Organisation: Australian Research Council
Job Title: Receptionist
Word Limit: Maximum of 400 words
Location: Canberra International Airport
Basic knowledge of the ARC’s stakeholders and objectives
My understanding of the Australian Research Council (ARC) is that they are one of the Australian Government’s two main agencies for allocating research funding to academics and researchers at Australian universities. Its objectives include delivering policy and programs that support Australian research and innovation on a global and national level, whilst benefiting the wider community. The ARC supports fundamental and applied research and training across all fields of science, social sciences and the humanities, and are the primary source of advice to the Government regarding investments in national research. Moreover, the ARC manages the National Competitive Grants Programme (NCGP) and administers the Excellence in Research for Australia. The ARC’s primary stakeholders include individual researchers and research teams, as well as large centres who utilise the ARC to foster partnerships with industry, Government, community organisations and the international community. As a Receptionist for the ARC, I understand that my role will encompass supporting objectives by becoming familiar with the funding programmes offered under the umbrella of the NCGP. This in turn will allow me to confidently provide high levels of customer service as the initial point of contact for the telephone inquiry line by effectively redirecting calls to the responsible action officer. The experience that I have gained with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) provides me with a contextual advantage in that I am familiar with working within an environment focused on researching and gathering information to inform Government on a wide range of economic, environmental and social issues, with the aim of informed decision making. Given my exposure to and knowledge of census and research within Australia, combined with my administrative expertise, I am confident in my ability to quickly learn the applicable objectives and key stakeholders in more detail so as to make a positive contribution to ARC.
