EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY FOR A HIGH ACHIEVER, RELIABLE AND PROACTIVE PROFESSIONAL.
The Australian High Commission in Port Louis, an equal opportunity employer, invites qualified professional and highly motivated and reliable candidates to apply for the position of
POLITICAL AND RESEARCH OFFICER
Under the overall supervision and leadership of the High Commissioner, but exercising a high level of personal initiative, the Political and Research Officer will be required to accept responsibility for the delivery of a range of important services to the High Commissioner and the First Secretary and Consul. Your principal responsibility will be assisting the High Commissioner in the provision of high quality analysis of political and economic developments in Madagascar, Comoros and Indian Ocean regional issues. You will also contribute to the development and implementation of Australia’s aid policy in these countries. The position also performs part time Executive Assistant duties for the High Commissioner.
A high-level of fluency in English and French, both oral and written, is essential. The successful applicant will join a small team and must be flexible, have the capacity to work outside standard office hours when required, be willing to travel, sometimes at short notice and be willing to undertake back-up duties for other locally engaged positions within the High Commission.
The job description, selection criteria and desirable skills and attributes for the position are available on the Australian High Commission’s website: www.mauritius.embassy.gov.au
Closing date: Friday 6 June 2014 at 1530 hours
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for interview. The successful applicant will be employed on a two year contract subject to an initial probationary period of six months, satisfactory referees’ report, medical examination and morality check.
Applications must be submitted at the Australian High Commission in Port Louis.
DUTY STATEMENT
Position Details
Title Political and Research Officer
Classification BB3/BB4
Employment Type Contract
The Job
Under the overall supervision and leadership of the High Commissioner, but exercising personal initiative at a higher level, you will be required to accept responsibility for the delivery of a range of important services to the High Commissioner and to the First Secretary and Consul.
As the Political and Research Officer, your principal responsibility will be assisting the High Commissioner in the provision of high quality analysis of political and economic developments in Madagascar and Comoros and the Indian Ocean regional issues. You will also contribute to the development and implementation of aid policy in these countries.
You will be required to have or quickly develop a high level knowledge of the countries and organizations for which you are responsible and a commitment to complying with Australian government, DFAT and High Commission legal and regulatory requirements as appropriate. You will be expected to keep yourself up to date with new and evolving policy and legislation affecting your areas of responsibility.
Additional responsibilities will include the monitoring and provision of recommendations to the First Secretary and Consul in respect of travel advisories and assisting in the preparation of consular crisis action plans for countries of accreditation. You will also assist the First Secretary and Consul with some administrative and financial tasks. This position also performs part time Executive Assistant duties for the High Commissioner
Desirable Skills and Attributes
• High ethical standards, reliability and trustworthiness
• Energetic and proactive in the day to day management of responsibilities
• The desire to make a positive and effective contribution to the work of the High Commission and its clients, either independently or in a team environment
• Strong interpersonal and intercultural communication skills, including the ability to negotiate effectively
• Oral and written fluency in English and in French
• Experience with computer applications to produce relevant and attractive presentations, reports and information
• Good organization and time management skills, including the ability to identify priorities and manage competing deadlines
• A good understanding of workplace diversity, workplace participation principles, the Australian Public Service (APS) Code of Conduct and the ability to apply these to the working environment
• A commitment to high standards of record keeping
• Tertiary qualifications
Specific Tasks
Develop and maintain a network of contacts and relationships in government and business, other diplomatic missions, NGOs and civil society in Comoros and Madagascar and the Indian Ocean region in order to
• promote Australian policies and perspectives
• facilitate our understanding of political and economic developments in the region
• promote good bilateral relations
Provide high quality analysis and reporting on economic and political economic developments in Madagascar, Comoros and the region.
• monitor and report to Head of Mission and First Secretary and Consul, on political, social and economic developments
• research and draft reports and cables
• prepare backgrounding, talking points, speeches and records of conversation as directed
Assist Head of Mission in the development and administration of post aid projects
• identification and recommendation of aid projects for Madagascar and Comoros
• participate and assist in DAP Committee in the implementation of aid initiatives in countries of accreditation
Develop and participate in economic diplomacy initiatives for countries of accreditation
• Assist Head of Mission in the development of strategies on economic diplomacy for short and long term in accordance with Australian government policies.
Provide policy advice to the First Secretary & Consul for the provision of assistance in respect of consular issues including travel advisories and consular crises plans for countries of accreditation
Assist the provision of financial services to the High Commission as required.
As part time Executive Assistant manage the High Commissioner’s office.
Preparing your application
In preparing your application, you should work on the assumption that the selection committee has no prior knowledge of you.
You should address all items in the Selection Criteria, provide a resume and provide contact details of two referees.
Statement addressing the selection criteria and resume
Your application should include a statement (not exceeding 2000 words) addressing the selection criteria and should outline the skills and experiences you can bring to the advertised position. Your response should address the capabilities and skills outlined in the selection criteria.
Your resume should be no longer than 2 pages. It should be structured in such a way to clearly outline your work experience, education qualifications and relevant skills.
Your brief statement, along with your resume, is the centre piece of your application and should be presented in a concise and focussed manner.
In preparing this statement against the selection criteria, you should use specific examples of work you have done, describing how you have contributed to a process or an outcome.
You will be required to supply contact details of two referees that the committee may contact; preferably your current supervisor and recent past supervisor. The committee will decide when to contact a referee – either before or after interview.
It is your responsibility to advise your referees that they may be contacted by a member of the committee.
Submitting the application
Applications must be submitted at the Australian High Commission during opening hours.
The closing time will be 1530 hours on Friday 06 June 2014.
Late applications will not be considered.Selection, Assessment & Outcome
In accordance with the merit principle, written applications will be assessed against the selection criteria to establish a shortlist. Those shortlisted may proceed to interview with the Selection Committee. A referee check will be conducted on all applicants who are shortlisted.
Applicants who are not shortlisted for interview will be informed as soon as this decision is made.
At the completion of the selection process, the successful applicant will be contacted by telephone. Unsuccessful applicants will receive advice by email.
Workplace Diversity
The Australian Commission, as part of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is an equal opportunity employer and committed to creating a working environment free of discrimination and harassment.
We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity to fostering a positive workplace where people treat each other and the community with respect.
Our recruitment decisions are made on the basis of merit and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, sexual preference, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, religion, political opinion, national extraction or social origin.
Our employees enjoy equity and fairness in the workplace, opportunities for professional development, and support to balance their work and private lives.