VACANCY

Chongqing Liaison Officer

Locally Engaged Staff – Level LE7

The Australian Consulate-General in Chengdu is seeking applications from suitably qualified persons (Chinese national only) to fill the position of Chongqing Liaison Officer.

This important role, reporting to the Consul-General and Consul, will be responsible for advancing Australia’s interests in Chongqing, and deepening cooperation between Australia and Chongqing. The officer will be based in Chongqing, but will be required to travel regularly to the Australian Consulate General in Chengdu.

Annual remuneration for this position is RMB 172,733 (plus Chengdu-based social security/housing fund, performance bonus and other allowances).

Please see the attached for the key responsibilities and application requirements. We are seeking high quality written applications. Your application should include a cover letter, CV and statement of claims directly addressing the listed selection criteria.

Applications that do not directly address the selection criteria will not be considered.

All applicants should provide detailed contact information for two referees.

The application period will close at 5:00pm on Thursday 25 June 2015.

Applications should be submitted to [email protected].

Please note that only applicants short-listed for interview will receive a written reply. Thank you for your understanding and your interest in working at the Australian Consulate-General in Chengdu.

AUSTRALIAN CONSULATE-GENERAL CHENGDU

About the Agency / 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.

DFAT 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 Chongqing Liaison Officer will work to advance Australia’s interests in Chongqing, and deepen co-operation between Australia and Chongqing. The officer will develop and maintain contacts in Chongqing government, business, media, educational and cultural institutions. The officer will work to generate awareness in Chongqing of Australia’s strengths as a trade and investment partner, and to increase Australia’s understanding of political, economic and social developments in Chongqing. The officer will also be required to organise events and support high-level Australian visitors to Chongqing.

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

1. Manage the Australia-Chongqing relationship by promoting cooperation in areas including government relations, economic diplomacy (trade and investment), and public diplomacy

2. Develop and maintain a wide network of contacts in local government, business, education and media in Chongqing

3. Represent Australia at official functions and events

4. Organise events to promote Australia. Coordinate programs for Australian visitors to Chongqing, including ministers; senior officials; staff from the Australian Consulate-General in Chengdu and Embassy in Beijing; business leaders and others

5. Arrange and coordinate meetings, transport, accommodation and interpreters as required

6. Coordinate and prepare briefings on political, economic and social developments in Chongqing relevant to Australia’s interests; research topics of interest to Australia where requested; prepare talking points for visitors; take notes and prepare records of conversation
   

7. Interpret for high-level Australian visitors as required

8. Assist the Public Affairs officer in Chengdu. Initiate and organise public diplomacy activities in Chongqing

9. As part of the consulate team, assist with other priorities as required

Note:The Australian Consulate-General is a professional team and staff are expected to be respond to challenges, be flexible, and to assist with other duties and projects as required. Some duties may change over time. Currently the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is reviewing work level standards globally and some conditions may change.

Selection Criteria

1. Ability to proactively and independently seek out and develop opportunities for Australia-Chongqing co-operation in a range of fields. Ability to use judgment to identify and solve emerging problems.

2. Superior knowledge and awareness of the political, economic and trade environment Chongqing. Understanding of Australia and its objectives in Chongqing would be an advantage. Ability to develop and maintain a broad network of influential contacts.

3. Strong research and analytical skills, including a demonstrated ability to understand and process a large amount of diverse information quickly and identify critical issues.

4. Strong organisational skills, especially as they relate to the planning and management of events and high-level visits. Demonstrated ability to prioritise, work under pressure and respond flexibly to changing priorities with minimal supervision.

5. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey information accurately and concisely orally and in writing. Fluency in written and oral English and Mandarin essential. High level interpretation and translation skills.

6. Ability to manage projects, including media and cultural events, which involve liaison with other organisations, planning, issuing invitations and implementation.