Policy Officer

The successful applicant will be engaged as a locally engaged staff member by Australian Embassy, Paris. Candidates must hold a valid authorisation to work in France.

Please be advised that the Australian Embassy does not provide relocation assistance and any costs associated with taking up the position would be the responsibility of the successful candidate.

About the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

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.

The department 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

Under limited direction, the Policy Officer position supports the policy team’s work by providing policy research and analysis on a wide range of issues affecting Australia’s political, economic and security interests. The position also provides appropriate organisational and administrative support for the day-to-day activities of the team.

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

• Monitoring French domestic and international political and economic developments and contributing to strategic planning of the team.
• Providing specialist research, analysis, policy advice and reporting on issues affecting Australia’s political, economic and security interests in France and other countries to which the Embassy is accredited.
• Developing and maintaining contacts with French and international partners and facilitating meetings with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Assembly and Senate and other key contacts as required.
• Accompanying the Ambassador, Deputy Head of Mission, and diplomats to meetings and, on occasion, meeting with French contacts autonomously to advocate for Australia’s policy positions and interests, preparing notes and reports following meetings.
• Preparing documents in both French and English, including diplomatic correspondence and meeting documents (including briefing and biographies of senior figures) for the Ambassador, Embassy staff, senior officials, and Ministers.
• Written and oral translation work.
• Coordinating programs and logistical arrangements for visits by Australian senior officials and Ministers.
• Independently coordinate and manage moderately complex official functions and events hosted by the Embassy, including in collaboration with external stakeholders.
• Autonomously lead on selected policy issues, which could include but are not limited to gender equality, first nations foreign policy, parliamentary liaison, and sports diplomacy.

Qualifications/Experience                                                                           

• Proven high level research, analytical, reporting and writing skills with the ability to engage in both English and French.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a broad range of key stakeholders including French government officials, international organisations, business, other diplomatic missions, academic institutions, and Australian Government agencies.
• Capacity to work under limited direction and manage competing priorities to achieve outcomes and apply judgement and demonstrate initiative and flexibility.
• Relevant bachelor’s degree and professional experience.
• Good specialist/technical knowledge of and interest in the French political landscape and policy-making processes.
• Good specialist/technical knowledge and experience in aspects of France’s economic, trade and/or domestic political and foreign policy.
• Sound general knowledge of and experience in Australia’s economic, trade and foreign policy, including political processes and systems of governance.
• Good level skills in IT/Microsoft Office and internet research.

Security Requirements  

This is a security-designated position requiring an Australian [NV1] security clearance or ability to gain same. Therefore, applicants must hold citizenship of Australia, New Zealand, USA, UK or Canada to be considered.

Please note that candidates who hold citizenship or dual citizenship of France are not eligible for an Australian Security Clearance.

Selection Criteria

In your written statements, you must include relevant high-level examples from your experience that support your claims against the role. The word limit is strictly 250 words per response to each of the selection critera. The panel will not assess responses which exceed the word limit. Applications can be submitted in English or French, but at least one of your responses should be in the other language.

• A. Proven ability to undertake independent comprehensive research, analyse a wide range of political and economic issues and present findings/reports to a diverse range of stakeholders in an appropriate and succinct manner.
• B. Strong interest and knowledge of French and Australian government policies relating to political and international issues, and how they can influence and inform policy decisions.
• C. In-depth knowledge and understanding of current French and international economic developments and awareness of their implications on Australia’s economic, trade and foreign policy.
• D. The ability to build meaningful relationships, understand the interests of diverse stakeholders and to build reciprocal and mutually beneficial networks that deliver results.
• E. A high level of written and oral proficienacy in English and French, with a proven ability to present information in a logical, succinct, and persuasive manner.

The Human Resources Section based in the Australian High Commission, London is responsible for managing all recruitment processes across the European region.  To apply, please use the online form. Please direct any other queries to recruitment.london@dfat.gov.au.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees are valued. We appreciate the experiences, skills and perspectives of all individuals. We actively encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds who share our values.