Position Description – Kabul – RSA Assistant

Agency / Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Position Number / KB012
Title / Translator and RSA Assistant
Classification / LE4
Post/Section / Kabul
Reports to / First Secretary – Regional Security Advisor (RSA)

About the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)

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 role

The role of the Translator and RSA Assistant at the Australian Embassy in Kabul is to provide support to the Regional Security Advisors, the Post Security Officer and the Garda World security team through research, analysis, translation, coordination and facilitation on the full range of security operations and administration for the Embassy.

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

1.  Liaison

·  Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with a range of contacts in Afghan ministries, security and police forces, and other diplomatic missions to facilitate the security objectives of the mission.

·  Arrange appointments with key Afghan security contacts, VIPs and foreign embassies for the Security Section and other A-based as required.

·  Assist with facilitation and planning of visits by Embassy staff and VIP visitors to various locations.

·  Liaise with relevant Afghan ministries on matters relating to the security operations of the embassy, including through the drafting of TPNs and other correspondence.

·  Provide coordination between Embassy security personnel and the Afghan National Security Defence Force (ANSDF).

·  Assist the RSAs in resolving issues with Afghan civilians at checkpoints and on presentation to Australian Embassy properties.

·  Act as the Embassy point of contact for road traffic accidents involving Embassy vehicles. Under the direction of the RSA, represent the Embassy in negotiations involving road traffic accidents.

2.  Supporting Strong Security Measures and Arrangements

·  Coordinate delivery of a range of administrative and briefing tasks for new arrivals, including security briefings, issue of stores, familiarisation and security training.

·  Accompany Garda World security personnel on reconnaissance visits where required to facilitate entry to premises and provide translation.

·  Other duties as directed by RSAs or Post Security Officer.

3.  Research

·  Provide support and monitoring to the Political Section in relation to developments across focus areas in Afghanistan, including at the tribal, district and provincial levels.

·  Use contacts and other sources (including TV, radio, IT and the internet) to access information; and bring issues to the attention of the RSAs.

·  Regular media monitoring to scout for security alerts and intelligence reports.

4.  Translation and Interpreting

·  Translate official English/Dari/Pashto documents exchanged between Afghan ministries / other sources and the Embassy, particularly on security-related matters.

·  Interpret at meetings with Afghan officials for the RSAs and other A-based staff as required.

5.  Records and Systems Maintenance

·  Maintain a consolidated list of key security contacts in the Afghan Government, security forces, police, other embassies and other senior officials in EDRMS.

·  Appropriate file management in EDRMS.

6.  Administrative Assistance

·  Provide administrative support and security coordination to the RSAs in respect of preparation of documentation for security, customs importation processes, approval processes and access to Afghan ministries for security-related matters.

·  Backfill other LES positions and/or take on additional tasks as required.

·  Assist with other administrative duties as directed.

7.  Professionalism and Integrity

·  Display initiative in relation to tasking, job responsibilities and time management.

·  Comply fully with the LES Code of Conduct and LES Conditions of Service, the Working Smarter principles, Workplace Diversity, Workplace Health and Safety guidelines and local policies and procedures.

8.  Qualifications/Experience

·  Fluency in the languages Dari, Pashto and English.

·  Excellent understanding of the security situation in Afghanistan.

·  Tertiary qualification in security, politics, management or a related field would be highly desirable.

·  Minimum of three years’ work experience in a similar role.

July 2016