Job Title: Corporate Services Officer – LE3 – DFAT
Location: Bern
Salary: 81,130.08 CHF gross per annum plus thirteenth salary
Contract type: Permanent
Contract hours: Fulltime, 37.5 hours per week
Closing date: 2 June 2025
Job Summary
The successful applicant will be engaged as a locally engaged staff member by the Australian Embassy, Bern.
Please be advised that the Australian Embassy, Bern, does not provide relocation assistance and any costs associated with taking up the position would be the responsibility of the successful candidate.
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
The Corporate Services Officer is part of a small team that pursues Australia’s objectives in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Under direction, this position performs a range of corporate enabling and client service duties including executive support, general administrative tasks, and passport and consular work. The position also drives the Ambassador, other Embassy staff and official visitors, as required.
The key responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:
- Provide executive and logistical support to the Ambassador as required, including managing the Ambassador’s diary; preparing and planning the Ambassador’s travel; and preparing the Ambassador’s credit card acquittal and representation schedule.
- Drive for the Ambassador, Embassy staff and visiting officials within Switzerland and Liechtenstein and perform courier services, including preparing and dispatching the diplomatic bag and incoming/outgoing mail, as required.
- Maintain official vehicles and arrange repairs, servicing and maintenance, including keeping mileage, fuel registration and insurance records in line with relevant procedures.
- Undertake reception duties, including greeting visitors, taking telephone enquiries and providing client services to the public.
- Perform routine finance processing and general administrative duties under direction as required.
- Assist the Political Research and Corporate Services Manager with property and IT management and maintenance.
- Liaise between clients and passport and consular staff at the Australian Consulate-General in Geneva.
- Liaise with government ministries and local authorities on protocol matters such as official visas, staff residence visas, driving licences and airport facilitation.
- Assist with the coordination of visits and official events as required.
- Provide backup support for other staff as required.
Qualifications/Experience
- Demonstrated administrative and client service skills.
- High level of computer literacy and the ability to use the Microsoft Office suite.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain productive working relationships with colleagues and clients.
- Sound organisational skills and judgement and the ability to work productively as part of a small team.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and German are required; French language skills are desirable.
- Valid Swiss Driver’s Licence and a proven safety record is essential.
- A willingness to work outside of standard hours as necessary.
Selection Criteria
In your written statements, you must include relevant high-level examples from your experience that support your claims against the role. The word limit is strictly 250 words per response. The panel will not assess responses which exceed the word limit.
A. Demonstrated ability to perform general administrative or processing activities with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
B. High level oral and written communication skills in English and German and the ability to work effectively across all organisational levels and liaise with internal and external stakeholders.
C. The ability to exercise sound judgement and ensure sensitive information is handled with discretion.
D. Effective organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and be flexible to support other team members.
E. Effective diary management skills, including the ability to organise events and coordinate travel arrangements.
The Human Resources Section based in the Australian High Commission, London is responsible for managing all recruitment processes across the European region. To apply, please click on this link.
We are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees are valued. We appreciate the experiences, skills and perspectives of all individuals. We actively encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds who share our values.