DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE
Senior Research and Program Officer Vacancy
The Australian Embassy is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified
Australian and Chinese nationals to fill one full-time Senior Research and Program
Officer Level 7 position commencing immediately for a one year term.
Applicants must have native or near-native written and spoken Mandarin AND a very
high level of written and spoken English.
Applicants must be tertiary qualified with at least 2 years of relevant working
experience in a professional environment (internships excluded).
If you do not meet these languages, experience and education requirements, your
application will not be considered.
The Duty Statement and Selection Criteria are attached.
Applications should be in writing and include a cover letter, CV and a supporting
statement which directly addresses each of the Selection Criteria respectively. This
supporting statement should give examples demonstrating how the applicant’s skills
and experience meet the selection criteria. Please note that applications that do not
directly address the Selection Criteria will not be considered. Applications should
include the names, job titles and contact details of two referees who can comment on
the applicant’s professional experience.
Applications will close on 13 June 2014 and should be submitted to the Human
Resources Section of the Australian Embassy at beijing.hrrecruitment@dfat.gov.au.
If the successful candidate is an Australian national, the Embassy will assist with a
work visa as required but does not provide relocation assistance.
Please note that only applicants short-listed for interviews will receive a written reply.
Applicants short-listed for interviews will also be required to undertake tests for
translation and interpretation skills.
Duty Statement
Post: BEIJING
Vacancy:
Senior Research and Program Officer, Research and Visits Unit (RVU)
Position No: 10251
Level: LE7
1. Provide high level interpretation/translation support for Embassy staff on trade
and economic issues including in support of negotiations for the ChinaAustralia Free Trade Agreement. (30 percent)
2. Using Chinese and English sources, provide research support and prepare
research papers or reports on trade and economic issues of interest to the
Embassy by collecting, analysing and evaluating information on assigned
issues and preparing concise and accurate reports, individually or as part of a
project team (15 percent)
3. Liaise at appropriate levels with Chinese ministries and official organisations,
distribute correspondence and information, and make appointments as directed
by relevant Embassy staff. (25 percent)
4. Arrange logistical support for Australian delegations to China, including visits
by Ministers and senior officials in support of negotiations for the ChinaAustralia Free Trade Agreement (organise and coordinate meetings and
transport, create program booklets for delegation members and Embassy staff).
Assist Australian government departments hosting senior Chinese delegations
to Australia. (20 percent)
5. Provide administrative and other support to the economic and political
sections as directed, including in support of negotiations for the ChinaAustralia Free Trade Agreement. (10 percent)
6. Relieve other positions in the RVU during staff absences. (as required)
SELECTION CRITERIA
Senior Research and Program Officer
Position No: 10251
Level: LE7
Candidates should address each aspect of the following criteria, giving examples that
demonstrate how they meet the criteria. This should be done in English and using no
more than three pages.
A. Native or near-native Mandarin and a very high standard of written and spoken
English is essential. Demonstrated ability to undertake high level interpreting and
translation tasks (English-Chinese and Chinese-English).
B. Tertiary qualifications and at least two years of work experience in a professional
environment (excluding internships).
C. Good understanding of China’s trade, economic and political environment and
Australia’s interests in China and the region. Demonstrated interest in trade policy,
economics and international relations. A demonstrated interest in bilateral and
multilateral trade issues that affect Australia and China.
D. Demonstrated ability to prioritise a busy workload, work under pressure and to
deadlines with great attention to detail. Flexibility, adaptability and initiative and
the ability to work in a dynamic professional environment.
E. Demonstrated ability to undertake research and produce high quality analytical
reports, in English, on issues of interest to the economic and political sections of
the Embassy.
F. Demonstrated ability to use Chinese and English internet sources for research
purposes and a high degree of computer literacy in Microsoft software (particularly
Word and Excel).
G. Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a cross-cultural
team.