Main purpose of job:
Understand and explain the key current issues in Australian federal politics and their implications for the UK. Coordinate, direct and help deliver the Australia Network’s federal political engagement, working closely with the High Commissioner and other teams in Canberra and across the Consulates-General in Australia. Additionally, lead the Australia Network’s First Nations engagement strategy.
Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?: Based in the Political and Climate Team in the British High Commission in Canberra, and reporting directly to the Head of Team, the job holder will be responsible for analysing and reporting on Australian federal politics and using this to inform the work of other policy teams, for example those covering economic, trade and foreign policy.
The jobholder will need to develop and manage a broad range of knowledge and contacts to provide perceptive analysis on developments in Australian federal politics and their implications for the UK, to support policy teams understanding and to shape the High Commission’s engagement. They will support visits by UK ministers and senior officials in both directions. There could be opportunities to develop and run innovative projects in support of UK objectives and contribute to the wider work of the High Commission’s Policy Team.
We are looking for someone with proven policy skills and strategic thinking. Ideally the jobholder will have knowledge and work experience of Australian federal politics. The role offers the opportunity to gain experience in international relations and to understand how a diplomatic mission works. You will be expected to work on your own initiave, but also be a collaborative and colleagiate colleague, and to deal directly with senior stakeholders in the High Commission and UK government departments. The role has been an excellent springboard for previous incumbents to a variety of roles including civil society and diplomacy.
Areas of responsibility include:
Political:
First Nations:
Wider:
Resources managed (staff and expenditure):
The job holder will line manage the team’s bilateral and soft power officer (grade EO). The job holder could have the opportunity to bid for and manage modest programme funds to run projects in support of UK objectives in Australia.
Appointment is subject to an AFP records check and UK security clearance.
Open to Australian citizens, partners/dependents of UK-based diplomatic staff currently posted in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, US passport holders with local permit/right to work in Australia.
The successful applicant must be capable of achieving SC(O) level clearance.
Staff recruited locally by the British Consulate General and its Consulates is subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Australian employment law. Interstate applicants will be required to meet their own travel and relocation expenses.
The British Government supports flexible working practices for all employees. Within the Australia Network of posts, employees are supported by the Flexible Working Policy. Any flexible working arrangement is to be agreed between the line manager and successful candidate.
Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):
The Australia network offers a wide range of learning and development opportunities, including job-specific training as necessary and broader learning linked to the FCO Diplomatic Academy.
There are opportunities to job-shadow other staff, and the successful applicant will be encouraged to take part in broader British Consulate General activities.
The British Consulate General is committed to providing all staff with learning and development (L&D) opportunities and we will work with you to develop your own L&D plan.
Working Patterns:
The jobholder will be expected to work full-time in the High Commission office though some flexibility can be agreed on timings and expectations.
The overall package includes the standard 14 days of public holidays that the UK in Australia Network works to as well as 22 days annual leave.
The FCDO also operates an agile workforce. To facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time as we may reasonably require.’
Your application must be submitted before 23:55 AEST-Australian Eastern Standard Time (UTC/ GMT +10) on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”
Applications must include a current CV. Kindly omit any personal information such as name, birthdate, address and contact #.
All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the online application form completely including the employment and educational details, experience, professional skills and behaviour-based questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the applications and incomplete form in any respect may not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage. Only shortlisted candidates for interview will be contacted. Interviewees will be assessed on the core behaviours/qualifications listed above. Unsuccessful candidates will be notified via the system in due time. Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 6 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate”.
Advertised start date is provisional and subject to completion of reference and security checks.
Kindly check your application centre or email regularly for any update on the status of your application.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer and building a culturally diverse workplace. We actively encourage applications from people from the widest possible diversity of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Our culture of inclusion is underpinned by our excellent staff networks which cover disability, faith and belief, gender equality, social mobility, age, race, LGBT+, and how to be an ally.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
