Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is looking for an Executive Assistant - LE4

Application Deadline: 26 August 2026

Department: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Australian Permanent Mission, Geneva

Compensation: CHF95,784 / year

Description

Applications are sought from persons interested in employment within the Australian Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva.

The successful applicant will be engaged as a locally engaged staff member by the Australian Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva.

Please be advised that the Australian Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva does not assist with relocation. Any costs associated with taking up the position would be the responsibility of the successful candidate. This role is office-based.

A standard probity check will be undertaken prior to commencement for the successful applicant.

About The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The role of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is to advance the interests of Australia and Australians internationally. This involves strengthening Australia’s security, enhancing Australia’s prosperity, delivering an effective and high-quality overseas aid program and helping Australian travellers and Australians overseas. The department provides foreign, trade and development policy advice to the Australian Government. DFAT also works with other Australian Government agencies to drive coordination of Australia’s pursuit of global, regional and bilateral interests.

About the Position

Under direction, the Executive Assistant to the Ambassador and Deputy Ambassador provides high-level executive, administrative and organisational support at the Australian Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva. The position also organises official events and functions.

Due to the sensitive nature of the work involved, this position will need to be able to hold and maintain a national security clearance recognised by DFAT.

Key responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to:

• Provide high-level executive support to the Ambassador and Deputy Ambassador, ensuring the effective operation of executive offices in a fast-paced and sensitive environment.
• Manage and prioritise correspondence, invitations, briefing materials and requests, exercising sound judgement to determine priority, action and compliance requirements.
• Coordinate official visits and delegation programs for Ministers, senior officials and high-level visitors, balancing competing priorities and operational requirements.
• Plan and deliver representational events, meetings and official engagements, liaising with internal and external stakeholders to achieve Mission objectives.
• Manage representational expenditure and financial administration, including forecasting, acquittals, reconciliations and reporting in accordance with DFAT policies and procedures.
• Coordinate travel, logistics and related administrative arrangements for executive leadership and official activities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
• Monitor security, operational and workflow risks, implementing required controls and escalating issues as appropriate.
• Provide administrative guidance, maintain effective business systems and support team coordination, contributing to continuous improvement and organisational effectiveness.

Required Qualifications/Experience/Knowledge/Skills

• Proven experience in similar Executive Assistant role/s
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work with and support a team. Ability to develop and maintain respectful and effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to manage time, prioritise, plan, handle multiple tasks and work well under pressure
• Financial management and organisational skills
• Discretion and sound judgement in handling confidential information
• Extensive experience using Microsoft Office and electronic applications
• Exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills
• Fluency in English is required, with fluency in French highly regarded
• Knowledge of, or an ability to quickly acquire a knowledge of Australian Government legislation or departmental policy and guidelines in relation to the position duties

Desirable

• Previous experience working in an embassy, international organisation, or comparable environment.

Security Requirements

• Australian NV2 security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain this. Therefore applicants must hold Australian citizenship to be considered.
• Please note that candidates who hold citizenship or dual citizenship of Switzerland are not eligible for an Australian Security Clearance.

How to Apply

Where the application form asks for a cover letter, please provide a written pitch of no more than 500 words demonstrating your suitability to perform the key responsibilities of the position. Your pitch is your opportunity to tell us why you are the right candidate for the role. It will be assessed on your ability to demonstrate, or have the potential to develop, the required skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications to proficiently perform the role. Relevant examples and accomplishments will strengthen your application.

Benefits

20 days annual leave, 50% employer contribution to health insurance and accident insurance, and to a pension fund.

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