The global skills and competency framework for the digital world

Business administration ADMN

Managing and performing administrative services and tasks to enable individuals, teams and organisations to succeed in their objectives.

Revision notes

Updates for SFIA 9

  • Theme(s) influencing the updates for this skill: Making SFIA easier to consume (enhance readability/guidance/descriptions).
  • Content changes have been made to levels 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.
  • You can move to SFIA 9 when you are ready - SFIA 8 skill descriptions will still be available to use.
  • Previous SFIA assessments or skills mapping are not impacted by this change.

Guidance notes

The application of this skill varies widely depending on role and organisation context.

Business administration tasks may include: communication management, information organisation, scheduling and coordination with internal and external stakeholders using various digital tools and platforms.

Management-level business administration tasks focus on planning, managing and coordinating the activities of individuals and teams to enable them to achieve their objectives efficiently and effectively.

Activities may include, but are not limited to:

  • managing calendars and scheduling meetings
  • organising and maintaining filing systems (physical and digital)
  • preparing reports, presentations and correspondence
  • coordinating travel arrangements and expense management
  • managing office supplies and equipment
  • facilitating internal and external communications
  • supporting project management activities
  • assisting with budget preparation and monitoring
  • implementing and maintaining administrative processes and procedures.

Understanding the responsibility levels of this skill

Where lower levels are not defined...
  • Specific tasks and responsibilities are not defined because the skill requires a higher level of autonomy, influence, and complexity in decision-making than is typically expected at these levels. You can use the essence statements to understand the generic responsibilities associated with these levels.
Where higher levels are not defined...
  • Responsibilities and accountabilities are not defined because these higher levels involve strategic leadership and broader organisational influence that goes beyond the scope of this specific skill. See the essence statements.

Developing skills and demonstrating responsibilities related to this skill

The defined levels show the incremental progression in skills and responsibilities.

Where lower levels are not defined...

You can develop your knowledge and support others who do have responsibility in this area by:

  • Learning key concepts and principles related to this skill and its impact on your role
  • Performing related skills (see the related SFIA skills)
  • Supporting others who are performing higher level tasks and activities
Where higher levels are not defined...
  • You can progress by developing related skills which are better suited to higher levels of organisational leadership.

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

Levels of responsibility for this skill

1 2 3 4 5 6

Business administration: Level 1

Level 1 - Follow: Essence of the level: Performs routine tasks under close supervision, follows instructions, and requires guidance to complete their work. Learns and applies basic skills and knowledge.

Performs routine administrative tasks in a structured environment.

Follows clear procedures. Uses common office software and equipment.

Organises and maintains information following agreed procedures.

Assists with basic coordination activities.

Business administration: Level 2

Level 2 - Assist: Essence of the level: Provides assistance to others, works under routine supervision, and uses their discretion to address routine problems. Actively learns through training and on-the-job experiences.

Assists with administrative tasks for a team.

Maintains systems for organising information and documents.

Coordinates team activities and acts as a point of contact for internal and external contacts.

Uses relevant digital tools and platforms.

Business administration: Level 3

Level 3 - Apply: Essence of the level: Performs varied tasks, sometimes complex and non-routine, using standard methods and procedures. Works under general direction, exercises discretion, and manages own work within deadlines. Proactively enhances skills and impact in the workplace.

Provides administrative support function to teams and meetings.

Takes an active part in team discussions.

Sets up and maintains systems for organising information and documents. Compiles and distributes reports.

Provides guidance on administrative software, procedures, processes, tools and techniques.

Business administration: Level 4

Level 4 - Enable: Essence of the level: Performs diverse complex activities, supports and guides others, delegates tasks when appropriate, works autonomously under general direction, and contributes expertise to deliver team objectives.

Assists the teams and managers in ensuring they have the information and resources needed to support ongoing processes.

Assists in planning for meetings. Liaises and organises across functions.

Sets up and provides detailed guidance on software, procedures, processes, tools and techniques for administration and workplace productivity.

Contributes to the development and maintenance of organisational policies, procedures and documentation.

Business administration: Level 5

Level 5 - Ensure, advise: Essence of the level: Provides authoritative guidance in their field and works under broad direction. Accountable for delivering significant work outcomes, from analysis through execution to evaluation.

Manages the delivery of business administration services.

Manages and prioritises the schedules and communication of senior managers and leadership teams to ensure efficient use of time and resources.

Handles sensitive, confidential information.

Ensures managers have the information and resources needed to support ongoing processes and changes in processes.

Business administration: Level 6

Level 6 - Initiate, influence: Essence of the level: Has significant organisational influence, makes high-level decisions, shapes policies, demonstrates leadership, promotes organisational collaboration, and accepts accountability in key areas.

Leads and coordinates strategic initiatives working across departmental or functional boundaries.

Designs, plans and coordinates high-level meetings and events, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and desired outcomes.

Provides direction and receives progress updates from members of an executive team. Meets collectively or individually with members of a leadership management team to follow up on action points, issues and risks. Reports on progress and resolves issues.

Manages highly sensitive and confidential issues and information.

Keywords
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