Australian Embassy & Mission to the EU
Brussels

Public Affairs, Visits and Policy Support Manager

The Australian Embassy & Mission to the EU in Brussels has a vacancy for the position of Public Affairs, Visits and Policy Support Manager. This position is full-time (37H30 per week) and will commence in August/ September 2011.

Duties:

• Supervise other members of the public affairs, visits and policy support team;
• Manage the public affairs budget in accordance with instructions from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade;
• Under direction from the relevant Counsellor, develop the Embassy’s public affairs and cultural relations program, including through project/event management with relation to cultural and promotion activities, performances and exhibitions;
• Support Australian-based and other embassy staff in preparations for official visits to Belgium and Luxembourg and official visits to Australia, including under the overseas media visits and special visits programs;
• Serve as Embassy’s media contact point; arrange for the publication of suitable information material in print and on the internet; undertake research and write reports as directed on media-related issues. Coordinate with the Deputy Head of Mission developing/updating appropriate material for the Embassy website;
• Oversee arrangements for Anzac Day and other commemorative events, oversee contacts with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission;
• Provide administrative support to Australian-based policy staff, including identification of appropriate contacts, arranging of appointments and preparation of briefing materials, including working with parliamentary and other research officers, as directed;
• Support activities to promote Australian trade and business; support activities of Austrade and other promotional agencies; support the work of Australian Business in Europe;
• Maintain up to date database of relevant EU and Belgian and Luxembourg contacts in the cultural and media area;
• Provide back-up support for overall activities related to public affairs and media during absences of other team members;
• Other duties as required.

Selection Criteria:

A. Demonstrated ability to manage resources, including human and financial resources, in a public policy or other relevant environment. This includes ability to prioritise tasks, exercise sound judgement and work independently under general direction;

B. Professional experience in an area related to public affairs (public diplomacy, media and/ or cultural affairs), visit organisation and/ or policy support, including experience in project/event management;

C. Familiarity with EU/Brussels environment and/or institutions and an understanding of Australian interests;

D. Demonstrated well-developed communication skills, with strong English-language drafting ability, and competence with IT systems including Microsoft Word, Excel and Access. (Fluency in French and Dutch highly desirable. Other languages desirable.);

E. Demonstrated ability to be flexible, to focus on the achievement of outputs, and awareness of client service sensitivity.

The terms of engagement and salary for this position will be negotiated with the successful applicant based on their qualifications and experience. Applicants should forward a covering letter (one page), their CV (one to two pages) and a statement addressing the selection criteria (1-3 paragraphs for each criterion, in English, with a total statement maximum of 3 single-sided pages) to the Embassy by Monday 20 June 2011. The application should be addressed as follows:

Senior Administrative Officer
Australian Embassy
Rue Guimard 6-8
1040 Brussels
Email: vacancies.brussels@dfat.gov.au
Fax: +32 (0)2 231 0788

Any queries can be directed to the Senior Administrative Officer on telephone number: +32 (0)2 286 0500.

Note: No late applications will be accepted and applications must address the selection criteria.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by 18 July 2011.