Personnel Officer - LE- Defence

Final date to receive applications: 15 November 2026

Department: Department of Defence

Employment Type: Fixed Term
- Full Time

Location: Australian High Commission, London

Compensation: £46,800 / year

The successful applicant will be engaged as a locally engaged staff member on a fixed term non-ongoing contract for a period of 24 monthsby the Australian High Commission, London.

The Fair Work Act 2009 is not intended to apply to the employment of Locally Engaged Staff (LES) at Australia’s overseas diplomatic and consular missions. The successful candidate’s terms and conditions of employment will be governed by the laws of the United Kingdom.

Please be advised that the Australian High Commission, London does not assist with relocation. Any costs associated with taking up the position would be the responsibility of the successful candidate.

About the Department of Defence

The Defence mission and purpose is to defend Australia and its national interests in order to advance Australia’s security and prosperity. Australia's defence policy is founded on the principle of self-reliance in the direct defence of Australia, and capacity to do more where there are shared interests with partners and allies.

About the Australian Defence Staff London (ADS-L)

The role of the ADS-L is to support the Australian High Commissioner in conducting engagements with the United Kingdom, and represent the Government of Australia on Defence matters. The ADS-L supports the Secretary, Chief of Defence, and their Group Heads in achieving their engagement objectives with the United Kingdom, and to support our people in the United Kingdom and Europe.

About the Defence Administration Office (DAO)

The DAO provides in country administrative support to Australian Defence Organisation, Australian Signals Directorate and Australian Submarine Agency personnel, and their families, whilst on long term overseas posting to the UK, Defence Lateral Recruits on enlistment in the ADF and other ADF related business as required.

The Defence Personnel Officer is responsible for providing specialist personnel support in accordance with current policy and legislation, for all members of the ADO and their recognised dependents on long-term postings.

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

• Provide administrative support, sound advice and recommendations based on current legislation and policy on a wide range of administrative tasks.
• Coordinate workflow and prioritise administrative tasks pertaining to ADO personnel and their dependants, making independent decisions and determinations within the bounds of the position delegations.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders including clients and UK third party suppliers to facilitate the transfer of personnel between the UK and Australia. This includes securing accommodation, transport, financial/banking services and any additional administrative services needed to assist with settling in the UK and return to Australia.
• Conduct routine financial administration including maintaining financial records, preparing claims for payment and/or reimbursement, ensuring accuracy and compliance with all appropriate procedures and policies.
• Understand and interpret applicable Personnel policy guidance. Provide timely and accurate advice to clients regarding personal entitlements and local policy.
• Liaise with the UK Ministry of Defence, Australian Defence agencies and other Australia High Commission agencies as required to obtain further advice, support, and guidance on personnel issues.
• Act as a contract administrator providing financial oversight and ADO specific advice to external stakeholders contracted to support the…