The Fair Work Act 2009 is not intended to apply to the employment of Locally Engaged Staff (LES) at Australia’s overseas diplomatic and consular missions. The successful candidate’s terms and conditions of employment will be governed by the laws of Belgium.
Please be advised that the Australian Embassy, Brussels does not provide relocation assistance and any costs associated with taking up the position would be the responsibility of the successful candidate.
About the Department of Defence
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is constituted under the Defence Act 1903, its mission is to defend Australia and its national interests. In fulfilling this mission, Defence serves the Government of the day and is accountable to the Commonwealth Parliament which represents the Australian people to efficiently and effectively carry out the Government's defence policy. Australia's Defence policy is founded on the principle of self-reliance in the direct defence of Australia, but with a capacity to do more where there are shared interests with partners and allies.
Under general direction, the Defence Finance and Asset Management Officer works within established policies and procedures to manage the financial and asset management responsibilities of the Defence Section in Brussels. The position is responsible for financial administration, budget management, asset and vehicle management, accommodation administration, travel coordination, governance and compliance activities, and contributes to broader administrative support functions across the Defence Section.
The key responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to:
- Performing financial management duties in adherence to Australian regulations, including budget management (forecasting analytics and expenditure tracking against budget allocation), paying invoices, developing funding requests and reporting on expenditure.
- Coordinating the management of residences occupied by Defence staff, in close cooperation with DFAT Property staff, including relocation, leasing and maintenance requirements.
- Managing Defence assets, such as office equipment and residential furniture, including procurement, maintenance and disposal of assets.
- Managing Defence vehicles, including maintaining a vehicle management plan and driving visiting delegations.
- Coordinating official travel for Defence staff, including obtaining approvals, making bookings, acquitting allowances and post travel reporting.
- Leading the section’s governance responsibilities, including maintaining the Business Plan, Fraud Control Plan and Defence Asset Register as well as audit and compliance reporting.
- Assisting with the coordination of official visits.
- Coordinating and administrative planning of the arrival and departure of Defence staff at Post.
- Other duties as required.
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Right to live and work in Belgium.
- Experience in financial or programme management. This includes the ability to strategically forecast, plan, monitor and report on budget expenditure.
- Strong organisational skills and ability to efficiently work across a large variety of tasks, including experience in managing conflicting priorities.
- Strong experience with the Microsoft Office suite of applications, notably MS Excel.
- Strong written and verbal English language skills.
- Ability to obtain and maintain an Australian Government Security Clearance to Negative Vetting level 1.
- The successful applicant is required to work in-person from the Australian Embassy, Brussels.
- A valid driving licence and experience driving in Belgium is desirable.
- Work proficiency in French and/or Dutch is desirable
Security Requirements
Applicants must have the ability to obtain and maintain an Australian Government Security Clearance (Negative Vetting level 1 or above). Australian citizenship is preferred, however applicants who hold citizenship of New Zealand, USA, UK or Canada will be considered.
Please note that candidates who hold citizenship or dual citizenship of Belgium are not eligible for an Australian Security Clearance.
Selection Criteria
Please ensure you provide a response to each of the listed selection criteria below. In your response, you must include relevant high-level examples from your experience that support your claims against the role.
The word limit is strictly 250 words per response to each selection criteria. The panel may not assess incomplete applications or responses which exceed the word limit.
A. Demonstrated experience managing financial resources, including budget planning, expenditure monitoring, financial reporting and ensuring compliance with financial policies and procedures.
B. Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply complex administrative, financial or governance policies and provide accurate advice to stakeholders.
C. Highly developed organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently and deliver high-quality outcomes within tight timeframes.
D. Demonstrated experience managing assets, facilities, accommodation, travel or other administrative functions, including maintaining accurate records and ensuring compliance with organisational requirements.
E. Proven ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, supported by strong written and verbal communication skills.
The Commonwealth Government of Australia employs staff overseas to perform work for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and other Australian Government Agencies at overseas posts (including embassies, high commissions or consulates).
Locally Engaged Staff (LES) support and complement the professional capacities of Australian Public Service (APS) employees by providing essential in-country knowledge, skills, networks and continuity at overseas posts in over 100 locations. LES form an important part of our global workforce and make a significant contribution towards the Australian Government’s objective of advancing Australia’s national interests.
The Human Resources Section based in the Australian High Commission London is responsible for managing all local job vacancies across the European region. This includes other categories of employment, including Head of Mission Domestic Staff positions usually appointed to work directly to the Ambassador or High Commissioner and assistance with Internship Programmes.
Personal data provided during the recruitment process will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Notice and relevant data protection laws.
