Job Description

The successful applicant will be engaged as a locally engaged staff member by the Australian High Commission, London. Please be advised that the Australian High Commission, London does not provide relocation assistance and any costs associated with taking up the position would be the responsibility of the successful candidate.

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

The position is located in the Human Resources (HR) Section within the European Service Delivery Hub, which is responsible for providing a wide range of Human Resources programs and client service functions to clientele across the European region.


The HR Advisor provides practical advice and policy related support to management and employees across a wide remit, including recruitment and selection, learning and development, employee relations and compensation and benefits.


The HR Advisor is a technical specialist responsible for driving the HRM Unit's programs, undertaking adhoc programs and promoting service improvement in a shared services environment. The HR Advisor also provide back-up support in the administration and management of pension and payroll arrangements for London and other Embassies in the region.

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

Provide support to the Head of HR in respect of generalist HR processes and other activities including the provision of front-line HR support and guidance to staff and managers on terms and conditions of service and a range of employee relations activities. Conduct Locally Engaged Staff (LES) Recruitment, including drafting position descriptions, advertisements and selection criteria, co-ordination of the recruitment process, preparing interview questions, briefing the selection committees and overseeing the completion of recruitment reports. Co-ordinate the full employee lifecycle for LES, including induction and orientation programs, separation management and exit interviews. Contract, performance and probation management, oversight of right to work documentation, including issuing certificates of sponsorship as appropriate and ensuring compliance regarding tax declarations. Plan, coordinate and evaluate learning and development activities, including working with suppliers to develop bespoke in-house training programmes or providing one-to-one and small group training as required. Contribute to staff engagement strategies, co-ordinating well-being activities and other work health and safety programs. Assist with monitoring changes in local employment legislation across the European region as well as DFAT policies and prepare appropriate responses. Ad hoc HR project-based work as directed, including but not limited to participating in the Australian High Commission (AHC) equality and diversity agenda. Maintain personnel records in both the Electronic Document Record Management System (EDRMS) and the SAP HR system. Provide support to the Regional Payroll and Benefits Manager and assist with the preparation, processing and resolution of fortnightly payrolls using the SAP HR system including processing new starters, leavers, overtime and other allowances, as well as ad hoc and periodic reporting.

Qualifications/Experience

Technical knowledge of UK employment law, relevant Australian labour law and an ability to understand specific HR policies and procedures. Knowledge of HR best practice gained through study towards a professional HR qualification (ideally CIPD) or the equivalent level of professional experience. Prior experience with an established HRIS such as SAP HR. Highly developed written and oral communication skills. Ability to negotiate mutually beneficial outcomes. Stakeholder management skills including the ability to effectively influence internal and external stakeholders at all levels of seniority. Ability to understand complex employment legislation, explain key concepts and assess the impact of legislative changes to the Australian High Commission (AHC) for the formulation of policy documents.

Selection Criteria

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Please ensure you provide a response to each of the listed selection criteria below. In your response, 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 to each selection criteria. The panel may not assess incomplete applications or responses which exceed the word limit.


A. Experience playing a lead role in the delivery of high-quality recruitment services, including drafting adverts, managing the applications process and coordinating interviews, offers and the subsequent onboarding process.


B. Good understanding of HR best practice, with experience in the application of policies and procedures to provide sound advice and guidance to managers and staff on all areas of employee relations and contractual terms and conditions.


C. Excellent communication skills, interpersonal abilities and the professional confidence to build relationships, influence a broad range of stakeholders and enhance the reputation of HR as a partner to the organisation.


D. Willingness to add value to a team by getting involved at all levels and in all areas, contributing to a friendly, collegiate environment.


E. Initiative and a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for improvement and working autonomously to achieve sustainable outcomes and stakeholder buy-in.


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 have an exciting opportunity for a hands-on HR Advisor to join our busy team to cover a period of maternity leave, on a 12-month fixed term contract (with the potential for extension).