Research and Public Diplomacy Manager – Noumea – February 2023

About the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

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 position

Under limited supervision, the Research and Public Diplomacy Manager undertakes research, analysis and project support to support the Australian Governments objectives in Noumea. The position provides high level advice and analyses on political, economic and social developments and manages, develops and expands key contacts. The position is responsible for managing and coordinating the Consulate’s public diplomacy activities and provides administrative and project support in relation to Noumea.

The key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Monitor, analyse and provide high level advice to post management on New Caledonian and relevant French political, economic and social developments that are of interest to Australia.
• Undertake complex and timely research and analysis and provide strategic advice and, report on developments and insights.
• Develop, maintain and strengthen strategic relationships, engage and liaise across a broad range of stakeholders including government representatives, officials, other diplomatic missions, academics, private sector representatives to support Australian participation, operational and policy issues.
• Prepare a range of high-quality written materials including briefings, proposals and presentations, and report on emerging issues.
• Prepare media releases, write speeches, manage and coordinate appropriate media relations and activities. Provide accurate and timely translations as required.
• Represent the Australian Government at official meetings with Government, non-government contacts and other missions, update management on meeting outcomes, and provide interpreting and translation services as required.
• Plan and deliver public diplomacy events and functions including managing the delivery of multiple concurrent events, coordinating stakeholders, speakers and other logistical arrangements such as guest lists, catering, entertainment and technical support.
• Support the Consulate’s Communications Strategy and implementation of a creative social media campaign to advance Australia’s interests and strengthen engagement.
• Develop written material for the Consulate’s social media engagement and platforms, including planning, creating, and posting relevant and varied content on the Consulate’s website and social media platforms that engage a greater audience, promote accurate and positive views of Australia, and expand followers.
• Support and coordinate ministerial and other high-level visits, including development and preparation of visit programs, accommodation and transport arrangements, airportfacilitation and meeting requests.
• Supervise the Public Diplomacy and Communications Officer, provide strategic direction, establish work priorities, monitor performance, provide regular feedback and identify learning opportunities
• Perform other duties and back up as required including shared reception responsibilities.

   

Qualifications/Experience

• A relevant tertiary qualification and three years’ work experience in a similar role.
• Advanced understanding of political, economic and social context, and ability to analyse and make recommendations on key developments and issues as they emerge.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English and French, including the ability to undertake translation tasks.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to liaise with government representatives, and develop and maintain a wide range of relevant contacts.
• Strong ability to think strategically, locate, synthesise, analyse and communicate complex information and make decisions using sound judgement, expertise and knowledge.
• High-level prioritisation and organisational skills, including the ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to work flexibly, independently and in a diverse team environment.
• Willingness to travel, domestically and internationally, for work purposes as required.
• Knowledge of Australia and its interests and priorities would be an advantage.