Australian Embassy
China

141217vacancy

AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY
BEIJING

VACANCY – Manager, Research and Visits Unit, Level 8

The Australian Embassy is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified persons to fill the position of Manager, Research and Visits Unit. The position will be offered at LE8 level.

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 11 January 2015.

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. If you have not received any communication from the Human Resources Section within four weeks after the close of application, please consider your application unsuccessful. Thank you for your understanding and your interest in working at the Australian Embassy.

Applications received during the last three months for similar positions within the Research and Visits Unit will still be considered, though applicants are welcome to resubmit or update their applications if they wish.

 
AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY
BEIJING

DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE

Duty Statement

Post: BEIJING
Manager, Research and Visits Unit
Level: LE8
Annual salary: please contact the human resources section of the Australian Embassy
Position No: 7321

1. Management: 40%
The RVU Manager is a key (non-diplomatic) position within the mission. The successful applicant would manage a team with responsibility for supporting the political and economic sections of the mission by
• anticipating, collecting and evaluating publicly available information and analysis (using Chinese and English language sources) on issues relevant to Australia's interests
• ensuring quality control of RVU product
• managing workloads to ensure efficient, timely and responsive delivery of RVU services.
• coordinating development needs and sustaining capacity by anticipating leave across the team.
The RVU manager reports to an Australian policy officer (diplomat).

2. Visits: 30%
The RVU manager ensures RVU provides high-quality support for high-level visits, in support of the political and economic teams. This includes, but is not limited to, helping to oversee program arrangements and logistics for high-level and other official visits, and managing the RVU’s production of visit program booklets. Assistance may also be requested from other agencies or in support of high-level Chinese government visits to Australia.

3. Research/Analysis 20%
The RVU Manager is responsible for directing unclassified research and analysis on topical issues in support of the work of the political and economic sections. An awareness of Australia’s foreign and economic priorities, or an ability to develop awareness, is important.
Oversee RVU’s translation/interpretation assignments, requests for appointments, production of programs, briefs.
The RVU Manager is also personally responsible for the daily production of a high-quality topical English language digest of political and economic issues which affect Australia’s national interests, drawing on media reporting, academic papers, speeches and official statements, and other relevant open source material.

4. Administration 5%
Oversee the maintenance of appropriate RVU reference materials. As appropriate, liaise with other attached agencies to share research-related resources. Ensure officers within the RVU adhere to Australian Government terms and conditions of employment, and relevant Embassy security policies and procedures.

5. Liaison 5%
Oversee RVU’s management of, and ensure the integrity of, contacts database.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Manager, Research and Visits Unit
Level: LE8
Position No: 7321

A. Tertiary qualifications and ability to communicate at a high level (orally and written) in English essential. Ability to communicate at a high level (orally and written) in Mandarin is desirable, but not essential.

B. High-level understanding of China’s political and economic environment and Australia’s interests.

C. Superior ability to manage a team in a busy and varied environment to produce high quality outcomes.

D. Strong ability to prioritise a busy workload, work under pressure and to deadlines with great attention to detail. Flexibility, adaptability and initiative.

E. Well-developed 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.