Defence Administration, Logistics and Research Officer

The successful applicant will be engaged as a locally engaged staff member by the Australian Embassy, Paris and will be required for a duration of 6 months from approximately February 2025 to August 2025.

**About the Department of Defence**

The Department of Defence's (Defence) primary role is to defend Australia and its national interests, promote security and stability, and support the Australian community as directed by the Government.

The Defence Office in Paris represents Australia’s defence interests in France, working with the French Ministry of Armed Forces and other stakeholders to further develop our bilateral defence relationship.

**About the Position**

Under limited direction, this position provides administrative, logistics and research support to the Defence Office in Paris. Duties include logistics coordination in support of engagement activities with French Defence organisations, asset management, correspondence management, general administrative tasks, and research and analysis relating to French, European and Australian defence policy and engagement.

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

- Provide logistics support and coordination for commemorative activities, operational deployments, official visits by senior officials and Ministers, and representational events.
- Manage Defence assets for the Defence Office, and Defence officers posted within metropolitan France.
- Driving support for the Defence Office, including in Paris.
- Manage Diplomatic Clearance procedures and Defence Office correspondence and coordination with Embassy Political and Protocol sections, including production of Note Verbales.
- Provide administrative support for the day-to-day activities of the office, including correspondence management, travel bookings, and support to office management.
- Undertake research and analysis on French defence activities, engagement and policy.
- Monitor domestic and international defence developments, including in French parliamentary sessions.
- Develop high-quality written products such as briefs, media summaries, reports and cables.
- Support translation tasks and preparation of Defence Office correspondence in French and/or English.

**General requirements**
- This is a security-designated position.
- Applicants must be a national of Australia, New-Zealand, America, Canada, or United Kingdom to be eligible for an Australian Government security clearance.
- Persons holding dual French nationality with one of the above nationalities are not eligible for a security clearance for this position.
- Applications that do not specifically address and satisfy this requirement will not be considered.

**Qualifications/Experience**
- A valid driver’s licence and comfort driving in Paris.
- Fluency in English and a high level of written and spoken French is essential (minimum B2, preferred C1).
- Proven experience providing administrative, coordination and logistics support.
- Proven experience in research, analysis and report writing, with good attention to detail.
- A demonstrated capacity to work as part of a small team.
- On occasion, a willingness to work evenings and weekends.

**Preferred Knowledge/Experience**
- Good technical knowledge of, and interest in, the French defence and political landscape and policy-making processes.
- Sound general knowledge of Australia's defence policy, including political processes and systems of governance.

**How to Apply**

Applicants interested in this vacancy must submit a written statement in English, of no more than 500 words, telling us why you are the right person for this position. Include why you are interested in the role, and how your skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications are applicable to the role. Written statements over 500 words and resumes over two pages will not be considered. Make sure you read the key responsibilities of the position above and highlight some specific examples that will demonstrate your ability to perform in the role.

Applicants must also submit a resume (maximum two pages) which provides a summary of your employment history and details of your qualifications/experience that are relevant to this position.

An exciting opportunity for an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team on a temporary basis.