The Australian Treasury seeks expressions of interest from qualified persons to fill the position in the Australian Embassy of
ECONOMIC RESEARCHER/ASSISTANT
TO TREASURY OFFICE, BEIJING
LES 9
The Treasury office in the Australian Embassy at Beijing supports policy development and economic forecasting in Canberra by understanding conditions in China and by engaging with decision makers in China.
The position of economic researcher in the Treasury office analyses and reports on China's economic conditions in general and in the financial system in particular, and assesses major policy developments in the context of the economic outlook and the Chinese political system.
The economic researcher provides high level support for the Treasury office by monitoring, analysing and reporting on developments in the Chinese economy and financial system, with a focus on implications for Australia. The economic researcher is also required to support the general functions of the Treasury office in Beijing, including providing support for Ministerial and other official visits to China. The position involves travel to cities and provinces outside Beijing.
The position requires someone with a strong economic framework and a good grasp of economic, financial and broader public policy developments in China. Previous experience in reporting on economic and financial matters, as well as the ability to work with statistical data and databases, is essential. The position also requires someone with the demonstrated ability to work well as part of a team. The position requires fluency in spoken and written English and Mandarin and relevant tertiary qualifications.
A sound understanding of economic linkages between Australia and China is an advantage.
The position is a locally engaged position and will be employed under terms and conditions determined by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The successful applicant will be responsible for living costs and travel costs to and from Beijing, and for obtaining the necessary visa requirements to live and work in Beijing.
Australian citizenship is an advantage but not a necessity for this role.
The economic researcher reports to the Minister-Counsellor (Treasury) though is expected to work with minimal supervision. The position is full time. The contract is for a period of 12 months, commencing in June 2015. There is some scope for negotiation of the commencement date if the successful applicant needs to relocate to Beijing.
Please contact David Woods at [email protected] or on (x6601) if you wish to find out more about this position.
Applications should include a cover letter, CV and a supporting statement of no more than two pages which directly addresses each of the Selection Criteria respectively. Please note that applications that do not address the Selection Criteria will not be considered. All applicants should also provide detailed contact information for at least two referees.
Applications will close on Friday 15 May 2015 and should be submitted to the Human Resources Section of the Australian Embassy at [email protected] and copied to David Woods at [email protected]
Selection criteria
1. Conceptual and analytical skills: The applicant must be able to define and analyse problems and develop possible solutions within an appropriate economic framework. The applicant is also required to keep abreast of changes to the economy, factoring those changes into her or his analysis. The applicant should also be competent in quantitative research techniques and have the ability to work with statistical data and databases.
2. Output management: The applicant is required to demonstrate a strong ability to plan, organise, schedule and prioritise tasks to deliver the required output, coordinating input from others. The applicant must be able to plan own workloads with minimal supervision.
3. Communication: The applicant must be able to demonstrate her/his ability to independently prepare written material to document their research and findings in a logical, succinct and persuasive manner. A track record of reporting on economic issues and research output is essential. The applicant must also be able to liaise effectively with others on complex issues and occasionally conduct presentations.
4. Leadership and people skills: The applicant is required to have a personable manner, a positive attitude and be able to work well as part of a team. The applicant is also required to demonstrate initiative in identifying emerging opportunities and issues, and contributing to the strategic goals of the Australian Treasury.
5. Language skills: The applicant must be fluent in both written and spoken English and Mandarin.
6. Qualifications: The applicant is required to have a tertiary degree. Strong background in economics and public policy and/or experience in an international environment or with international issues is required.
Australian citizenship is an advantage but not a necessity.
Please note that only applicants short-listed for interviews will receive a written reply.