AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY
BEIJING
Vacancy
Manager, Public Affairs
Locally-engaged staff position - Level 8
The Australian Embassy is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified persons to fill the position of Manager, Public Affairs, in the Australian Embassy, Beijing. This is a locally-engaged staff position, filled at Level 8 (LE8 level). The successful applicant will commence work in early August 2014.
Applicants must be tertiary qualified, with at least 5 years of relevant work experience in a professional environment.
Applicants must have native or near-native fluency in both spoken and written Mandarin and English.
Please see the attached Job Description and Selection Criteria. We are seeking high quality written applications. 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. All applicants should provide detailed contact information for two referees.
Please note that applications that do not directly address the Selection Criteria will not be considered.
The Embassy will assist with working visas as required, but does not provide relocation assistance.
The application period will close on Wednesday 4 June 2014.
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 interest in working at the Australian Embassy.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Manager, Public Affairs
Level: LE8
Position Number: 9009
At the direction of Australian-based staff of the Public Affairs and Culture Section, assist with the work of the Section, including:
Public Affairs and Cultural Work
• Assist with the management of staff to ensure a high level of productivity and effectiveness in their work, and timely and high quality outputs, including through ongoing advice to Australian-based officers on allocation of tasks and workloads within the Section.
• Contribute to the planning, implementation and evaluation of public diplomacy strategies across all China posts, including by developing proposals for public diplomacy events and activities.
• Initiate, develop and maintain productive relationships with key Chinese media organizations and individuals and relevant Government bodies, and maintain good records of these contacts. Suggest relevant individuals for media visits within China and to Australia, and media partners for public diplomacy events and activities.
• Develop and oversee the execution of the Ambassador’s six-monthly forward engagement plan with Chinese media, in consultation with other staff as required.
• Analyse and report on trends in the Chinese media sector, including reporting on trends in media coverage relating to Australia, and other relevant developments.
• Assist with Section contributions to, and production of promotional and advocacy materials for the Embassy, including other agencies.
• Assist with media and public affairs aspects of major meetings and high-level visits, including media conferences and materials.
• Assist with oversight of the development and maintenance of the Embassy website, including redevelopment of the site, and the Embassy’s digital and social media efforts.
• Where required, represent the Embassy and/or Public Affairs and Culture Section at meetings, conferences or seminars.
• Where required, handle public inquiries for information, in English and Chinese, in person, by telephone and via email.
Translation and Interpreting
• Supervise and ensure the quality of Chinese-language material and translations prepared by the Section.
• Undertake informal interpreting, as required.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Manager, Public Affairs
Level: LE8
Position Number: 9009
Required
A. Tertiary qualifications, desirably in communications or media-related areas.
B. A demonstrated ability to communicate with native or near-native fluency in both Mandarin and English (orally and written), and strong abilities in both translation and interpreting.
C. Demonstrated familiarity with public relations and public communications approaches.
D. Demonstrated understanding of the Chinese media environment, including social media outlets and trends, and experience in dealing with Chinese media organisations and individuals to achieve positive and innovative PR outcomes.
E. Demonstrated ability to work with limited direction; flexibility, adaptability and initiative; ability to prioritise a busy workload, work under pressure and to meet deadlines with close attention to detail.
F. Demonstrated ability to supervise and manage staff and resources, including team-building skills, and the ability to counsel and develop staff effectively and efficiently.
G. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, including effectiveness in negotiation, consultation, representation and contact building with internal and external counterparts.
Advantageous
H. A strong network of existing Chinese media contacts relevant to the work of the Embassy.
I. Familiarity with the Australian Government’s foreign and trade policy goals, and knowledge of Australia and the Australian arts and cultural scene.
Desired
J. Knowledge of the Chinese arts and cultural scene is desirable.