Recruitment

Employment Opportunities

Executive Assistant to the Ambassador

The Embassy of Australia in Riyadh is seeking a highly motivated and bilingual (English/Arabic) Executive Assistant to the Ambassador.

This position provides high-level executive, administrative and organisational support to the Head of Mission (HOM) of the Embassy of Australia in Riyadh.  Responsibilities also include organising official events and functions and providing assistance for visiting officials. This role may be required to work outside of business hours and provide backup for other roles.

The full position description is mentioned below.

This is a Locally Engaged Staff (LES) position.  The base starting salary for this position will be SAR 9,138.70 per month (LE3‑1), plus three (3) months basic salary housing allowance, and one (1) month of basic salary Eid bonus payable each year.  It is expected that the successful applicant will commence in the position as soon as possible.

For applicants outside of Saudi Arabia, you must be prepared to relocate to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Should the successful applicant not be a Saudi national, the Embassy will sponsor the applicant’s visa and residence permit for the duration of employment. For foreign nationals already in Saudi Arabia, you are likely to have to depart Saudi on your final exit, apply for a new visa and return under the Embassy’s sponsorship. An individual’s personal circumstances can be discussed with the Embassy as required.

To apply, please submit the following to [email protected] with the position number and your name in the subject:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) outlining personal details, relevant work experience, educational qualifications and skills (maximum 2 pages).
• Contact details for two referees.
• A one-to-two-page pitch of no more than 750 words outlining how your skills, experience and qualifications makes you the best person for the job.  Try to avoid simply repeating information already included in the CV.
• Confirmation of your current or intended status in Saudi Arabia, such as Saudi identification (Saudi nationals), copy of iqama (temporary residents), or a copy of your passport (for those not situated in Saudi Arabia).

*** Please note that incomplete applications or those that do not follow submission guidance in this notice will not be considered.

The closing date for applications is by close of business on Thursday 30 January 2025.

The Embassy of Australia is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.  Staff recruited locally by the Embassy of Australia are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Saudi Arabian employment law.

LES Position Description

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

This position provides high-level executive, administrative and organisational support to the Ambassador of the Embassy of Australia (Head of Mission – HOM) in Riyadh.  Responsibilities also include organising official events and functions and providing assistance for visiting officials. This role may be required to work outside of business hours and provide backup for other roles.

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

• Provide executive, administrative and organisational support to the HOM.
• Prepare and manage the HOM’s program and schedule of appointments, including arranging official appointments with senior host government officials, ministries, diplomatic missions and the business sector, in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman and Yemen.
• Coordinate and arrange official travel for HOM and other DFAT A-based officers including liaising with other diplomatic missions to obtain their visas.
• Organise representational functions and maintain accounting records for the HOM’s representation allowance, reimbursements and advances.
• Translate incoming and outgoing official correspondence for HOM ensuring its accuracy.
• Provide administrative and research support including coordination and drafting of briefing material and correspondence.
• Develop and maintain networks and relationships with Saudi government agencies and related offices and other embassies.
• Contribute to the planning, coordination and delivery of official representation events, functions, Official visits and other public diplomacy and commemorative events hosted by the Embassy.

Required Qualifications/Experience/Knowledge/Skills

• Previous experience in a relevant field is desirable but not mandatory.
• High level Arabic and English skills written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong capacity to provide high-level executive and administrative support.
• Ability to prioritise and meet tight deadlines.
• High-level of initiative and ability to work independently within a small team.
• Strong capacity to exercise discretion and judgement.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software applications.