Vacancy: Senior Research Officer
The Australian High Commission, New Delhi, is seeking applications for the position of Senior Research Officer at the Australian High Commission, New Delhi. The position will be available initially for 12 months, with the possibility of providing a contract extension or on a permanent, on-going basis. The offer of employment is subject to the successful completion of a six month probationary period.
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.
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. The position encompasses a starting salary of 157,676 per month.
The Australian High Commission is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to workplace diversity. This is a core element of the Australian High Commissions (AHC), New Delhi’s personnel policies and programs. Clear objectives, mutual respect, good communication and team work are the characteristics of workplace diversity in action.
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants must submit by close of business Wednesday 7 December 2016 the following documents in Microsoft Word format with subject header ‘Application for Senior Research Officer’ to [email protected]
- A font size 12 typed statement addressing each of the selection criteria (no longer than 3 pages in total).
- 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.
|
Agency |
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources |
|
Position number |
ND06 |
|
Title |
Senior Research Officer |
|
Classification |
LE 6 |
|
Section |
Agriculture |
|
Reports to (title) |
Counsellor (Agriculture) |
About the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture and Water Resources
The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources leads the development of policy advice and provides services to improve the productivity, competitiveness and sustainability of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries, forestry and related industries, as well as to help people and goods move in and out of Australia, while managing risks to the environment and animal, plant and human health.
About the Position
Senior Research Officer is responsible for providing high level technical advice, policy development and analysis of Indian agricultural, food, fisheries, forestry and associated trade policies in a range of areas of relevance to Australia, including government-to-government cooperation and capacity building.
The key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:
- Provide high level technical advice on and analysis of Indian agricultural and trade policies in a range of areas of relevance to Australia, including government-to-government cooperation and capacity building.
- Promote Australia’s agricultural trade interests including non-production distortionary policies and open market policies such as the removal of tariff and non-tariff trade barriers.
- Monitor research and advice on developments in India’s legislative, regulatory and policy frameworks which are of relevance to Australia, particularly in the areas of agricultural trade, food standards and biosecurity.
- Communicate and liaise with senior internal and external stakeholders including High Commission staff, Agriculture & Water Resources and other Australian Government agency officers and industry representatives, and with interlocutors in Indian Government agencies, industry organisations, private businesses and academia.
- Prepare and provide advice on briefings and cables on issues of relevance.
- Develop and contribute to advisory documents for Australian exporters and Indian importers on India’s import and Australia’s export requirements.
- Liaise effectively with Indian port and government officials in order to help clear shipments of Australian agricultural exports detained in Indian ports.
- Represent the High Commission at meetings and functions.
- Assist in arranging and supporting the visits of government and industry delegations, and managing the Agriculture office at the Australian High Commission.
Qualifications/Experience
- A postgraduate degree in agriculture or food related sciences (plant or animal health, forestry, fisheries, food safety or similar).
- At least 5 years’ experience in a field of agriculture (plant, animal health) or food production or processing, or forestry of fisheries, or associated government services.
- High level English and Hindi written and oral communication skills.
- In-depth understanding of issues relevant to Australian and Indian agriculture, food, fisheries and forestry, and associated trade and biosecurity.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct high level research, analysis and reporting.
- Demonstrated financial management and administrative skills.
Desirable
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Written and oral communication skills in additional Indian language(s).
Selection Criteria
- Written and oral communication skills of a high order. Ability to liaise at a high level with senior representatives of the High Commission, government and industry and to represent the High Commission at meetings and other functions. Good interpersonal skills.
- Good understanding of issues relevant to Australian and Indian agriculture, trade and quarantine. An ability to perform high level research and analysis and develop policy on issues of importance for the Agriculture Office, and to prepare detailed, accurate and well-targeted output on the results of this research and analysis in a timely manner.
- Demonstrated ability to prioritise a busy workload, to work under pressure and to adhere to deadlines with great attention to detail, with limited supervision.
- Strong organisational ability, including a capacity to work both independently and as part of a small team. Ability to be flexible, adaptable, proactive and to display leadership, initiative and good judgement.
- A postgraduate degree in agriculture or food related sciences (plant or animal health, forestry, fisheries, food safety or similar) and relevant experience in agricultural issues.