The successful applicant will be engaged as a locally engaged staff member by the Australian Embassy, Paris and must be in possession of a valid authorisation of work for France or be able to obtain one on their own. The embassy is not in a position to provide sponsorship.
The Fair Work Act 2009 is not intended to apply to the employment of Locally Engaged Staff (LES) at Australia’s overseas diplomatic and consular missions. The successful candidate’s terms and conditions of employment will be governed by the laws of France.
Please be advised that the Australian Embassy, Paris does not assist with relocation. 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
Under limited direction, the Passport and Consular Officer provides high quality passport, notarial and consular services to Australian citizens in France, as well as in accredited countries: Monaco, Algeria, Mauritania and Chad. The position may require providing emergency consular assistance outside of standard office hours and undertaking ad hoc travel to accredited countries.
The key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:
- Provide passport, notarial and consular services for Australian citizens in France and accredited countries, applying relevant legislation, policies and departmental guidelines, including conducting client interviews and responding to enquiries.
- Manage high-volume passport processing and administrative functions, including document verification, data entry, payment processing, reconciliations and reporting while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Manage a complex and sensitive consular caseload, including assessing client circumstances, preparing recommendations, coordinating support services, and providing assistance to Australians experiencing difficult or distressing circumstances. Exercise sound judgement in identifying, managing and escalating complex or high-risk matters, including those involving hospitals, prisons, courts, trials, welfare concerns, arrests and other consular incidents. Develop and maintain a strong network of key contacts with the local authorities and relevant organisations, including government, medical, tourism and emergency service providers, to support consular and passport operations.
- Contribute to the preparation and maintenance of the Embassy’s Contingency Plans and Travel Advice for France and accredited countries, including updating consular and passport information on the embassy website.
- Provide high quality English-French translation and interpreting services within the Consular and Passport Section and contribute to broader section operations including administrative and backup support as required.
- Provide assistance to Canadian colleagues in Algeria who provide consular services on behalf of the Australian Government.
Qualifications/Experience
- Fluent in English and French, with strong written and verbal communication skills for effective stakeholder engagement.
- Ability to apply relevant guidelines, policies and legislation to complex situations.
- Strong interpersonal skills, building productive relationships and communicating professionally and sensitively with authorities and clients, including those facing difficult situations.
- A high level of initiative and ability to problem-solve, with sound judgement, discretion and decision-making ability.
- Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks with limited supervision, to set priorities, and to meet tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively in small teams and adapt to changing work environments and challenges.
- Excellent ICT knowledge, specifically Microsoft Office programs and working with databases.
- Strong attention to detail.
Selection Criteria*
Please ensure you provide a response to each of the listed selection criteria below. In your response, 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 to each selection criteria. The panel may not assess incomplete applications or responses which exceed the word limit.
Applications must be submitted in English but at least one criterion must be submitted in French to assess the language level. (Please include an indication of your level based on the European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Please note that French will be tested during the interview.
A. Well-developed written and oral communication skills in English and French, and the proven ability to communicate empathetically and clearly with people from diverse backgrounds.
B. Effective judgement and decision-making skills with a demonstrated ability to apply legislation and policies.
C. Strong administrative skills, including good attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records and filing systems in accordance with policies and procedures.
D. Experience in building and sustaining effective relationships with team members and internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
E. Ability to take initiative, set priorities and organise work effectively and efficiently, completing projects and assignments with limited supervision.
Applicants for this position may be considered for any on-going or non-ongoing at-level LE4 positions within the Australian Embassy, Permanent Delegation to the OECD and Permanent Delegation to UNESCO that may arise at the Australian Embassy, Paris over the 18-month period from the date of the advertisement of this position.
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 use the 'Apply' button below. Please direct any other queries to [email protected].
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.
The Australian Embassy in Paris is seeking a motivated Passport and Consular Officer to join the team on a three-month fixed-term contract, with the possibility of extension or permanency.
