Current Vacancies

Australian Embassy, Abu Dhabi 

 Defence Business Manager

AGENCY	Department of Defence
POSITION TITLE	Defence Business Manager
CLASSIFICATION	LE5
EMPLOYMENT TYPE	Full-time, ongoing
SECTION	Defence
REPORTS TO (TITLE)	Defence Attaché
SALARY	Base salary: AED 251,586 per annum  Housing allowance: AED 80,784 per annum  Total package: AED 332,370 per annum
CLOSING DATE OF APPLICATIONS	Monday, 13 July 2026, 11:59 PM

 

About the Australian Department of Defence

Defence’s primary role is to defend Australia and its national interests, promote security and stability, and support the Australian community as directed by the Government. The 2024 National Defence Strategy sets out the Government’s approach to address Australia’s most significant strategic risks based on the concept of National Defence. The adoption of National Defence will see the Australian Defence Force transition to an integrated, focused force with a more concentrated approach to its international engagement. Defence works closely with other Government agencies and international partners to shape Australia’s strategic environment.  

About the position

The Defence Business Manager is responsible for the daily operations, business processes and overall effective management of the Defence Section at the Australian Embassy in Abu Dhabi. The position also oversees business processes related to Defence matters in Kuwait and Qatar. The role manages a small team and delivers corporate services and general administrative support to the Assistant Defence Attaché (ADA) and the Defence Attaché (DA).

The position requires strong knowledge of Defence and DFAT policy frameworks. Working under limited direction, the Defence Business Manager undertakes complex work with a high degree of autonomy and accountability. The role requires initiative and sound judgement in applying finance and administrative practices and procedures.

The position requires a strong communicator who can develop and maintain effective relationships with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders. The role also requires self-awareness, a commitment to personal development, and well-developed communication, negotiation, representation, liaison and leadership skills.

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

• Provide strategic financial and policy advice to the Defence Attaché (DA) and Assistant Defence Attaché (ADA) on budget planning and phasing in accordance with Defence and DFAT financial frameworks.
• Lead the development, management and analysis of Defence Section budgets across operational, capital and contingency funding, ensuring accuracy, compliance and forward planning for emerging requirements.
• Manage Defence financial governance, including financial registers, approval workflows, payments, reconciliations, FBT and VAT obligations, asset oversight in accordance with Departmental guidelines and legislation and ensure compliance obligations. 
• Lead and manage the Defence corporate and administrative team, setting priorities, driving performance, and building capability across finance, HR, property and registry functions.
• Provide high level advice to the DA and ADA on personnel, corporate governance, policy interpretation and administrative matters, exercising significant judgement and autonomy.
• Manage HR functions within the Defence Section, including salary administration, performance cycles, leave management and management of recruitment processes.
• Manage and coordinate A‑based staff changeover cycle, including budgeting, entitlements assessments and application of the Defence Member Entitlements policy (PACMAN).
• Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with senior stakeholders across DFAT, Defence in Canberra, local authorities, legal advisors, financial institutions, partner agencies and like‑minded missions.
• Support Defence diplomatic and protocol engagements, including coordination with host nation authorities and facilitation of official requests.
• Manage and safeguard sensitive and classified information, ensuring compliance with Defence security requirements and supporting section objectives in line with the National Defence Strategy.
• Oversee the coordination of all travel and logistics for A-based and LES and provide high‑level logistical, administrative and representational support for visiting Defence delegations and official engagements, including event oversight, vendor coordination and budget management in accordance with departmental guidelines.
• Undertake Arabic and English translation and interpretation as required, including translation of sensitive material and support to classified briefings.
• Perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications/Experience/Knowledge/Skills

• Ability to hold an Australian security clearance (NV1).
• At least five years’ experience in senior financial and administrative management, preferably within an international organisation or government agency.
• Strong expertise in financial, budget and asset management, with demonstrated ability to interpret and apply Defence and DFAT policies and regulatory frameworks.
• Proven leadership and people management capability, including managing small teams, setting priorities and building capability.
• Highly developed analytical, critical thinking and problem‑solving skills, with sound judgement in managing complex issues.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Arabic, with strong interpersonal, negotiation and stakeholder‑management abilities.
• Demonstrated discretion and reliability in handling sensitive or classified information.
• Excellent organisational and time‑management skills, with the ability to manage competing deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and experience with financial and HR management systems.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating initiative, flexibility, resilience and a strong client service focus.

Application

Applicants should submit:

1. a current Curriculum Vitae (CV) of no more than two (2) pages outlining relevant work experience, qualifications and skills;
2. contact details for two professional referees; and
3. a one (1) page pitch outlining why you are interested in the role, what you would bring to the Australian Embassy, and how your skills, experience and qualifications make you suitable for the position.

The pitch should include relevant examples and achievements that demonstrate your ability to perform the role and should not simply duplicate information contained within your CV.

Applications and enquiries should be sent to: [email protected]

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Assessment

Applications will be assessed by a Selection Panel, with shortlisted applicants invited to interview. Following completion of the selection process, an offer will be made to the candidate considered most suitable.

Unsuccessful applicants will be advised by email.

Diversity

We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the Australian community and to fostering a positive workplace where people treat each other and the community with respect.  Our recruitment decisions are made based on merit, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, sexual preference, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, religion, political opinion, national extraction or social origin.  Our employees enjoy equity and fairness in the workplace, opportunities for professional development, and support to balance their work and private lives.

The Embassy aims to ensure its recruitment processes are inclusive of people with disabilities and strongly encourages people with a disability to apply.  We are committed to making reasonable adjustments for people with a disability in our selection processes and for our employees in the workplace.

Australian Consulate-General, Dubai

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