AUSTRALIAN CONSULATE GENERAL - NEW YORK
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE CONSUL GENERAL
The Australian Consulate General in New York invites applications for the position of Executive Assistant to the Consul General.
The terms of employment will be in accordance with the New York-Based Staff Employee Handbook. Employment will be offered on a contract basis, for an initial period of two years, with an annual salary of US$54,620. Continued employment is subject to successful completion of a 3 month probation period.
The Australian Consulate General offers a package that includes recreation and personal days, medical and dental benefits, employee assistance program and a pension plan.
The Australian Consulate-General, New York will not be responsible for any costs incurred when applying for a US visa, relocation costs, nor the return of the officer and family to their country of origin at the end of the contract.
Job Description
This position provides daily management of the Office of the Consul-General and assists other staff when necessary. The position liaises with a range of areas on issues pertaining to the office of the Consul-General, liaising with contacts at the highest levels and contributing to the overall effectiveness of the Australian Consulate General.
Tasks and Functions
• Manage day-to-day administrative arrangements required for the efficient operation of the Consul General's office including:
o Maintain a diary;
o Prepare and distribute daily, weekly and forward programs and assist with preparation of programs and appointments for visiting officials;
o Arrange receipt and dispatch of correspondence, prepare correspondence (including drafting of letters, cables and minutes);
o Manage the Consul General’s representation budget; and
o Receive and make phone calls on behalf of the Consul General, make appointments and bookings, acknowledge invitations, receive visitors and arrange transport.
• Supervise the Consul-General’s driver and closely liaise with the domestic staff at the Official Residence;
• Assist in visits by senior Australian officials and Ministers.
• Organise small events at the Consulate General
• Liaise with Consulate and UN Mission staff and external individuals and agencies;
• Action Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade tasking and reporting;
• Perform other duties as required
Selection Criteria
1. Demonstrated experience as an Executive Assistant;
2. Proven ability to take initiative, work under pressure and prioritise workloads in order to meet tight deadlines. Demonstrated flexibility and ability to adapt to different work environments;
3. Proven ability in using the full range of Microsoft Office Suite 2010 applications, knowledge of SATIN systems preferred;
4. Strong verbal and written communication skills including ability to build productive working relationships; professional manner and ability to liaise effectively with senior members of the Diplomatic community, government officials and members of the public.
VISA INFORMATION
To work at the Australian Consulate-General, it is a requirement under United States law that you must be either a United States citizen, or a lawful permanent resident ("green card" holder), or hold a visa in the 'A' classification. The only exception to this rule is for dependent ‘G’ visa holders. An 'A' visa takes precedence over all other visa classes, including 'E', 'F' and 'J'. If one member of a family adjusts status to an 'A' class visa, all family members must also adjust status to 'A'. United States' law prohibits one family member from holding an A-2 visa and the other in another class.
Only lawfully-married spouses, recognized dependant unmarried children aged under 21, recognized dependant unmarried children aged 21 to 25 who are in full-time education, or recognized same-sex partners of Australian citizen successful candidates/employees are eligible to apply for an Employment Authorization Document to work in the United States, including part time or temporary work at the Embassy. The spouse or dependant must reside in the same household as the employee.
Spouses of candidates/employees of other nationalities are not eligible for work authorization under the relevant bilateral treaty, even if they are currently in a visa class that includes work authorization or they separately hold an Employment Authorization Document. Once the A-2 visa has been granted to the Australian candidate/employee for work at the Consulate, the spouse may not work until he or she receives an Employment Authorization Document, even if they are currently employed in the United States. This may take up to six weeks or more.
It is often necessary for visas to be adjudicated outside the United States. The Consulate will facilitate the necessary work authorisation for the successful applicant should he/she is a non-US citizen or non-US Permanent Resident. The successful candidate is responsible for all costs, including travel and accommodation related to visa applications and commencement of employment.
Applicants who have family members who are currently in a different visa class must consider the implications of employment at the Consulate seriously before accepting an offer of employment.
PREPARING YOUR APPLICATION
Your application should include:
1. Employment & Qualification Background - Complete Attachment A
The form is enclosed for completion.
2. Statement of Claim against the Selection Criteria - Complete Attachment B
In this statement, which should not exceed two (2) pages, you will describe in your own words, why you believe that you are a suitable candidate for the advertised position and how you meet each individual selection criteria.
Statements of claim that do not address all of the selection criteria will not be taken into consideration.
The Statement of Claim is the centre piece of your application and should be presented in a concise and focussed manner. In preparing your statement of claims, you must address each selection criteria and should highlight relevant experience and training; you may also include examples of work you have done and demonstrate how your contribution resulted in a positive outcome for your employer. Your statement of claims should be written in English.
3. Provide contacts for two referees - Complete Attachment C
You need to provide contacts for two referees who are familiar with your professional as well as personal skills and competence. In most cases referees are not contacted unless you are shortlisted for the position, however if we have a tight timeframe we may contact referees before interviews.
4. Optional Equity and Diversity Data Sheet - Attachment D
The form is enclosed below.
The Equity and Diversity data sheet is not compulsory, however, it helps us to ensure we are targeting a diverse range of potential employees and it enables applicants to bring to our attention any specific needs they might have – for example highlighting any disabilities which may need to be taken into consideration at the interview venue.
PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR THE FORM.