Office Circular No 29/14 - Vacancy: Customs/ Protocol Officer
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
The Australian High Commission, New Delhi, is seeking applications for the position of Customs/Protocol Officer in the Consular and Administration section. This position reports to Second Secretary (Admin).
Applicants are advised to read the Position Description below prior to addressing the selection criteria. Applicants must address each of the selection criteria. Applications that do not specifically address the selection criteria will not be considered. Further information on selection criteria is available on our website http://www.india.highcommission.gov.au
Subject to the successful completion of up to six month probationary period the successful applicant will be offered a two-year contract of employment. The contract may be extended subject to agreement between the employer and employee.
The commencing salary will be determined based on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. The package will include annual leave, limited medical reimbursements, Diwali bonus, provident fund provisions and gratuity provisions when service length is sufficient. The position encompasses a salary range of Rupees 59,752 stepping incrementally up to Rupees 70,663 per month.
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants must submit by close of business Monday 8 December 2014 the following documents in Microsoft Word format with subject header ‘Application for Customs/Protocol Officer’ to:
[email protected] or to by mail to the Australian High Commission, 1/50G Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021.
(1) A font size 12 typed statement addressing each of the selection criteria.
(2) A resume detailing your contact details, work experience and the names and contact details of two referees.
Applications not meeting these criteria will not be considered. No late applications will be accepted and only short listed candidates will be contacted.
| Agency | DFAT |
| Position number | 5974 |
| Title | Customs/ Protocol Officer |
| Section | Corporate |
| Reports to (title) | Second Secretary (Administration) |
About the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
The role of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is to advance the interests of Australia and Australians internationally. 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 department provides foreign, trade and development policy advice to the Australian Government. DFAT also works with other Australian government agencies to drive coordination of Australia’s pursuit of global, regional and bilateral interests.
About the Position
To provide advice and guidance on diplomatic protocol and related arrangements. The position coordinates airport facilitation for the High Commissioner and Deputy High Commissioner and for high level delegations and visitors (e.g. Ministers). The position also manages diplomatic accreditations, importations and visas (including to third countries) along with general customs regulations.
The key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:
1. Liaise with the Protocol Section of the Ministry of External Affairs and with other Indian Government authorities on protocol and customs matters relating to accreditations, importations, visas and ID cards.
2. Manage all airport protocol and related arrangements for the official travel of the High Commissioner and Deputy High Commissioner, as well as for high level Australian visitors and delegations (such as Ministers). This often involves coordination with the Security team on security arrangements.
3. Arrange for the clearance and delivery of incoming officers’ personal effects and coordinate with removal companies in relation to Australia-based staff relocations.
4. Provide guidance on arrangements for packing and uplift of Australia-based staff personal effects and advise officers on restrictions relating to personal shipments (both to and from India).
5. Handle all customs clearances for incoming goods.
6. Liaise with other diplomatic missions to obtain visas for staff travel to third countries.
7. Arrange registration and sale/purchase permissions for official and A-Based private vehicles (fleet of 50+ vehicles).
8. Liaise with the Transport Department to arrange Indian driver’s licences for Australia-based staff.
9. Supervision and management of the Customs and Protocol Assistant.
10. Other duties, as required.
Qualifications/Experience
1. Education: Completion of a graduate degree required.
2. Experience: Minimum five years of progressively responsible experience in a related field, or similar position with client service responsibilities.
3. Language: Good working knowledge of English and Hindi required.
4. Knowledge: Must have a very good working knowledge of Indian customs and protocol standards, including an understanding of how Indian government ministries operate.
5. Skills and abilities: Excellent written and oral communication skills. Very strong ability to establish and maintain working-level contacts with counterparts.
6. Strong PC skills: Especially with the Microsoft Office software suite.
7. Ability to work as part of a team, and to take initiative and work with autonomy.
Selection Criteria
1. Ability to effectively organize, plan and deliver services, to prioritize the work load and to meet deadlines.
2. Demonstrated understanding of client needs and sound communication and interpersonal skills in Hindi and English
3. Knowledge of MEA guidelines and processes (or ability to acquire knowledge) to achieve work area objectives, and an ability to apply relevant legislation, policy and guidelines.
4. Demonstrated knowledge of Customs functions, responsibilities and organisational linkages.
5. Ability to work and contribute effectively as a member of a team and to deliver high quality services to clients.