AUS (Canberra) - Political Support Officer, AO

Salary is at $81,583.00 per annum + 11.5% superannuation (12% superannuation effective 01 July 2025)

Appointment is subject to an AFP records check and UK security clearance.

Open to Australian citizens, partners/dependents of UK-based diplomatic staff currently posted in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, US, UK passport holders with local permit/right to work in Australia.

Staff recruited locally by the British Consulate General and its Consulates is subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Australian employment law. Interstate applicants will be required to meet their own travel and relocation expenses.

The British High Commission supports flexible working. The successful applicant would ordinarily be expected to be present in the office in Canberra on a minimum of 3 days per week -this requirement may be changed over time.  Any deviation from this work pattern would need to be negotiated with the Hiring Manager before appointment.  Due to the time difference, evening calls to the UK are occasionally required; the job holder will be encouraged to take time off in lieu.

The British High Commission in Canberra is the location for this position, working alongside other policy team staff on our bilateral agenda. Business travel to other Australian cities will sometimes be required, for events and stakeholder engagement, normally 2-3 days at a time. There may be occasional opportunities to travel overseas to participate in conferences and events.

Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to develop a variety of skills and competences on the job, including event management, project management and policy skills.

The British High Commission actively promotes continuous development, and the jobholder will have access to a full range of learning development opportunities including through the UK’s recently established Diplomatic Academy.  If they wish to, they will be able to work towards the City and Guilds Diploma in UK Foreign Policy and Diplomacy.

The British High Commission offers a wide range of learning and development opportunities, including job-specific training as necessary and broader learning linked to the FCDO’s International Academy. This includes newly developed online modules on international technology. There are also opportunities to job-shadow other staff, and the successful applicant will be encouraged to take part in broader UK Government activities. The UK Government is committed to providing all staff with learning and development (L&D) opportunities and we will work with you to develop your own L&D plan.

Working Patterns:

The jobholder will be expected to work full-time in the High Commission office though some flexibility can be agreed on timings and expectations.

The overall package includes the standard 14 days of public holidays that the UK in Australia Network works to as well as 22 days annual leave.

Any other information (or specific local post requirements):

Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment and security checks. Staff who are locally recruited by the British High Commission are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to Australia local employment law.

No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position. All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit. Any costs related to obtaining or renewing permits and visas are the responsibility of the successful applicant.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and building a culturally diverse workplace. We actively encourage applications from people from the widest possible diversity of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Our culture of inclusion is underpinned by our excellent staff networks which cover disability, faith and belief, gender equality, social mobility, age, race, LGBT+, and how to be an ally.

Advertised start date is provisional and subject to completion of reference and security checks.