DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE
Research and Program Officer vacancies
The Australian Embassy is seeking applications from suitably qualified persons to fill:
• 1 permanent full-time position of Senior Research and Program Officer Level 7
• 2 temporary full-time positions (expected 8 month contracts commencing April 2013 covering maternity leave) of Senior Research and Program Officer Level 7
Applicants must be tertiary qualified with at least 2 years of relevant working experience in a professional environment. Applicants must be native speakers of Mandarin with a very high level of written and spoken English OR native speakers of English with a very high level of written and spoken Mandarin. The Embassy will assist with working visas but does not provide relocation assistance.
The Duty Statement and Selection Criteria are attached.
Applications should be in writing and include a cover letter, CV and a supporting statement which directly addresses each of the Selection Criteria. This supporting statement should give examples demonstrating how the applicant’s skills and experience meet the selection criteria.
Applications that do not directly address the Selection Criteria will not be considered.
Applications will close on 1 March 2013 and should be submitted to the Human Resources Section of the Australian Embassy at [email protected].
Applicants should clearly indicate whether they are applying for the permanent position or one of the two temporary positions.
Please note that only applicants short-listed for interviews will receive a written reply. Applicants short-listed for interviews will also be required to undertake tests for translation and interpretation skills.
Duty Statement
Post: BEIJING
Expected vacancies:
Senior Research and Program Officer, Research and Visits Unit (RVU)
Position No: several positions
Level: LE7
1. Using Chinese and English sources, provide research support and prepare research papers or reports on matters of interest to the Embassy by collecting, analysing and evaluating information on assigned political and economic issues, individually or as part of a project team (15 percent)
2. Provide interpretation/translation support on political and economic issues for Embassy staff. (20 percent)
3. Liaise at appropriate levels with Chinese ministries and official organisations, distribute correspondence and information, and make appointments as directed by relevant Embassy staff. (20 percent)
4. Arrange logistical support for Australian delegations to China, including Ministers and senior officials (organise and coordinate meetings and transport, create programme booklets for delegation members and Embassy staff). Assist Australian government departments hosting senior Chinese delegations to Australia. (40 percent)
5. Provide administrative and other support to the political and economic sections as directed. (5 percent)
6. Relieve other positions in the RVU during staff absences. (as required)
SELECTION CRITERIA
Expected vacancy as Senior Research and Program Officer
Position No: several positions
Level: LE7 (permanent position), LE7 (temporary position)
A. Superior proficiency in both English and Mandarin essential. Demonstrated ability to undertake interpreting and translation tasks (English-Chinese and Chinese-English). Tertiary qualifications and at least two years of work experience in a professional environment.
B. Good understanding of China’s political and economic environment and Australia’s interests in China and the region. Demonstrated interest in international relations and economics.
C. Ability to prioritise a busy workload, work under pressure and to deadlines with great attention to detail. Flexibility, adaptability and initiative and the ability to work in a dynamic professional environment.
D. Demonstrated ability to undertake research and produce high quality analytical reports, in English, on issues of interest to the economic and political sections of the Embassy.
E. Demonstrated ability to use Chinese and English internet sources for research purposes and a high degree of computer literacy in Microsoft software (particularly Word, Excel, and Access). A demonstrated understanding of Chinese social media channels would be an advantage, as would skills in database design.
F. Ability to work both independently and as part of a cross-cultural team.