Current Job Vacancies at The Australian High Commission in Abuja

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The Australian High Commission in Abuja seeks to appoint a Development Cooperation Officer and a Public Affairs Officer as locally engaged staff members.


The successful candidates will be responsible for implementing the High Commission's development and public affairs programs.

Job Title:  Public Affairs Officer

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 Australians overseas.
The department provides foreign, trade and development policy advice to the Australian Government. DFAT also works with other Australian government agencies to in pursuit of Australia’s global, regional and bilateral interests.

About the position
The Public Affairs Officer is a key member of the High Commission team, and is responsible for coordinating Australia’s public affairs program in Nigeria and other countries of accreditation for which the High Commission has responsibility (Niger, Cameroon, Gabon and Benin).  The position entails engagement with the media, organising events, visits and programs, and assisting with trade promotion.  The officer is also responsible for the High Commission’s social media platforms including the High Commission’s website and Facebook page.

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

• Coordinate Australia’s public affairs program in Nigeria and other countries of accreditation
• Assist with developing the High Commission’s public affairs strategy.
• Organising and reporting on the High Commission’s public affairs events and activities.
• Support trade promotion and commercial relations.
• Manage visits by High Commission staff and visitors from Australia, including preparation of visit programs and logistics.
• Assist with management of the public affairs budget.
• Develop contacts within the media and draft media releases on behalf of the High Commission.
• Liaise with external stakeholders including other diplomatic missions, government agencies, NGO’s.
• Managing queries from the public and posting content on the High Commission’s social media and website.

Qualifications/Experience required

• University qualifications in political science, international relations, economics, public relations, marketing, humanities/social sciences or other relevant fields.
• Fluency in English.
• Flexibility to undertake a wide range of policy and administrative tasks, as directed.
• High level of initiative, self-motivation and ability to work with limited supervision, manage own work program and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication, liaison and interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain good working-level contacts.
• Ability to prepare high quality reports and media pieces.
• Strong French language competence (spoken and written) is desirable.
• Experience in events management and media liaison desirable.
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office).

Job Title:  Development Cooperation Officer

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 Australians overseas.

The department provides foreign, trade and development policy advice to the Australian Government. DFAT also works with other Australian government agencies in pursuit of Australia’s global, regional and bilateral interests.

About the position
The Development Cooperation Officer is a key member of the High Commission team, and is responsible for managing Australia’s development program in Nigeria and the other countries for which the High Commission has responsibility (Niger, Cameroon, Gabon and Benin).  The position is also required to undertake research, prepare reports and establish networks with relevant stakeholders.

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

• Coordinate Australia’s development program in Nigeria and other countries of accreditation.
• Manage the day-to-day running of, and provide policy advice on, and the Australia Awards scholarship program in Nigeria and Cameroon.
• Prepare high quality research and reporting on development issues in Nigeria and other countries of accreditation.
• Establish and enhance contacts with external stakeholders including other diplomatic missions, government Ministries, media, NGOs, think tanks and alumni associations.
• Provide translation and preparation of documents in French and assist as interpreter when required
• Manage relations with alumni of Australian universities.
• Liaise with other Australian missions, NGO’s and Australia Awards Alumni on the development, implementation and monitoring of programs.
• Assist with developing policy and strategy related to the High Commission’s small grants scheme, the Direct Aid Program.

Qualifications/Experience

• University qualifications in development policy, political science, international relations, social sciences, economics or other relevant fields.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare high quality reports and correspondence, either through previous work experience in a similar role, or through the attainment of a higher degree.
• High level of initiative, self-motivation and ability to work with limited supervision, manage own work program and meet deadlines.
• Flexibility to undertake a wide range of policy and administrative tasks, as directed.
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office).
• Excellent liaison, communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to work effectively with as part of a multicultural team, along with the ability to establish and maintain good working-level contacts.
• Fluency in English.
• Strong French language skills (spoken and written) are highly desirable.
• Experience working in a diplomatic mission/ international aid organisation or engaging with foreign government officials on development or other programs is desirable.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted to [email protected] (by email only). Applicants should include the following:

• Curriculum Vitae of no longer than two (2) pages;
• Name and contact details of two referees with close knowledge of their work; and
• A written statement (maximum 500 words) explaining how they meet selection criteria in terms of relevant professional and other experience, and qualifications, and their reasons for applying.

Applications close 22 June 2015.

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