Organisation: Australian Bureau of Statistics
Job Title: Administrative Officer
Word Limit: 600 words
Location: Geelong
Throughout my career in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), I have delivered projects to strict time and
quality specifications. For example, I recently had responsibility for the reintroduction of the
Electronic Warfare category of sailor to the RAN, requiring the development of workforce, training
and implementation plans and management of the transition process for 130 sailors. My workload
included preparation and submission of the pay case to the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal,
recruitment of sailors from other categories, liaison and negotiation with other category managers to
secure the required positions, and acquisition of equipment through Defence Materiel Organisation.
Commencing this role in mid-2010, my first priority was to create a project timeline which allowed for
implementation of the new category in the following year. I was responsible for the workflow of this
project, and achieved smooth progression of workflows through assessing the various priorities and
time requirements of the elements of the project. Progress of a pay case through the Remuneration
Tribunal, for example, requires significant time and so I commenced this process as an early priority.
This project required me to make decisions utilising sound judgement on a wide range of matters
relating to the transition of sailors to the category. Successful management of this program of work
over the subsequent months allowed for the smooth and successful reintroduction of the Electronic
Warfare category in mid-2011.
The coordination of the reintroduction of this category required me to display strong stakeholder
liaison and communication skills. A critical component of the successful delivery of this project was
my negotiation with other category managers of positions which could be relinquished, traded and
manoeuvred to provide the 150 positions that I required in the necessary locations. One of the key
stakeholder groups that I communicated with throughout this project was the sailors themselves –
highly effective and persuasive communication was required in order to recruit sailors from other
categories to transfer to the Electronic Warfare career path. As well as liaising with stakeholders such
as Defence Materiel Organisation for acquisition of equipment, I provided extensive written advice to
the Remuneration Tribunal to allow a judgement to be made about the appropriate salary
classification for the positions.
My capacity to provide administrative and statistical support is demonstrated in my current role as a
Training Support Officer with the RAN. In this role I am responsible for the provision of training and
administrative support to the Australian Navy Cadet (ANC) organisation, primarily the development of
training packages for use by the ANC. I maintain training records and statistical data on training
completion and monitor compliance with the mandatory training and clearance requirements for the
ANC. Where records show failure to comply with mandatory training requirements, I make a report to
the organisation. In this role I also improve local procedures through developing processes and
frameworks for the ANC, such as creating a training continuum process which was previously lacking
in the organisation.
My earlier experience in the RAN, during which I achieved the rank of Warrant Officer, saw me
responsible for the supervision, training, development and management of staff groups. As a Section
Supervisor for example, I managed staff groups of up to 10 members, while as a Training Supervisor I
was responsible for overseeing the performance of up to 12 Instructors. Comfortable and confident
with the use of technology, I am capable in the use of the Microsoft Office suite of programs, have
used a variety of systems in my work with the RAN and Australia Post, and am quick to acquire
proficiency in new systems.
