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Public Diplomacy Manager

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Office of the Australian Consulate-General Shanghai is seeking applicants to fill the following locally engaged position:


- Public Diplomacy Manager (LE5)


The above position is open to Chinese and Australian nationals.


Australian nationals must be able to obtain Chinese work visa and residence permit to be able to enter and remain in China to work for the Consulate. Due to current international travel bans and strict local entry restrictions as a result of COVID-19, Australian applicants are likely to face significant obstacles when seeking residence permits or entering China. Potential applicants should familiarise themselves with the latest restrictions and processes before applying. The Australian Consulate General Shanghai does not provide relocation assistance and any costs associated with taking up the position would be the responsibility of the successful candidate.


The successful applicant will be offered an initial fixed term contract of 12 months with the possibility for extension and are subject to a probationary period.


The annual basic salary for this position is CNY 221,623.2 plus the employer’s social security contributions. Where the successful candidate is an Australian national, he/she will receive an allowance in lieu of the employer’s social security contributions. Australian Superannuation Guarantee Contribution (SGC) will be deducted from the allowance for an Australian tax resident.


Your application, written in English, addressed in the title ‘Application for Public Diplomacy Manager + your name’ must include:


  • A one page pitch of no more than 1000 words outlining how your skills, experience and qualifications make you the best person for the job;

  • Curriculum vitae including your nationality and country of residency. If you are an Australian citizen in China, please advise your Chinese visa category.

  • Contact details for two work-related referees (at least one should be your current or recent supervisor)


Applications and inquiries should be emailed to acgshanghai.recruitment@dfat.gov.au. Closing date for applications is 1pm, Friday 5 August 2022.  Please consider your application unsuccessful if you have not received any contact within four weeks from the closing date.


What should I include in my pitch?

  • Your one page pitch is a chance to tell us why you are the right person for the job. We want to know why you want to work at the Australian Consulate General, why you are interested in the role, what you can offer us, and how your skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications are applicable to the role.  In a nutshell – why should we hire you?

  • Try not to duplicate information that can already be found in your resume, but do highlight any specific examples or achievements that will demonstrate your ability to perform the role.


About the Australian Government’s 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.


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

The Public Diplomacy Manager plays a key role in the Consulate, ensuring high quality development, implementation and evaluation of public diplomacy and alumni programs. In close consultation with Consul (Policy), the Public Diplomacy Manager manages program and event budgets. As a key public facing role, the Public Diplomacy Manager manages sponsorship outreach and stakeholder relations in Shanghai and East China, including with the business community. The role may require local travel and supervising junior team members.


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

  • Plan, develop and implement a coordinated public diplomacy strategy to increase public understanding of the broad range of Australian engagement in Shanghai and East China. This will include designing and delivering a calendar of events and activities to support this agenda.

  • Provide high-level advice to post management and attached agency heads to identify opportunities and issues relevant to the public diplomacy agenda, media engagement and policy issues.

  • Develop and strengthen strategic relationships, negotiate and liaise across a broad range of stakeholders including China mainland posts and senior cultural and commercial stakeholders to support public diplomacy objectives.

  • Represent and promote the interests of Australia at a range of forums, events and meetings and provide advice on Australian participation, operational and policy issues and prepare reports summarising key points.

  • Manage, plan and coordinate a range of events and initiatives in Shanghai and East China that have a public diplomacy objective, including managing the delivery of multiple concurrent events, coordinating stakeholders, speakers and other logistical arrangements such as guest lists, catering, entertainment and technical support.

  • Develop high level reports, speeches and briefings on the Consulate’s cultural programs, public diplomacy initiatives and events, and monitor and report on broad developments in both the Australian and Chinese cultural sectors.

  • Monitor, evaluate and report on public diplomacy program outcomes including preparation of an annual report on all programs with advice on recommendations

  • Develop media releases, speeches, organise media interviews and press briefings; manage and coordinate appropriate media activities including during high-level official visits.

  • Undertake political, economic and trade research on key developments in East China and prepare high quality analytical reports and briefing.

  • Provide operational support to senior staff, including assisting with logistical arrangements and visit programs to support ministerial visits and senior delegations.

  • Assist senior officers in developing visit programs and briefings for the Consul-General and Senior Australian officials particularly on key cross-cutting issues and alumni activities.

  • In close consultation with Consul (Policy), manage and develop content for the Consulate’s online presence, including in coordination with China mainland post.

  • Perform other duties and back up as required.


Qualifications/Experience

  • Tertiary qualifications and/or a strong track record of experience in one or more of the following fields: arts and culture, media, public/community relations, event management.

  • Demonstrated management experience in a busy fast-moving environment.

  • Superior ability to think creatively, show initiative, work under pressure and meet deadlines.

  • Proven organisational skills, ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritise effectively.

  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment with flexibility, and consult effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

  • Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to liaise with government representatives, and develop and maintain a wide range of relevant contacts.

  • Demonstrated ability to think strategically and develop written strategy documents.


Desirable

  • Demonstrated strong familiarity with Australian arts and culture, media and community relations

  • Media and event management experience would be an asset.

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