Australian Consulate-General
Shanghai, China

Public Diplomacy Officer (LE4)

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Office of the Australian Consulate-General Shanghai is seeking applicants to fill the following locally engaged position:

 

  • Public Diplomacy Officer (LE4) 

 

The above position is open to Chinese and Australian nationals.

 

Australian nationals must be able to obtain Chinese work visa and residence permit to be able to enter and remain in China to work for the Consulate. Due to current international travel bans and strict local entry restrictions as a result of COVID-19, Australian applicants are likely to face significant obstacles when seeking residence permits or entering China. Potential applicants should familiarise themselves with the latest restrictions and processes before applying. The Australian Consulate General Shanghai does not provide relocation assistance and any costs associated with taking up the position would be the responsibility of the successful candidate.

 

The successful applicant will be offered an initial fixed term contract of 12 months, with the possibility for extension pending successful completion of the probationary period.

 

The annual basic salary for this position is CNY 168,979.2 plus the employer’s social security contributions. Where the successful candidate is an Australian national, he/she will receive an allowance in lieu of the employer’s social security contributions. Australian Superannuation Guarantee Contribution (SGC) will be deducted from the allowance for an Australian tax resident.

 

About the 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 travellers 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 direction of the Public Diplomacy Manager, the Public Diplomacy Officer coordinates the Consulate’s public diplomacy and alumni engagement programs in Shanghai and East China, plans the Consulate’s social media/newsletter content. The Officer may also undertake political, economic and trade research, and support on key events as required.

 

The key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

  • Working with the Public Diplomacy Manager, plan, develop and implement the Consulate’s public diplomacy strategy to promote Australia’s economic, cultural, sporting, innovation, science and education assets in Shanghai and East China.
  • Proactively grow and strengthen engagement strategies with the alumni community in China by organising events and functions.
  • In consultation with Canberra and other China posts and the Public Diplomacy Manager, plan and create content for social media, including through video production and editing.
  • Manage and monitor post’s public diplomacy and alumni engagement budgets in accordance with departmental financial guidelines.
  • Plan and deliver public diplomacy events and functions including managing the delivery of multiple concurrent events, coordinating stakeholders, speakers and other logistical arrangements such as guest lists, catering, entertainment and technical support.
  • Draft reports and talking points on public diplomacy and alumni strategies and initiatives.
  • Develop, maintain and strengthen relationships, negotiate and liaise across a broad range of stakeholders including senior cultural and commercial stakeholders to support public diplomacy objectives.
  • Cultivate and strengthen strategic relationships, negotiate and liaise across a broad range of stakeholders including universities, alumni associations and government institutions.
  • Represent and promote the interests of Australians at a range or forms, events and meetings and provide advice on Australian participation, operational and policy issues
  • Prepare media releases, write speeches, manage and coordinate appropriate media relations and activities.
  • Support the Consul (Policy) with logistical assistance during ministerial and other high-level visits, including preparation of visit programs in Shanghai and East China, accommodation and transport arrangements, airport facilitation and meeting requests.
  • Interpret and translate between Chinese and English as required.
  • Any other duties as required.

 

Qualifications/Experience

  • Strong organisation and time management skills. Ability to multi-task and reprioritise in response to changing requirements.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop a broad network of relevant contacts.
  • Communication and negotiation skills.
  • Fluency in English and Chinese is highly desirable.
  • Previous experience working in media or public affairs, or qualifications in these fields, would be an advantage.
  • Experience working with movie editing software and creating content for social media would also be an advantage.

          Desirable

  • Demonstrated strong familiarity with Australian arts and culture, media and community relations

 

Your application, written in English, addressed in the title ‘Application for Public Diplomacy Officer  + your name’ must include:

  • A one page pitch of no more than 1000 words outlining how your skills, experience and qualifications make you the best person for the job;
  • Curriculum vitae including your nationality and country of residency. If you are an Australian citizen in China, please advise your Chinese visa category.
  • Contact details for two work-related referees (at least one should be your current or recent supervisor)

     

    Applications and inquiries should be emailed to [email protected]. Closing date for applications is 5pm, Thursday 06 October 2022.  Please consider your application unsuccessful if you have not received any contact within four weeks from the closing date.

 

What should I include in my pitch?

  • Your one-page pitch is a chance to tell us why you are the right person for the job. We want to know why you want to work at the Australian Consulate General, why you are interested in the role, what you can offer us, and how your skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications are applicable to the role.  In a nutshell – why should we hire you?
  • Try not to duplicate information that can already be found in your resume but do highlight any specific examples or achievements that will demonstrate your ability to perform the role.