About the Australian 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 travelers 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 limited supervision, the Policy and Research Officer supports the work of the Political/Economic Section and provides research, analysis and reporting on domestic and foreign policy issues for the Australian High Commission (AHC). The Policy and Research Officer position provides and interprets relevant policies that reflect research and analysis of implications and stakeholder views obtained through consultation, policy statements, regulatory measures and legislation. The position provide support for visits as well as administrative support. This role provides backup to other positions in the AHC and may be required to work outside of business hours.

Key responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to:

• Monitor and report on political and economic developments including through media and government websites.
• Undertake research, analysis and reporting tasks required by the political/economic section to support AHC’s objectives and deliver outcomes.
• Assist with the coordination and development of visit programs for Australian delegations including the Prime Minister, Portfolio Ministers, other Ministers and senior officials.
• Provide logistical assistance during ministerial and other visits, including preparation of visit programs, accommodation and transport arrangements, airport facilitation and meeting requests.
• Develop, manage and maintain internal and external stakeholder relationships including with Canadian organisations, government and universities.
• Represent the AHC at and report on meetings, workshops and conferences to inform reporting and research.
• Assist with official and public diplomacy events for the AHC including the delivery of concurrent events, coordinating guest lists, speakers, and overseeing event set up, and identifying and taking forward representational opportunities.
• Provide high level administrative support to the political and economic section, with arranging appointments, meetings, visit programs and drafting of correspondence.

Required Qualifications/Experience/Knowledge/Skills

• A qualification in a relevant field is desirable but not mandatory.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Canadian government, economic and business.
• Demonstrated research, analysis and reporting skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work cohesively and in a small and busy team.
• An ability to take initiative, make sound judgments, set priorities, work under pressure with limited supervision and willingness to undertake all aspects of work assigned with a high level of professional skill and integrity.
• Demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Office suite of applications

How to Apply

Interested applicants are to email their resume and include a 1000-word pitch detailing how their experiences and skills are relevant to this position to otwa.corporate@dfat.gov.au. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. EST, February 23, 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants deemed suitable for an interview will be contacted directly by the High Commission.

Please note that only Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents may apply.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $67,124.00-$74,092.00 per year

Additional pay:

• Overtime pay

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision care
• Wellness program

Flexible language requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Overtime

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-02-23
Expected start date: 2025-03-16