Vacancy 38/15: Public Diplomacy and Cultural Affairs Officer

Office Circular No 38/15

Vacancy: Public Diplomacy and Cultural Affairs Officer

The Australian High Commission, New Delhi, is seeking applications for the position of Public Diplomacy and Cultural Affairs Officer at the Australian High Commission, New Delhi.

Applicants are advised to read the Position Description below prior to addressing the selection criteria. Applicants must address each of the selection criteria. Applications that do not specifically address the selection criteria will not be considered. Further information on selection criteria is available on our website http://www.india.highcommission.gov.au

Subject to the successful completion of up to a six month probationary period, satisfactory medical check and background verification, the successful applicant will be offered a two-year contract of employment, inclusive of the probation period. The contract may be extended subject to agreement between the employer and employee.

The commencing salary will be determined based on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. The package will include annual leave, limited medical reimbursements, Diwali bonus, provident fund provisions and gratuity provisions when service length is sufficient.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants must submit by close of business Wednesday, 23 September 2015 the following documents in Microsoft Word format with subject header ‘Application for Public Diplomacy and Cultural Affairs Officer’ to [email protected]  
(1) A font size 12 typed statement addressing each of the selection criteria (no longer than 3 pages).
(2) A curriculum vitae detailing your contact details, work experience, academic qualifications and the names and contact details of two referees.

Applications not meeting these criteria will not be considered. No late applications will be accepted and only short listed candidates will be contacted.

 
About the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)

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
The Public Diplomacy and Cultural Affairs Officer helps manage the delivery of the AIC program in India and assists with the delivery and administration of the Australian High Commission’s general cultural diplomacy program.

The key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:
• Manage the Australia India Council (AIC) program in India
• Monitor AIC expenses in India including the processing of bills.
• Delivery of AIC-sponsored activities in India and in Australia.
• Manage the visits program for AIC-sponsored guests to India including Australian participation in the Jaipur Literature Festival
• Develop new stakeholder relationships aligned with the AIC’s priority areas of engagement
• Contribute to the delivery and administration of the Australian High Commission’s broader cultural diplomacy program.
• Provide logistical support for events and delegations
• Provide administration support to the First Secretary (Public Affairs) including management of the budget for the Public Affairs Section.
• Manage, update and strategically use a the contacts database for the Public Affairs Section, including developing guest lists for high level events and to publicize AIC and Australian High Commission events in India.
• Maintain records of AIC events, publications and the AIC filing system.
• Will involve some domestic travel and work beyond of normal office hours.

Qualifications/Experience
• University degree in the social or political sciences. A post-graduate qualification is desirable.
• Three to five years’ work experience in the arts or cultural sector, including a strong network of contacts, is highly desirable.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. An excellent command of English and Hindi is required.
• Strong interpersonal, representational and networking skills. An ability to work with a diverse range of people across the Australian High Commission and high-level guests from Australia.
• Self-motivated and proactive attitude to tasks and opportunities. Attention to detail and ability to work flexibly, independently manage concurrent projects and competing deadlines.
• Highly developed organizational and administrative skills.
• Well-developed computer skills including a strong command of the Microsoft Office suite of products and an ability to manage a database.
 

SELECTION CRITERIA
 

1. A high level of written and spoken English and Hindi.
2. Strong interpersonal, representational and networking skills. An ability to work with a diverse range of people across the Australian High Commission and high-level guests from Australia.
3. Strong administrative and organizational skills, including ability to manage events, programs and visiting delegations and knowledge of relevant office technology and computer software.
4. Demonstrated ability to liaise with government officials, industry, academic and civil society representatives regarding meetings and visits.
5. Demonstrated ability to work independently and flexibly, undertake multiple and diverse tasks in a team environment, strong judgment and problem-solving skills and ability to take initiative.
6. Demonstrated knowledge of the Indian Cultural sector.