Executive Support Officer Science

Australia’s Chief Scientist

Australia’s Chief Scientist provides high-level evidence based advice to the Prime Minister and other Ministers on matters relating to science, technology and innovation. The Chief Scientist is an advocate and champion for Australian science internationally and domestically. The Chief Scientist also communicates with the Australian community to promote understanding of science and its contribution to our economy and society.

The Office of the Chief Scientist

The Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) staff supports the Chief Scientist in ensuring advice to government is strongly and rigorously evidence-based, and underpinned by the best available science and research outcomes. The staff in the OCS provides a bridge between the Chief Scientist and the wide range of government stakeholders. The OCS has significant policy and communications capacity, as well as dedicated administration capability. Work produced is wide-ranging and includes analysis and reports, meeting agenda papers and minutes, briefing notes, data-related material, as well as a comprehensive suite of communication tools.

The OCS also provides secretariat support for the National Science and Technology Council, the Forum of Australian Chief Scientists, the Group of Government Scientists, and undertakes a number of projects to support science into policy development and science engagement.

The OCS is based in Canberra, located in the Department of Industry, Science and Resources.

The successful candidate will:

• Be highly motivated, organised, and have strong coordination skills and attention to detail.
• Proven relevant experience in the Australian Public Service providing senior executive support including complex diary management.
• Excellent interpersonal skills that enhance an ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders
• Excellent ability to manage competing and changing priorities and work in an efficient, agile, flexible and resourceful way, performing task with a high degree of accuracy.
• Have experience in building strong working relationships and effectively engaging with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Understanding of Australian Government processes, including previous experience in financial, procurement activities, HR and providing secretariat support
• Have sound judgement, integrity and discretion, including the ability to maintain confidentiality and privacy
• Being part of a team that fosters a culture of continuous improvement, teamwork, integrity and respect.

As the Executive Support Officer you provide executive support to the Chief Scientist of Australia and the Chief of Staff in delivering on the priorities for the Office. This is an important role in coordinating the operation of the Office of the Chief Scientist to deliver high quality outcomes.

Key responsibilities include:

• Provide a high level of executive and administrative support to the Office including email, diary and general office management.
• Assist the Executive Assistant to Australia’s Chief Scientist as required, including coordination of appointments, meetings and events
• Act as the first point of contact for the Office and provide a high level of customer service to internal and external stakeholders, including escorting to and from meetings.
• Manage key coordination issues including activities related to corporate and governance issues, including internal and external facing email inboxes and correspondence.
• Continuous performance improvement of the Office through the use of efficient and practical administration process and systems
• Financial responsibilities including reconciling credit cards, invoice payments and sitting fees for committees as required.
• Manage travel and accommodation for the Executive and staff, including organising and booking travel
• Maintaining an ability to work to a very high professional standard in a high pressure, complex environment.

To be eligible for employment in the APS and the department, applicants must be Australian Citizens.

These positions require a Baseline security clearance. The successful applicants will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

Your application must not contain any classified or sensitive information. This includes in your application responses, CV and any other documents. Applications containing classified information may not be considered by the selection panel.

You are required to complete your application online. Aligning your responses with the above job description, provide a one page pitch (750 word maximum) explaining how your skills, knowledge and experience will be relevant to this role and why you are the best candidate for the position.

Please provide your current CV with your application. (CVs must be in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format)

Accessible application documentation is available in other formats on request. Please contact ***********@industry.gov.au or (02) 6276 1*** if you require assistance with your application.

For more information regarding this opportunity, please contact Nicole Henry, Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chief Scientist, ************@chiefscientist.gov.au or (02) 6102 8***.

The department’s Enterprise Agreement and policies provide for a flexible working environment to assist staff balance their work and home life. Staff and managers work together to balance the operating needs of the work unit with the needs of the individual. Options may include full time/part time working arrangements, working from home or other arrangements as agreed by all parties.

The department is committed to a workplace culture that is respectful, inclusive, and diverse, where all employees have a sense of belonging and can bring their authentic whole selves to work every day. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, mature age, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse people and people of the LGBTIQA+ community, including transgender, gender diverse, and intersex people. Please contact our Inclusion team at *********@industry.gov.au for a confidential discussion if you identify from any of these diverse backgrounds and would like to discuss this in more detail.

Please refer to our Applying for a position information for additional information on how to apply.

Select the links on the left-hand side of the page for more useful information about a career with the department.