The successful applicant will be engaged on a non-ongoing 2 year fixed term contract as a locally engaged staff member by the Australian Embassy, Brussels.
The Fair Work Act 2009 is not intended to apply to the employment of Locally Engaged Staff (LES) at Australia’s overseas diplomatic and consular missions. The successful candidate’s terms and conditions of employment will be governed by the laws of Belgium.
Please be advised that the Australian Embassy, Brussels does not assist with relocation. Any costs associated with taking up the position would be the responsibility of the successful candidate.
About the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR)
The Department of Industry, Science and Resources and our broader portfolio are integral to the Australian Government’s economic agenda. Our purpose is to help the government build a better future for all Australians through enabling a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology.
We do this by:
- Growing innovative and competitive businesses, industries and regions
- Investing in science and technology
- Supporting a strong resources sector
The portfolio is at the heart of the government’s plan to build a Future Made in Australia that safeguards our prosperity and national security. We are supporting Australians to make the most of new and emerging technologies, and new sources of economic growth across our portfolio footprint.
Our work to support sectors, aligned with the Future Made in Australia National Interest Framework, capitalises on Australia’s comparative advantages and contributes to the economy’s net zero transition. Through science and innovation, Australia will develop industries that drive a dynamic economy, provide well paid jobs, improve our quality of life and preserve our unique environment.
We do this within a complex and interconnected operating environment by working with Australian government agencies, states and territories, international counterparts and other diverse stakeholders. Our support for businesses and industries seeks to reduce barriers to productivity improvement, establish appropriate regulatory frameworks and provide targeted investment and services.
The Policy Officer works to support the DISR Counsellor on key priorities across Europe, including with the European Union (EU) and its Member States, the United Kingdom (UK) and at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Key priorities include:
- Increasing economic and policy connections, and providing research and analysis, in the areas of industry, resources, science, technology, innovation, digital and space, particularly the growing nexus between economic, national, and defence security and impacts on supply chain resilience, technology protection and critical infrastructure security and investment.
- Collaborating on critical minerals, artificial intelligence, quantum and other emerging technologies, clean energy manufacturing (including battery and green metals) and space through a range of dialogues, joint meetings and working groups
- Representing Australia at OECD Committees on science, technology, innovation, entrepreneurship and digital economy and engaging with other relevant OECD work.
This position supports these priorities by facilitating policy discussions, monitoring changes to the policy environment and providing high level analysis, briefings and technical advice, including on OECD committee papers and related matters.
The position will have backup responsibility for the efficient and effective running of the DISR Office at the Australian Mission in Brussels, administrative support for the Counsellor’s travel arrangements and engagements, and may include occasional travel within the European region.
Key responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to:
- Perform complex research and provide accurate and specialised advice to the Counsellor on matters relating to DISR’s portfolio interests across the EU, the UK and the OECD by collecting, monitoring, analysing and evaluating information, papers and related materials. Subject areas include industry policy, critical minerals, critical and emerging technologies (AI, quantum, robotics and biotechnologies) including dual-use technologies, clean energy manufacturing (batteries and green metals), economic security issues and science, research and innovation. This involves reporting on economic, geopolitical, defence and security developments in key subject areas and the impact on Australia’s national interests and policymaking.
- Research issues, monitor trends and compile information using a variety of media, present findings/data in a report or verbally as directed. Appraise/analyse information and produce relevant reports or summaries and attend conferences/meetings as directed and write up summary reports.
- Represent and promote the interests of the Australian Mission at a range of forums, events and meetings and provide advice on Australian participation, operational and policy issues.
- Establish, develop and maintain strong working relationships with a range of key internal and external stakeholders, local authorities and partner agencies to further DISR interests.
- Plan and coordinate the logistics of ministerial/high-level visits and other events including official travel for the Counsellor and other government officials, movement requisitions, transport and accommodation booking arrangements and itineraries.
- Respond to specific tasking from Canberra, including provision of advice and drafting response cables.
- In support of the Policy Officer and Office Manager, provide backup corporate support as required including DISR’s office administration, human resources, property, finance, IT, and client services.
- In support of the Policy Officer and Office Manager, develop, implement, review and ensure compliance with corporate policies and practices, including budget planning, financial reporting and contributing to internal strategic planning for strategic DISR long-term initiatives.
Required Qualifications/ Experience/ Knowledge/ Skills
- High level analytical skills and subject matter expertise in relation to government policy in Europe and the UK related to industry, science and resources, including relevant OECD committees.
- Sound understanding of industrial policy including demonstrated strong capacity in public policy monitoring, analysis and implementation, including in a regulatory context.
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative, set priorities, show exceptional judgement, manage competing tasks and organise workloads to achieve outcomes and meet deadlines, and to work with minimum supervision and maintain confidentiality.
- Demonstrated experience in office and personnel management, including experience in financial management, preferably in an international or government organisation.
- Demonstrated ability to develop professional stakeholder relationships at a working level, including with government, industry and business – applying tact and diplomacy where necessary.
- Written and oral language skills in English to a clear and professional standard, with the ability to draft high level correspondence.
- A high level of personal drive and integrity and the ability to work flexibly and adapt to changing requirements.
- High level computer skills in a range of software (particularly Microsoft office suite).
Desired Qualifications/ Experience/ Knowledge/ Skills
- Appropriate tertiary qualifications
- Previous experience with government and industry
- The ability to obtain and maintain an Australian Government security clearance is highly desirable. To be eligible, candidates must be citizens of Australia. Candidates from New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom, or Canada may also be eligible.
How to Apply
Where the application form asks for a cover letter, please provide a written pitch of no more than 600 words demonstrating your ability to perform the key responsibilities of the position. In your response, you must include relevant, high-level examples from your experience that support your claims against the position requirements and can use the below selection criteria as a guide.
A. Demonstrated ability to independently conduct high quality, thorough and accurate research, from a variety of sources, analyse findings to monitor trends, and present findings/reports to a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders in an appropriate manner.
B. Demonstrated decision-making skills and balancing of competing priorities under limited supervision, with the ability to exercise discretion and good judgement, providing high-level support and strategic advice.
C. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a proven ability to prepare written material in English to document findings in a logical, succinct and persuasive manner.
D. The ability to build relationships for influence, understand the interests of diverse stakeholders and to build reciprocal and mutually beneficial networks that deliver results.
E. High level IT proficiency particularly in the use of Microsoft Office suite. Ability to generate appropriate reports interrogate data and provide analysis.
F. Experience in office and personnel management, including experience in financial management.
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 'Apply' button below. Please direct any other queries to
[email protected].
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.
The Commonwealth Government of Australia employs staff overseas to perform work for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and other Australian Government Agencies at overseas posts (including embassies, high commissions or consulates).
Locally Engaged Staff (LES) support and complement the professional capacities of Australian Public Service (APS) employees by providing essential in-country knowledge, skills, networks and continuity at overseas posts in over 100 locations. LES form an important part of our global workforce and make a significant contribution towards the Australian Government’s objective of advancing Australia’s national interests.
The Human Resources Section based in the Australian High Commission London is responsible for managing all local job vacancies across the European region. This includes other categories of employment, including Head of Mission Domestic Staff positions usually appointed to work directly to the Ambassador or High Commissioner and assistance with Internship Programmes.
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