Vacancy: Secretary
The European Union (EU) is an economic and political union of 27 European countries. It plays an important role in international affairs through diplomacy, trade, development aid and cooperation with global organizations. Abroad, the EU is represented through more than 140 diplomatic missions, known also as EU Delegations, which have a similar function to that of an embassy.
The EU Delegation to Australia, based in Canberra, works in close coordination with the Embassies and Consulates of the 27 EU Member States. As a fully-fledged diplomatic mission, we represent the European Union in dealings with the Australian government in areas that o fall within the EU’s remit.
JOB DESCRIPTION: SECRETARY (LOCAL AGENT GROUP 3)
This is a one-year fixed-term post as Secretary within a team of four, with the possibility of a one-year renewal before potentially transitioning to a permanent contract, subject to budgetary availability and operational requirements.
The successful candidate will be assigned responsibilities based on the evolving needs of the Delegation. They will work under the direct supervision of the Head of the Trade Section.
Main Tasks and Duties:
The following are the current key responsibilities:
- Provide administrative and logistical support to the Head of Section and the Trade Section team.
- Perform a range of administrative tasks, including:
- managing diaries,
- handling telephone enquiries,
- processing documentation,
- tracking events and activity registrations,
- responding to invitations.
- Draft, finalise, and dispatch notes, letters, and reports for filing and distribution.
- Arrange business trips, including all related administrative follow-up.
- Coordinate logistics for receptions, meetings, and conferences.
- Maintain and update contact distribution lists.
- Manage and review the Section’s electronic filing system.
Additional Duties:
- Provide back-up for the secretariat of the Political, Press and Information Section, when required.
- Assist with back-up duties for the Ambassador’s secretariat.
We are seeking an enthusiastic, highly motivated colleague to join our dynamic, results-driven team.
Requirements:
The ideal candidate should demonstrate the following:
- The ability to work both in a team and independently.
- The ability to prioritise tasks as set by the Head of Section and to organise work to meet deadlines with the highest level of accuracy.
- The ability to maintain strong professional relationships with all relevant stakeholders.
- The capacity to deliver high-quality work under time constraints.
- The ability to multitask effectively.
- A service-oriented and flexible approach.
Remuneration and benefits:
The base salary will be determined by verified, relevant employment experience and typically starts from AUD 6,740 per month (excluding superannuation). A competitive benefits package is offered, subject to certain conditions, and includes: personal leave entitlements, public holidays, and health insurance.
Expected Start Date: mid-August 2026
Minimum requirements / eligibility criteria (necessary for the application to be considered):
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Minimum year 12 certificate or equivalent
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Minimum of 2 years of experience in relevant fields (administrative and secretarial support, office organization etc.)
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Excellent knowledge (C2) of English
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Right to reside and work full-time in Australia (working holiday visa excluded)
Assets/selection criteria (basis for awarding points to select the best applicant)
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Experience in a diplomatic mission or international organisation;
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Degree in the relevant fields (secretariat, administration);
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Proficiency in other European languages
HOW TO APPLY
The applicant must apply by sending:
- a cover letter;
- a Curriculum Vitæ (to include, at the minimum, exact job titles, employers’ names and detailed tasks descriptions) using one of the Europass templates available at: https://europass.europa.eu/en
- if applicable: copy of the visa
all documents to the following email address: Eeasjobs-132@eeas.europa.eu
And mention in the email subject: “ [Name + Surname] – Application Secretary TRADE “
no later than 20/07/2026.
Application Requirements:
Your application must clearly demonstrate that you meet the four eligibility criteria listed above. This includes confirming that you hold full working rights in Australia.
Only complete applications submitted on time via email will be considered.
Selection Process
Following the application deadline, eligible applications will be reviewed by the Selection Committee established for this purpose.
Depending on the number of applications received, the selection process may include multiple stages, such as: shortlisting candidates based on an assessment of the information provided in their cover letter and CV, and conducting interviews.
The three to five highest-ranking candidates will be invited to a final interview.
Communication During the Process
Only candidates progressing to each successive stage will be contacted individually. The Delegation will not provide additional information or discuss the selection procedure. During this time, candidates should refrain from contacting the Selection Committee members directly. Instead, any queries should be directed to the Delegation’s Administration team.
The successful candidate will be required to undergo a medical examination and background check.
Complaints Procedure
Candidates wishing to raise a complaint about the recruitment process may submit a written request to the same functional mailbox used for their initial application. Upon receipt, the Delegation will review the matter and, if necessary, consult Headquarters before responding.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
The European Union is committed to an equal opportunities policy for all its employees and applicants for employment. As an employer, the EU is committed to promoting gender equality, preventing discrimination on any grounds and ensuring a zero tolerance approach to any form of harassment. It actively welcomes applications from all qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds. We aim at a service which is truly representative of society, where each staff member feels respected, is able to give their best and can develop their full potential.
If pre-selected, candidates with disabilities are invited to contact the Delegation (delegation-australia-hoa@eeas.europa.eu) in order to accommodate any special needs and provide assistance to ensure equality of opportunities with other candidates.
If a candidate with a disability is selected and recruited, the EEAS is committed to appropriate measures in order to accommodate his or her special needs to the working place or working conditions in accordance with Art 4 of the Decision ADMIN(2025)13 of the Director-General for Resource Management of the European External Action Service on providing reasonable accommodation for local staff with disabilities working in Union Delegations.
DATA PROTECTION NOTICE