Job Executive Assistant to the Secretary, Canberra

Who we are
The role of the Department is to lead Australia's response to climate change and sustainable energy use, and protect our environment, heritage and water. Our vision is an Australia that is prosperous because it is sustainable, with community and Country at the heart of our actions.

We provide innovative and expert advice to the Australian Government grounded in science and evidence. We develop policy, deliver programs, manage assets, administer legislation, and regulate. We work collaboratively and in partnership with First Nations Peoples, communities, regions, industry, states and territories, other government departments and international partners to achieve outcomes for the environment, the economy, and all Australians. The work we do today, matters for tomorrow.

Read more about the work we do on our website .


The key duties of the position include
The Executive Assistant (EA) to the Secretary plays a critical role in supporting the Secretary to ensure they are briefed, prepared and able to meet all obligations and commitments.

The Secretary's Executive Assistant provides high level administrative support and liaises with the Executive, Ministers' Offices, the wider SES team and other senior internal and external stakeholders to perform several important responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Managing the Secretary's diary, liaising with Ministers' Offices and other senior officials' offices, analysing, prioritising and responding to meeting requests;
• Working with the Deputy Chief of Staff to request appropriate briefing and support for meetings as per agreed timeframes;
• Inbox management for the Secretary, workflow through the Secretary's office, triaging as appropriate to ensure deadlines are met, following up with action areas to ensure timely responses, and bringing important matters to the attention of the Chief of Staff;
• Managing the administration and records management of the Office of the Secretary;
• Handling and protection of highly sensitive information on behalf of the Secretary;
• Planning, booking and reconciling travel and accommodation; and
• Working closely with and to the direction of the Chief of Staff to support the Secretary.

As the most senior EA in the Department, the position will also play an important role in shaping the culture of the department's EA community, including providing cross-department guidance, communicating administrative information, and mentoring junior EAs throughout the Department.

As one of the first points of contact for the Secretary, this is a position of trust that requires emotional intelligence, excellent judgement, high levels of personal integrity and discretion. The role works closely with the Secretary, Chief of Staff, and Deputy Chief of Staff, senior executives and their support staff to ensure the efficient operation of the Office and the Department.