About the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) The role of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is to advance the interests of Australia and Australians internationally.
This involves strengthening Australias security, enhancing Australias 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 Australias pursuit of global, regional and bilateral interests.
About the Position Under general direction and reporting to the Corporate Services Manager, this position is responsible for leading the consular and passports team in providing high-quality and timely day to day assistance and support to Australian citizens.
The position is responsible for the management of complex and high profile consular and passport cases.
The position assists with crisis and business continuity planning, in addition to updating the Smartraveller travel advice.
The key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to: Manage the provision of consular and passport services to Australian citizens and provide high-level advice and support on consular and passport matters, in line with the Consular Services Charter, Australian Passports Act and departmental guidelines.
Provide notarial services to Australian Citizens in accordance with relevant Australian legislation and guidelines, as required.
Develop and maintain a range of key Irish contacts within government and private organisations relating to consular and passports work.
Prepare and draft routine and complex correspondence on consular and passport matters.
Maintain and update consular and passport related systems, crisis and business continuity planning documents and Smartraveller travel advice recommendations.
Provide occasional out-of-hours support on consular and passport matters.
Oversee the work and lead the Consular and Passports Team.
Provide advice and support for voting facilities for Federal and State elections and by-elections.
Assist with answering telephone calls, email enquiries and attending to reception visitors.
Other duties as directed.
Required Qualifications/Experience Ability to apply relevant guidelines, policies and legislation to complex situations.
Ability to quickly understand and apply Australian Government procedures relating to consular and passport matters in the Irish environment.
Proven interpersonal and stakeholder management skills with excellent consultation, communication, liaison and negotiation abilities, in order to respond to distressed, difficult and disturbed clients.
An ability to work cooperatively and supervise/mentor a small team to achieve departmental objectives.
High-level prioritisation and organisational skills, including the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines, organise team workloads and allocate resources.
High-level initiative and an ability to problem solve and exercise discretion when dealing with sensitive matters.
Highly developed written English and oral communication skills with a proven ability to provide accurate and timely information with a focus on attention to detail.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office software applications.