Assistant Secretary, Protocol and International Visits Branch

About this role

The Protocol and International Visits Branch is responsible for administering the state occasions and official visits program in a manner which enhances Australia’s international relationships, the image of Australia and the Australian Government. The principal activity of the Branch is to manage, coordinate and deliver complex arrangements for a range of events, ceremonial occasions and visits. The Branch collaborates with the Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General, Prime Minister's Office, Ministers' offices, diplomatic representatives, other Commonwealth departments and state and territory governments. The Assistant Secretary, Protocol and International Visits Branch, works closely with the Prime Minister’s Office and the departmental executive to deliver state occasions and official visits for the Government. In this role you will be based in Canberra and will be responsible for leading the Branch to deliver all arrangements related to Guest of Government visits to Australia, Prime Minister’s overseas visits, national and official events including meetings, hospitality, ceremonial occasions, state funeral and memorial services, and virtual meetings between the Prime Minister and international leaders. Our ideal candidate will perform at the SES Band 1 level in accordance with the PM&C SES Band 1 Performance model and demonstrate the APS-wide DRIVE Leadership behaviours . • Leading the Protocol and International Visits Branch, including management of up to 55 staff, with five direct reports (EL2s) as well as up to 30 casual staff across Australia. • Leading the work of the Branch, including overseeing the implementation and ongoing management of project work to ensure the successful delivery of the state occasions and official visits program. • Supporting the Prime Minister in leader-level engagements to advance Australia’s interests internationally. This will include global and regional cooperation and coordinating arrangements with world leaders. • Advising the Prime Minister, the Prime Minister’s Office, and departmental executive on Commonwealth Protocol practices and standards, official gifts and logistical arrangements for overseas travel. • Representing the Department, building strong trust and respect with a wide range of stakeholders to undertake high-level and intercultural liaison and negotiation. Leading where appropriate, in state occasions and overseas visits, including official visits to Australia and overseas visits by the Prime Minister. • Developing, managing and mentoring high-performing teams to deliver outstanding results at pace by improving the delivery of services and leading the implementation of policies, systems and procedures that meet the needs of principal stakeholders. • Overseeing the Branch budget and staff resources flexibly and efficiently and contributing to the wider divisional and departmental strategic planning and outcomes. • Managing the effective and timely processing of incoming executive correspondence including complex briefs, responses to FOI requests, media requests, parliamentary questions and ministerial or general correspondence of a sensitive nature. The role will involve working in a variety of interesting, dynamic and often high-profile environments where you will work independently or lead the Branch. A strong understanding of protocol is highly desirable. You will need to: • Take responsibility and provide expertise across a broad range of activities potentially relating to the work of different, and at times, competing, program areas. • Adopt a determined and resilient mindset when faced with difficult circumstance. Balance and prioritise work of the Branch and maintains momentum to achieve Branch outcomes, despite difficult circumstances. • Mentor and empower managers to leverage strengths across their teams, celebrate success and maintain morale to nurture positive team dynamics. • Shape a culture where all Branch members are equipped to provide constructive feedback and engage in continuous learning. • Drives improvement of Branch outcomes through constructive feedback, identifying lessons learned and conducting high quality performance conversations. • Enable a workplace culture where difficult issues and changes are addressed promptly and respectfully with consideration given to Branch wellbeing and psychological safety. • Empower the Branch to deliver by interpreting and providing context, and building capacity and strong networks, building strategic understanding. • Create a flexible and supportive environment that enables teams to meet changing demands. • Build strategic relationships with stakeholders and act decisively where tough decisions are needed to achieve PM&C and whole of government outcomes. • Draw on judgement and experience to weigh up complex information and identify critical factors by challenging assumptions, apply lateral thinking and bring innovative solutions to improve the quality of advice. • Approach negotiations with influence, persuasion and a strong grasp of the key issues, presenting a convincing and balanced rationale. Apply rich and credible policy, delivery or expertise and knowledge of government in all contexts. • Embrace diversity of views and act inclusively to improve advice and solutions. Act with integrity and honesty in all situations. This role will involve extended and varied work times. A willingness to work outside core hours when required, and travel interstate and overseas at short notice including back-to-back trips, is essential. Integrity and Work Health and Safety SES leaders are required to exercise the appropriate powers, authority, delegations and discretions under the relevant legislation including the Public Service Act 1999 (PS Act) and the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act). SES leaders must demonstrate the highest levels of integrity and uphold and promote the standard of behaviour set out in the APS Values , the APS Employment Principles and the APS Code of Conduct . SES leaders must also disclose any actual or perceived conflicts of interest. SES leaders may be considered Officers under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act). To fulfil their duty under the WHS Act, Officers must exercise due diligence to ensure PM&C complies with its work health and safety duties and obligations. It is PM&C’s expectation that all SES Leaders act in a way that is consistent with the obligations of an Officer under the WHS Act. Identified Position This position is required to liaise with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities, service providers and staff. You will be required to have sound: • Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander societies and cultures and the issues affecting these cultures in Australian society today. • Demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples. • Demonstrated capability and commitment to continue to develop and increase your cultural knowledge and understanding.