Research and Public Diplomacy Officer

The key responsibilities include, but are not limited to

• Research and analysis on issues relevant to bilateral relations between Australia and Russia (or other countries of accreditation), domestic political and economic issues in Russia and other regional countries, and foreign policy developments, by drawing on resources including the media, online material and professional networks.
• Monitor the media daily and identify issues of interest to the Australian Government, including political, economic and foreign policy developments.
• Provide high quality written and oral reports in English based on thorough research and analysis.
• Coordinate the Embassy’s public diplomacy activities and social media engagement, including planning and organisation of events and management of the Embassy’s social media platforms.
• Develop and maintain a network of contacts in Russia and regional countries to support the Embassy’s research work.
• Support Australian officials in their professional interactions to advance Australia’s position on bilateral or international issues. Occasional interpreting, translating and travel to countries of accreditation may be required.
• Manage and prepare correspondence to advance Australia’s foreign, trade and aid policy interests with Russia and other countries of accreditation.
• Represent the Embassy and Australian Government interests at conferences, seminars and other representational events as directed.
• Provide backup support for other members of the political/economic research and support administrative functions of the Embassy where required.

Qualifications

• Ability to undertake research, analysis and reporting on relevant political, economic and foreign policy issues
• Strong knowledge of Russian history, society and politics
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to develop and maintain a wide range of productive working relationships with stakeholders
• Professional-level fluency in English and Russian
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, including the ability to prepare briefing and draft reports and undertake high-quality written translations of Russian documents as required
• Proficiency with social media platforms and an ability to draft content and improve digital engagement
• Experience managing events and organising public diplomacy activities
• Demonstrated experience managing and responding to inquiries from the media
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, flexibly and to contribute to the effective functioning of teams