Northern Australia Strategic Policy Centre (Naspc) Administration Officer

ASPI Northern Australia Strategic Policy Centre (NASPC) Administration Officer

• ASPI is looking for an exceptional and experienced Administration Officer
• Join one of the Indo-Pacific’s top performing and most influential think tanks
• Join a progressive and supportive organisation with an engaging and vibrant organisational culture

About ASPI

ASPI is an independent, non-partisan think tank that produces expert and timely advice for strategic, defence and policy leaders and decision makers. ASPI is one of the most authoritative and widely quoted contributors to public discussion of Strategic Policy issues in the Indo-Pacific region and a recognised Australian voice in international discussion on defence, strategic, national security, cyber, critical technology, climate, and foreign interference issues.

About the Role

The Northern Australia Strategic Policy Centre (NASPC) is a specialised centre within ASPI that works on various topics, including traditional defence and security, economic development, critical infrastructure, critical minerals and rare earths, agriculture and food and water security, and Pacific relations.

This role also works across the Head of the NASPC's alternate Policy Centres, the Strategic Policing and Law Enforcement Program (SPLE), involving work across illicit drugs, illicit finance, transnational serious organised crime, and modern slavery, and ASPI’s Counter-terrorism Policy Centre (CTPC).

The successful applicant will have the chance to assist with coordinating a project in the first half of 2024 focused on northern Australia's connections with Pacific Island Countries (PICs), liaising with senior Government and international representatives. This will be an exciting and challenging project which will require high-level stakeholder engagement with international delegations. Some travel will be required for this role.

The Administration Officer will support the day-to-day operations of the Centre and its programs through a range of administrative, coordination, internal, and external communication functions. This role will include supporting the Head of Centre with coordinating and delivering the global research program and diary management for the Head of Centre. 

The role will include a variety of administrative tasks, including several financial responsibilities, quarterly and annual reporting, and assisting with event coordination. There is the opportunity for high-level stakeholder engagement with senior members of parliament and government. This will be a busy, fast-paced, and varied role that would suit a highly organised individual who takes initiative, works collaboratively, and has a highly professional communication style. There is also scope for this role to include a research assistant function.

Duty Statement

The NASPC Administration Officer is responsible for: 

• Assisting with the management of day-to-day administration requirements of the program, including those related to: 
  • Specific projects, 
  • Sponsorship engagement, 
  • External engagement and outreach activities,
  • Communications and media engagement,
  • NASPC partners and stakeholders,
  • Events, 
  • Facilitating the visits of international guests and visitors,
  • Fellowships,
• Assisting with monitoring and delivering contractual requirements as per NASPC agreements,
• Assisting with identifying funding opportunities, including grants, and drafting and coordinating ASPI proposals, including;
  • Assisting NASPC team members with the identification and initiation of new sources of funding.
  • Performing administrative duties necessary for the operations of the NASPC,
  • Assisting in the planning, project management, and delivery of major events,
  • Assisting in the coordination of event participants, and attendees,
  • Planning, project management and delivery roundtables for both domestic and international stakeholders,
  • Assisting with the management and coordination of projects, including those commissioned from external authors,
  • Assisting with the management of corporate reporting,
  • Preparing budgets and assisting with the financial management of NASPC and associated programs,
  • If required, assist in strategically developing and managing communications through the ASPI website, social media platforms, and marketing materials.
• Performing the role of EA to the Head of the Northern Australia Strategic Policy Centre, including diary management for the Head of the Centre and providing ad-hoc executive support for staff when required.
• In performing these duties, you will:
  • work with all ASPI staff in a collegiate and respectful way, emphasising open communication; 
  • protect ASPI's confidential information; 
  • act with fidelity; 
  • follow the lawful directions of ASPI and; 
  • account for ASPI's property.

There is scope in this role for a successful applicant to undertake Research Assistant duties.

About You

Essential Criteria

• Highly developed administrative and organisational skills and meticulous attention to detail
• Effective written and communication skills, including the ability to consult with people at all levels, including people in government, academia and the private sector, whilst representing ASPI in a highly professional manner
• Demonstrated reliability and the ability to exercise sound judgement and discretion when dealing with pressures and complicated, complex situations 
• A willingness and ability to occasionally work after-hours
• Demonstrated self-management skills, including the ability to show initiative, problem solve, work independently, manage competing priorities and deadlines, respond well under pressure and work as part of a team
• High standard of computer competence, including experience in Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Desirable Qualifications

• Previous experience in a similar role,
• Experience working in a government department and familiarity with Australia’s national security landscape.

Remuneration will be commensurate with experience.

How to Apply

1. All applications should be submitted to ****@aspi.org.au including the following documents:

• a letter of no more than one page in length, linking your motivation and skills to the above requirements;
• Resume/CV including two current referee contact details.

ASPI promotes a workplace that actively seeks to include, welcome and values unique contributions of all people. The Institute strongly encourages women and people from diverse cultural backgrounds including applicants from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds to apply.

The closing date for applications is 29 March 2024– an early application is advised as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if suitable applications are received.