Who we are The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry leads the Australian Government's efforts to support, protect and grow the country's food and fibre production industries. We create new and maintain existing agricultural export opportunities, to provide gains for Australian agriculture. We manage biosecurity risks to Australia to protect our multi-billion-dollar agricultural industries and our way of life. The Agricultural Trade and Regulation Group (ATRG) consists of the Trade and International, Exports and Veterinary Services, Digital Business, and Plant and Live Animal Exports, Welfare and Regulation divisions. We maximise trade and market access opportunities for exports, support agriculture productivity, drive digital change and support our international posts. We do this by engaging in bilateral, multilateral and regional opportunities to advance Australia's interests; managing export inspection, audit and certification services; improving agricultural import and export systems and fostering regulatory stewardship across the department. The key duties of the position include The Job The Executive Assistant (EA) plays a critical role in supporting the ATRG Deputy Secretary to ensure they are briefed, prepared and able to meet their obligations and commitments. The Deputy Secretary's Executive Assistant provides high level administrative support and liaises with the Executive Officer, Senior Executive Staff (SES), Ministers' Offices and other internal and external stakeholders to perform a number of important responsibilities, including but not limited to: managing the Deputy Secretary's diary, liaising with First Assistant Secretaries and other senior officials' offices, analysing, prioritising and responding to meeting requests, working with the Executive Officer to request appropriate briefing and support for meetings as per agreed timeframes, developing and maintaining professional relationships with various stakeholders at all levels across the department, the Minister's Office, other senior government officials and external organisations, inbox management for the Deputy Secretary, workflow through the Deputy 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 Executive Officer, managing the administration and records management of the Deputy Secretary's Office, handling and protection of sensitive information on behalf of the Deputy Secretary, planning, booking and reconciling travel and accommodation, engaging in the department's Executive Assistant Network and fostering/promoting a strong EA network across the APS. As one of the first points of contact for the Deputy Secretary, this is a position of trust that requires emotional intelligence, excellent judgement, leadership, strategic thinking and discretion. The role works closely with the Deputy Secretary and Executive Officer, senior executives and their support staff to ensure the efficient operation of the Deputy Secretary's Office and the ATRG. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) individuals and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Your unique perspective and lived experience are valued here.
