AddressWho we are
The AgVet Chemicals, Fisheries and Forestry Division (AFFD) works with the states, territories, industry and other stakeholders - including the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority and Australian Fisheries Management Authority - to develop and implement policies and programs to support Australian agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries to promote better resource management and sustainability and increase productivity and innovation.
The Agricultural Policy Division (APD) shapes policy settings and manages programs that support the growth of Australia's agriculture sector and make it more globally competitive and profitable. APD influences across boundaries, collaborating across government to guide solutions on cross-cutting issues and partnering with others, including industry and unions, to strengthen the sector and unlock further productivity growth. We lead policy development and provide advice on critical and emerging issues, develop and administer grant programs to support a stronger sector, and drive reforms to improve outcomes for industry, including modernising the legislation that underpins industry and government co-investment in key priorities.
The Sustainability, Climate and Strategy Division (SCSD) brings together a suite of policy and program functions supporting a climate-smart, sustainable agriculture sector in Australia. SCSD develops evidenced-based climate policy and advice to support emissions reduction and climate adaptation programs. We shape and influence policies across the Commonwealth that impact land use change and climate-smart practices on-farm and ensure the sector is ideally placed in the broader Net Zero planning and reforms. SCSD is responsible for delivering key government programs supporting sustainable practices and agricultural productivity, including the $302 million Natural Heritage Trust Program and $20 million Soil Partnership initiative.
The Farm Resilience Division (FSD) is responsible for the department's policy response to drought, including drought resilience and the Future Drought Fund, farm support policy and programs including the Farm Household Allowance, and the Regional Investment Corporation. It also works closely with other agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency, Services Australia, the Regional Investment Corporation (RIC), the Australian Taxation Office, and the Australian Prudential and Regulation Authority.
The key duties of the position include
The Jobs
As an APS 4 Executive Assistant you will play an important role in supporting Assistant Secretaries to ensure their branches work priorities are achieved in a timely manner. You will coordinate and manage all business aspects of the Assistant Secretaries offices and be accountable for organising your workload and undertaking branch administrative support work.
The duties include:
• performing 'front of office' support functions for each branch, including greeting visitors, receiving and responding to phone calls, emails and general correspondence
• diary management and coordination including scheduling appointments and organising travel
• managing correspondence, including monitoring emails, preparing responses to routine and less complex enquiries; coordinating and tracking ministerial workflow; collating and follow up of information to ensure deadlines are met
• providing high quality administrative assistance in collating papers and folders for meetings attended or led by the Assistant Secretary
• arranging meetings and organising logistical arrangements (room bookings, refreshments and escorting external stakeholders)
• liaising with various stakeholders of all levels including the Minister's Office and providing assistance with general enquiries
• coordinating and reconciling Senior Executive finances
• assisting the divisional executive group as required (monitoring telephones to ensure core business hours are covered)
• providing other general administrative support functions as required.
Please note that this recruitment process will be used to fill 5 current vacancies in the divisions listed above. The merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of 18 months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Public Service Gazette, may also be used to fill future ongoing vacancies in the department where the duties are of a similar nature.
