Vacancy
Australian Embassy Warsaw
Assistant Research Officer
The Australian Embassy in Poland is seeking an energetic university graduate to join
our Research Section. The successful applicant will be required to conduct research
and analysis using a broad range of sources, and provide reporting on political and
economic issues in Poland, the Czech Republic and Lithuania. The successful
applicant will also be required to undertake administrative responsibilities.
The person must have relevant tertiary qualifications and perfect written and verbal
communication skills in both English and Polish. Knowledge of Czech or Lithuanian
would be an advantage, but not essential. The person must have strong organisational
and administrative skills.
Applications should be addressed to: The Recruitment Officer, Australian Embassy,
3rd Floor, Nautilus Building, ul. Nowogrodzka 11, 00-513 Warsaw, Poland
Applications must be received at the Embassy by 4pm on 18 January 2013.
Applications should adhere to the instructions contained in the ‘Application Pack’,
which is available on the Embassy website www.australia.pl or can be collected from
the Embassy.
AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY
‘APPLICATION PACK’
INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICANTS
Applications which do not follow these instructions will not be considered.
Applications must include :
a. the enclosed signed ‘Personal Data’ form with details completed (photos are
not required)
b. a comprehensive statement supporting your application, which addresses the
five specific ‘selection criteria’ and refers to the ‘duty statement’ where
relevant. The statement addressing the selection criteria must not be more than
three A4-size pages long, and must be typed, in no less than 12-point font.
c. copies of recent written references from at least two referees, with day-time
contact numbers.
Applications can be delivered in person or mailed to the Embassy. They must be
received by the deadline of 4pm on Friday 18 January 2013. Applications which
are not received by the deadline may not be considered.
The Embassy is open from 0830 to 1630 Monday to Friday.
Applications should be addressed to :
The Recruitment Officer
Australian Embassy
3rd Floor, Nautilus Building,
ul. Nowogrodzka 11,
00-513, Warsaw POLAND.
For further information tel: +48 22 521 3444
JOB APPLICATION - PERSONAL DATA FORM
POSITION APPLIED FOR:
FULL NAME OF APPLICANT:
DATE OF BIRTH:
PLACE OF BIRTH:
CITIZENSHIP:
ID Number:
LANGUAGES (and estimate of competency):
CURRENT ADDRESS:
PHONE CONTACT(S):
EMAIL:
EDUCATION:
Year
Qualification
Institution
BRIEF WORK HISTORY: (attach separate page if necessary)
Date
Position
Summary of duties
REFEREES: Name, address and daytime contact details (phone and email)
1.
2.
Signature of Applicant:
Date:
AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY
ASSISTANT RESEARCH OFFICER
SELECTION CRITERIA
1. Written Communication Skills
Researches, interprets or evaluates accurate and factual material related to duties with
attention to detail. Prepares drafts in English, requiring interpretive ability that assist
the work unit with consultation, liaison and negotiation.
2. Oral Communication Skills
Summarises and clearly conveys information on a range of matters. Presents a point
of view and sets out a course of action. Liaises productively internally and externally,
in English and in Polish, making use of a variety of sources including networks to
obtain information.
3. Output
Independently prioritises, organises, and completes assigned tasks on time. Delivers
with a client focus. Proposes and develops local procedures and practices. Records
relevant documents. Seeks out relevant information to make sound, accurate and
timely decisions. Explains clearly the factors leading to a decision.
4. People Skills
Demonstrates respect, fairness, honesty, consideration and cultural sensitivity for
others. Manages own performance and development. Supports and contributes to the
work of others. Displays flexibility, a constructive approach to tasks and the ability to
build productive working relationships.
5. Leadership
Strives for excellence. Demonstrates commitment to team work, promotes
consultation, shares ideas and values diversity. Contributes ideas and demonstrates
initiative. Improves established work practices.
AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY
ASSISTANT RESEARCH OFFICER
DUTY STATEMENT
Position Title :
ASSISTANT RESEARCH OFFICER
Position Number :
7430
Classification / Level :
Supervisor:
3RD / 2ND SECRETARY
Date Updated:
2 January 2013
DUTIES
1. Assist the Senior Research Officer to monitor and analyse information sources
for developments potentially affecting Australia’s political, social and economic
relationship with Poland, the Czech Republic and Lithuania including through
local contacts and the media and by attending relevant seminars and meetings.
2. Research and draft reports or background briefing on identified political,
social and economic issues in Poland, the Czech Republic and Lithuania.
3. Assist the Executive Assistant to the Head of Mission.
4. Undertake various administrative procedures (eg: monthly check of advances
and receipts) under the supervision of the First Secretary, as required and in
accordance with Departmental guidelines and instructions.
5. Translate correspondence and interpret (Polish/English) on official calls, when
required.
6. Assist other team members to arrange official visits programs and the associated
logistics planning.
7. Answer enquires on Australian issues, when required.
8. Other duties as agreed.
DELEGATIONS
FMM 5.11 Examine advances and unbanked money
Hints for Applicants
The Assessment Process
In accordance with the Australian Government’s merit principle, selection decisions
are based on three elements: a written application, referee report/s and an interview.
The Australian Fair Work Act 2009 does not apply to the employment of locally
engaged staff. Employment of locally engaged staff is regulated by the laws of
Poland. The successful applicant must be willing to undergo local police checks and
agree to abide by the Embassy’s Code of Conduct.
The Embassy will establish a Selection Advisory Committee to consider applications
for the advertised vacancy.
The Committee will initially assess applicants’ written applications against the
‘selection criteria’ to establish a shortlist. Those shortlisted may proceed to interview.
A referee check will be conducted on all applicants who are ranked on the order of
merit. The committee will determine when to contact a referee or others familiar with
the applicant’s work to verify claims against the selection criteria.
Any claims you make with regard to academic and/or professional qualifications must
be capable of being verified with the relevant institution. False claims could lead to
rescission of an offer of employment or disciplinary action, including possible
termination of employment (if already employed in the Embassy).
The Committee will make a recommendation to the Ambassador, who makes the final
decision on selection of the most suitable candidate.
The Written Application
The aim of your application is to demonstrate your actual experience, qualities and
skills. You should begin your application with a brief (one page) background
summary, on the attached Personal Data form. This should include your current
position, previous positions (working backwards), academic qualifications, languages,
and other relevant information– including publications, awards.
All advertised positions have a corresponding duty statement setting out the
responsibilities and tasks required in the job. The selection panel will use this and the
‘selection criteria’, based on the duty statement, to assess applications. The selection
criteria describe the personal qualities, skills, abilities, knowledge and qualifications a
person needs to perform the role effectively.
The written application is your first opportunity to demonstrate your claims against
the selection criteria and duty statement. Read the selection criteria carefully and
ensure you address all elements. Use workplace or life achievements to demonstrate
you have certain skills or experience rather than simple assertions about skills or
experience. Use recent examples as far as possible.
The following points are useful guides in outlining your competency or experience
against each criterion.
Situation - Set the context by describing the situation in which you demonstrated the
skills or qualities and gained the experience.
Task – Describe the task
Actions - What did you do and how did you do it?
Results - What did you achieve? What was the end result and how does it relate to the
job that you have applied for? If you find it difficult to identify strong examples for
each duty/criterion, you can still show you understand what’s required and how it
should be done.
The application is also used by the selection panel to assess an applicant’s writing and
organisational skills as well as their eagerness for the job. Make sure your application
is succinct, focussed and well organised. Show that you are well prepared and
thorough by ensuring it is sufficiently detailed and coherent as well as free of spelling
or grammatical mistakes. Where possible, have someone, such as a colleague or
supervisor, read over your application before lodging it.
Referee Reports
Referee comments are a very important element of your application. You will be
required to supply contact details of at least one referee. Your referee should be the
person most familiar with your work, who can comment on your ability to perform
against each duty/criterion. It is helpful if they are able to provide work-specific
examples against each duty or selection criterion.
You should assist referees by providing them with a copy of your application, the
duty statement for the job/selection criteria and any other relevant materials. It is your
responsibility to advise your referee/s that they will be contacted and to prepare them
to be in a position to answer well all the questions they are asked.
The Interview
Many people are nervous about interviews. Solid preparation is the key to a
successful interview. On the basis of the duty statement and/or selection criteria, you
may be asked a range of questions to demonstrate your skills and abilities. These
could include behavioural-based questions and hypothetical scenario questions.
The following interview tips might be helpful:


Know your own story:

your key selling points;

examples of achievements relevant to the duty statement and selection
criteria; and

what you might have done differently with the benefit of hindsight
Know the role and its broader context:

be familiar with the duty statement;

understand the work level standards required;

understand the broader context: the mission’s and Department’s priorities
and how the job you are applying for fits into this picture; and

be aware of current affairs









Practice aloud to get comfortable with the wording of examples you might use,
but don’t learn responses by rote – you don’t know what the questions are yet!
You may be given a copy of the questions a few minutes before interview.
Be ready to jot down some notes
Dress appropriately for the interview and check your appearance in the mirror.
You should feel comfortable and confident with your appearance
Questions tend to be broad, open, behaviour-based questions to allow you to
convince the interviewer of your suitability for the job
Present clearly and confidently
Questions need to be answered as if you were already at the level
Follow the STAR principle – Situation, Task, Actions, Results
Manage your time. If you have a 20 minute interview, you can’t afford to spend
15 minutes on your first answer
You may be asked if there is anything you want to add – be ready
GOOD LUCK !