Vacancy - Senior Cultural Relations Officer (LE5)
The Australian Embassy Beijing seeks applications from suitably qualified persons to fill the position of Senior Cultural Relations Officer (LE5) with Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Please see the attached for the position description and selection criteria. We are seeking high quality written applications.
How to apply
Your application, written in English, must include:
- A Statement of Claims for the position separately addressing each of the selection criteria (maximum 2 pages); and
- A Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages); and
- Contact details for two work-related referees, including current supervisor.
Applications should be submitted in writing by email to the Human Resources Section of the Australian Embassy, Beijing at: [email protected].
The closing date for applications is on Wednesday 20 April 2016. Applications received after the closing date and time will not be considered.
Applications that do not address the selection criteria will not be considered.
For further information about this position, please contact [email protected].
Please note that only applicants short-listed for interview will receive a written reply. If you have not received any communication from the Human Resources Section within four weeks after the close of application, please consider your application unsuccessful. Thank you for your understanding and your interest in working at the Australian Embassy.
Selection Criteria
Applicants should address all six (6) of the selection criteria below, clearly outlining their claims and specific experience that makes them suitable for this position (maximum 2 pages).
- Relevant experience in managing complex cultural and other events and projects, particularly in an international context, including negotiation and liaison with service providers and relevant organisations, strategic planning, opportunity scanning, leading cultural programs and events from concept to completion.
- Highly developed knowledge and professional experience of the Chinese and/or Australian arts and cultural industries, including strong credible professional networks.
- Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in Chinese and English
- Ability to organise and prioritise complex workloads and budgets so as to complete given projects and assignments in a timely and cost-effective manner.
- Ability to communicate with the public and Embassy contacts in a professional, helpful and courteous manner under all circumstances.
- Initiative; flexibility; adaptability; ability to operate effectively with members of the work team, including in high pressure situations.
About the Australian Government’s 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
In accordance with DFAT’s Public Diplomacy Strategy, the Senior Cultural Relations Officer develops and implements, with a high degree of autonomy, post’s strategies and programs across a broad range of cultural sectors. The position will also have primary responsibility for supporting and developing the network of Australian Studies Centres across China. It leads on providing advice to the Australia China Council, the Australian Council for the Arts and other relevant Australian agencies on their engagement strategies and funding decisions.
The key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:
- Provide expert advice to Australian arts and culture institutions, festivals, foundations, companies and venues on strategies to develop long-term, sustainable relationships and programs in China, as well as on how to mount cultural events, broker partnerships, build market presence and profile or establish relationships in China.
- Support the network of Australian Studies Centres across China to promote public diplomacy initiatives.
- Identify and develop public diplomacy opportunities that project a positive, accurate and contemporary image of Australia from conception to completion.
- Prepare reports and cables on the outcomes of the Embassy’s cultural programs and events, and monitor and report on broad developments in both the Australian and Chinese cultural sectors.
- Prepare publicity materials for Embassy events including media releases, banners, programmes, catalogues, and posters.
- Event management, including liaison with local authorities regarding cultural permits and regulations, compilation of guest lists, speeches, orders of arrangement, catering, A/V requirements, translation, entertainment and event photography.
- Organise cultural and education events associated with high-level visits, and assist with management of media events such as press conferences and interviews. Develop complex media, staffing and logistics plans for high level visits.
- Develop sponsorship agreements and managing sponsor relationships, including effective contract management.
- Manage project budgets independently, including managing financial reconciliations according to departmental guidelines and procedures.
Qualifications/Experience
- Relevant experience in managing complex cultural and other events and projects, particularly in an international context, including negotiation and liaison with service providers and relevant organisations, strategic planning, opportunity scanning, leading cultural programs and events from concept to completion.
- Highly developed knowledge and professional experience of the Chinese and/or Australian arts and cultural industries, including strong credible professional networks.
- Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing in Chinese and English, including the ability to write reports and cables on Section activities.
- Ability to organise and prioritise complex workloads and budgets so as to complete given projects and assignments in a timely and cost-effective manner.
- Ability to communicate with the public and Embassy contacts in a professional, helpful and courteous manner under all circumstances.
- Initiative; flexibility; adaptability; ability to operate effectively with members of the work team, including in high pressure situations.