Passports and Consular Officer – LE3 – DFAT – Berlin in Berlin bei Australian Embassy

The successful applicant will be engaged as a locally engaged staff member by the Australian Embassy, Berlin.

Please be advised that the Australian Embassy, Berlin, does not provide relocation assistance and any costs associated with taking up the position would be the responsibility of the successful candidate.

About the Australian Government’s 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

Under direction, the Passports and Consular Officer provides a range of passport, consular and notarial services to Australian citizens living and travelling in Germany. The position is also responsible for delivering protocol services and assists with the management of the security guarding contract.

The key responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Provide a range of passport services, including conducting client interviews and processing applications for Australian travel documents, in accordance with the Australian Passports Act
• Respond to requests for routine consular assistance from Australian citizens in accordance with the Consular Handbook
• Respond to telephone and written enquiries from members of the public, including passport and consular clients
• Attend court hearings and trials, conduct prison visits or hospital visits for Australian citizens as required
• Provide a range of notarial acts and services
• Maintain knowledge of local services and legislation, particular those affecting Australian citizens visiting or residing in Germany
• Prepare routine reporting and correspondence on consular and passport matters and ensure work is recorded into the appropriate consular and passport databases and filing systems.
• Provide protocol services including preparing Third Person Notes
• Provide support to the Consular and Passport Manager as Contract Manager for the Security Guarding Services Contract

Qualifications/Experience

• Ability to interpret the guidelines, policies and legislation governing the provision of Australian passport and consular services.
• Sound client liaison skills and a demonstrated ability to solve client enquiries through an understanding of local customs and practices.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Fluent in both German and English
• Ability to prioritise and manage high volume workloads
• Strong capacity to exercise discretion and make sound judgements
• Demonstrated ability to build productive relationships and work effectively in a small team

Selection Criteria

In your written statements, you must include relevant high-level examples from your experience that support your claims against the role. The word limit is strictly 250 words per response. The panel will not assess responses which exceed the word limit.

A. Proven customer service skills, and the ability to communicate effectively in German and English.

B. Ability to work effectively with other team members in a busy environment by demonstrating flexibility and resourcefulness.

C. Well-developed planning and organisational skills to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a high-volume, client-focused environment.

D. Ability to understand and apply policies or guidelines, using your own judgement as required.

E. Good administrative skills, including the ability to maintain accurate records and filing systems.

The Human Resources Section based in the Australian High Commission, London is responsible for managing all recruitment processes across the European region. To apply, please use the 'Apply' button below. Please direct any other queries to recruitment.london@dfat.gov.au.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees are valued. We appreciate the experiences, skills and perspectives of all individuals. We actively encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds who share our values.

We are looking for a new member of the consular and passports team at the Australian Embassy, Berlin. Applicants should have strong client service and administration skills.