Address Main purpose of job:
BHC Canberra is at the centre of a five-post Australia Network (the other posts are Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane). The network encompasses approximately 140 staff, with over 10 different departments represented. We are responsible for delivering across the breadth of the UK-Australia relationship, from security and defence to trade and prosperity, from consular and law enforcement to political and foreign policy, and from science and tech to agriculture and health, and more.
This role is based in the Executive Office of the High Commissioner and Deputy High Commissioner. The job-holder will be responsible for the programmes and logistics for inward visits by UK ministers and VIPs to Australia. Recent visits have included the Foreign Secretary, Culture Secretary and Ministers of State, and we anticipate a high volume of visits in the year ahead. The job holder will also lead on event delivery in Canberra. This includes supporting policy teams with organising and delivering small-medium scale events at the Residence and High Commission, and playing a vital role in the High Commission’s large-scale flagship events (including our national day reception, end of year reception, and annual staff conference).
It is a busy, high-profile role that provides an insight into international relations and the work of a High Commission. Everyday is different and it would suit someone looking for a challenging and varied role. The job-holder will need excellent organisation skills, the ability to work at pace and manage competing demands. Although we are a busy team, we are deeply committed to developing and supporting our staff and encourage flexible working.
Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve:
1. Visits
Ensure smooth visits by overseeing and delivering all logistical elements, including arrival/departure transport, accommodation, and budget administration for inward visitors to Canberra. This involves advance planning for those visits with long lead-in times but also being prepared to deliver last minute requests too. It may also involve overseeing the work and providing advice to a logistics team for complex, high level visits, or offering advice to others when we have multiple visitors at the same time.
Provide logistics guidance and protocol support for senior visits outside of Canberra. Job holder may be required to travel as needed to support visits on the ground across Australia for VIP visitors, however majority of the work will be in Canberra.
Work closely with the Australian system including DFAT Protocol and other government agencies to facilitate the arrival of senior UK visitors.
Ensure that budgets for visits are managed carefully and in line with FCDO guidance, delivering value for money.
2. Events
Work closely with policy teams and residence team to deliver frequent events including dinners, receptions and networking events. Ensure strategic vision for events is deliverable, reasonable and good value for money.
Operational delivery of large-scale yearly events for the High Commission for up to 500 people. This includes, but is not limited to, sourcing a venue, catering, entertainment, styling and branding.
Given the nature of events taking place during evening the successful candidate will be required to work outside of core working hours.
