The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Office of the Australian Consulate-General Shanghai is seeking applicants to fill the following locally engaged position:
- Research, Visits and Public Diplomacy (RVPD) Manager (LE6)
The above position is open to Chinese and Australian nationals.
The successful applicant will be offered an initial fixed term contract of 12 months with the possibility for extension and are subject to a probationary period.
The annual basic salary for this position is CNY 364,324.60 plus the employer’s social security contributions. Where the successful candidate is an Australian national, he/she will receive an allowance in lieu of the employer’s social security contributions. Australian Superannuation Guarantee Contribution (SGC) will be deducted from the allowance for an Australian tax resident.
Your application, written in English, addressed in the title ‘Application for RVPD Manager + your name’ must include:
- A one page pitch of no more than 1000 words outlining how your skills, experience and qualifications make you the best person for the job;
- Curriculum vitae including your nationality and country of residency. If you are an Australian citizen in China, please advise your Chinese visa category.
- Contact details for two work-related referees (at least one should be your current or recent supervisor)
Applications and inquiries should be emailed to [email protected]. Closing date for applications is 5pm, 20 September 2023. Please consider your application unsuccessful if you have not received any contact within four weeks from the closing date.
What should I include in my pitch?
- Your one page pitch is a chance to tell us why you are the right person for the job. We want to know why you want to work at the Australian Consulate General, why you are interested in the role, what you can offer us, and how your skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications are applicable to the role. In a nutshell – why should we hire you?
- Try not to duplicate information that can already be found in your resume, but do highlight any specific examples or achievements that will demonstrate your ability to perform the role.
About the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
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
Under direction of the Deputy Consul-General, the position manages the Research, Visits and Public Diplomacy team. The position will work closely with the post management and other stakeholders across the Consulate to develop and execute complex programs consistent with Consulate and Ministerial requirements, including on visits, and the Consulate’s broader objectives.
The key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:
- Manage the Research, Visits and Public Diplomacy team, including strategic planning, setting priorities, managing workflow, ensuring quality output and supervising and developing staff.
- Identify, coordinate and undertake political, economic and trade research on key risks and developments in East China of relevance to Australia’s foreign affairs and trade interests, and prepare high-quality analytical reports and briefings.
- Oversee the management and delivery of multiple concurrent activities to ensure exceptional outcomes and optimum resource management, including design and management, negotiation, stakeholder liaison, contract and budget management, and reporting and promotional materials.
- Provide high level specialist advice to senior management on all matters associated with events and visits, including sensitivities, internal and external stakeholder interests, guest lists, operational and financial requirements, and security matters.
- Identify, establish and manage strategic relationships with external stakeholders, including in Australia, to further the Consulate’s objectives, including proactively identifying and pursuing sponsorship and collaboration opportunities.
- Support and coordinate consulate, ministerial and other high-level visits, including the development and preparation of briefings and visit programs in Shanghai and in the Consulate’s areas of responsibility (Anhui, Hubei, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Zhejiang).
- Prepare a range of high-quality written materials including briefings, speeches, talking points, proposals, and report on emerging issues.
- Represent the Australian Government at official meetings with government and non-government contacts and other missions, update management on meeting outcomes, and provide interpreting and translation services as required.
- Support the Consulate’s Public Diplomacy Strategy and Communications Plan to advance Australia’s interests and strengthen engagement.
- Perform other duties and back-up as required.
Qualifications/Experience
- High level oral fluency and written proficiency in English and Mandarin, including interpretation and translation skills.
- Advanced organisational skills as a manager to set priorities and handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Demonstrated ability to work effectively as the leader of a team, including to build team capability.
- Strong interpersonal and communications skills to maintain team cohesion and build strong relations with key internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong conceptual and analytical skills, including a demonstrated ability to think strategically, horizon scan, exercise sound judgment and initiative to proactively identify risks and critical issues and respond appropriately.
- Strong knowledge and awareness of the political, economic and trade environment in China and Australia.
- Strong working knowledge of computer applications (including Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel) and ability to quickly master specialised IT programs used by the Consulate.
- Flexibility and adaptability, especially when implementing change.