VACANCY – Manager, Research and Visits Unit and Executive Team (LE9)
The Australian Embassy Beijing seeks applications from suitably qualified expatriates only for the position of Manager, Research and Visits Unit and Executive Team with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This is a full-time fixed term two year contract, subject to annual review, with a possible extension. The annual remuneration for the position is Rmb362,777. The successful applicant should be available to commence in December 2012.
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 Tuesday, 27 November 2012.
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. Thank you for your understanding and your interest in working at the Australian Embassy.
AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY
BEIJING
DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE
Duty Statement
Post: BEIJING
Manager, Research and Visits Unit and Executive Team
Level: LE9, Annual salary, Rmb362,777
Position No: 7321
1. Management: 40%
Report to the RVU Supervisor (Australian diplomatic officer) on the management of the operations for the RVU and to the Ambassador on the Executive Team. Manage and supervise RVU’s monitoring, collection and evaluation of information (using Chinese and English language sources) on a broad and complex range of matters relevant to the promotion and protection of Australia's national interest. Manage the RVU’s preparation of research papers on a broad and complex range of issues relevant to Australia's national interests.
Coordinate tasking requests to RVU to ensure tight deadlines are met. Plan and carry out the introduction of new management systems to streamline the RVU operations. Manage the performance management system. Ensure that staff development needs of RVU officers are met. Effectively manage RVU staff leave.
Manage the Ambassador’s Executive Team (comprising the Ambassador’s Interpreter/Assistant and Social Secretary), paying particular attention to the integration of the two new members to the rest of the embassy’s operations. Manage the allocation of resources between the RVU and the Executive Team as appropriate.
2. Visits: 30%
Manage the heavy workload of visits hosted by the Embassy from a variety of Australian agencies while ensuring the everyday needs of the economic and political sections are met. Reporting to a visit liaison officer, oversee program arrangements and logistics for high-level and other official visits. Produce program booklets. Assist Australian government departments that are hosting senior Chinese delegations to Australia. Manage the record of official visits and ensure appropriate distribution.
3. Research/Analysis 20%
In response to, and in anticipation of, tasking from the political and economic sections on a broad and complex range of topics relevant to Australia’s national interests, allocate and supervise research assignments, translation/interpretation assignments, requests for appointments, production of programs, briefs, representation functions, and other tasks as required. Proofread and edit briefings, programs and translated documents.
4. Administration 5%
Oversee the maintenance of appropriate RVU reference materials, such as RVU Manual (RVU practices and procedures), RVU Resources database, Beijing Brief (political and economic tourist information) and China Business Issues Paper (jointly authored with Austcham). As appropriate, liaise with other attached agencies to share research-related resources. Ensure officers within the RVU and Executive Team adhere to Australian Government terms and conditions of employment.
5. Liaison 5%
Cultivate network of working level contacts in Chinese ministries, official organisations, research institutes, NGOs etc. Ensure the integrity of the RVU-contacts database and other supporting material as required.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Manager, Research and Visits Unit and Executive Team
Level: LE9, Annual salary, Rmb362,777
Position No: 7321
A. Tertiary qualifications and ability to communicate at a high level (orally and written) in Mandarin is highly desirable.
B. Demonstrated high level of understanding of China’s political and economic environment and Australia’s interests in the region. Demonstrated interest in international relations and economics.
C. Demonstrated and superior ability to manage more than one team in a busy and varied environment to produce high quality outcomes. Advanced ability to allocate resources and manage and guide staff.
D. Demonstrated ability to prioritise a busy workload, work under pressure and to deadlines with great attention to detail. Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability and initiative.
E. Demonstrated ability to undertake research and produce high-quality and regular analytical reports on issues of interest to the Australian Government, including foreign affairs and trade policy.
F. Superior degree of confidence in using Microsoft software, particularly Word and Excel, databases and internet-based research.