Vacancy – Research and Program Officer, LE 6/7
The Australian Embassy Beijing seeks applications from suitably qualified persons to fill the position of Research and Program Officer, Development Cooperation Unit/Research and Visits Unit, with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This is a full-time, fixed-term 12-month contract with a possible extension. The position is for immediate commencement.
Please see the attached for the duty statement and selection criteria. We are seeking high quality written applications. Your application should include a cover letter, CV and statement of claims directly addressing the selection criteria. All applicants should provide detailed contact information for two referees.
The application period will close on Monday, 22 February 2016.
Applications should be submitted to the Human Resources Section of the Australian Embassy, Beijing at: [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
1. Essential: strong research, analytical and English writing skills, with a proven track record.
2. At least five years’ relevant experience in managing development programs and/or researching and reporting on international development/aid issues, with relevant tertiary qualifications, preferably at masters level.
3. Ability to accurately translate reasonably complex materials from English to Chinese and from Chinese to English (e.g. media, academic and government reports).
4. Ability to provide effective administrative, event management and visit support, and requisite skills including accuracy, timeliness and strong attention to detail.
5. Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English and Mandarin, with Mandarin language skills up to native speaker level
6. Ability to organise and prioritise workloads so as to complete given projects and assignments in a timely and accurate manner.
7. Ability to communicate with the public and Embassy contacts in a professional and helpful manner.
8. Some previous experience with interpreting from English to Chinese and Chinese to English is desirable, but not essential.
9. Initiative; flexibility; adaptability; and ability to operate effectively as a member of a work team.
Duty Statement:
This position will assist the work of the Embassy’s Research and Visits Unit and Development Cooperation Unit by: contributing to the day-to-day research and visit management duties of the Research and Visits Unit; conducting research and analysis on China’s foreign development/aid architecture and investments; and supporting the management and delivery of Australia’s aid investments in China.
Specific duties will include:
Research and Analysis:
Support the Research and Visits Unit by providing accurate and timely research and briefing notes on a broad range of economic, political and social issues.
Contribute to the Embassy’s strategic policy and planning by: a) monitoring, analysing and providing briefing notes on the Chinese Government’s overseas development program, including the Belt and Road Initiative and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank; b) monitoring and reporting on how other bilateral and multilateral partners are engaging with China’s overseas development apparatus; and c) providing analysis and advice on how Australia and other partners can widen their development cooperation with China, with a focus on the Asia-Pacific region.
Other Research and Visits Unit and Development Cooperation Unit Work
- Assist with arranging visit programs as required.
- Assist with Embassy event management as required.
- Aid program and contract management.
- Handle public inquiries for information, in English and Chinese, in person, by telephone and via email.
- Provide general administrative support, including making appointments, booking vehicles and answering simple correspondence, as required.
- Provide assistance with records management functions.
- Provide back up for colleagues where required and perform other duties as directed.