RESEARCH OFFICER (POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC)
The Australian Embassy is seeking a political/economic research officer to support the work of the policy section. The emphasis of the research will be in the area of economics and trade.
Applications must be submitted in English and must address the selection criteria. Non complying applications will not be considered. All staff require a police clearance before employment.
Applications should be forwarded by email to [email protected] by close of business 24 September 2010.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Position: Research Officer (Political and Economic)
Objective
The Research Officer will support the work of the Policy Section of the Australian Embassy in Moscow, including by conducting research and analysis, writing reports, managing correspondence, liaising and networking with key clients, translating and interpreting as required, and representing the Embassy as appropriate.
Job Skills
The applicant must possess the following skills and qualities:
• Tertiary degree in economics or related field
• Minimum two years’ experience in a relevant position
• Fluency in Russian and English, including oral and written
• High level research and analysis skills
• Knowledge of the political, economic, and foreign policies of Russia and other CIS countries of accreditation
• Advanced computer literacy, including use of the internet, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint
• Strong communication, interpersonal and representational skills
• Strong organisational and coordination skills
• Ability to work in a highly productive team
• Commitment to a high standard of ethics
• Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability and openness to change
• Ability and confidence to act as informal interpreter if required
• Availability to undertake occasional short-term travel
General Description of Duties
In relation to Russia and other CIS countries of accreditation:
• Conduct research and analysis on economic, political and foreign policy issues of interest to the Australian Government, with an emphasis on economic research. Use all publicly available resources to conduct this research, including the media, internet and contacts.
• Monitor the media daily and identify issues of interest to the Australian Government. Special interests will include economic and political developments (including macroeconomic reforms, elections, etc), major foreign policy directions (including relationships with other countries, regions, etc), and participation in international organisations and multilateral negotiations (including in the United Nations, NATO, etc.).
• Provide written and oral reports in English, based on thorough research and analysis.
• Develop a network of contacts to support the Embassy’s research work, including in government, research institutions, non-governmental organisations, and the regions.
• Support Australian-based officers in formal or informal discussions with other governments or private industry to advance bilateral or multilateral issues. This may require interpreting and occasional travel to CIS countries of accreditation.
• Manage and prepare correspondence to advance Australia’s foreign and trade policy interests with Russia and other CIS countries of accreditation. Translate correspondence and documents into English or Russian as required.
• Represent the Embassy and Australian Government interests at relevant conferences, seminars and other representational events as required, and produce reports on these events, as directed.
• Arrange programs for Australian visitors to the Embassy’s countries of accreditation. Orally brief Australian visitors to the Embassy on political and economic developments in English, as directed.
• Other duties as directed.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Application
Applicants must provide a written application in English addressing their claims against the selection criteria (below), including specific examples of demonstrated experience. Written applications should be no more than three pages in length, and should be accompanied by a CV and cover letter. Applicants must also provide the telephone and email contact details of three referees who can support the applicant’s claims. Applications which do not fulfill these criteria will not be considered.
Selection Criteria
1. Tertiary degree in economics or a related field. Demonstrated high-level ability to conduct research using the internet and other open-source materials, to analyse the gathered material and use it to produce high-quality written reports in English. This includes in relation to economic, trade, political and foreign policy issues, with an emphasis on economic issues.
2. Demonstrated advanced ability to communicate fluently and effectively in Russian and English, both orally and in writing, including the ability to make effective and persuasive representations, secure appointments etc. Demonstrated competence in a variety of written styles, including reports, correspondence, emails, etc. Ability to undertake two-way translation into Russian and English. Ability to also undertake informal two-way interpreting into Russian and English would be an advantage.
3. High-level organisational and coordination skills, including the ability to prioritise, meet deadlines and contribute effectively to work objectives, pro-actively identify issues of relevance, anticipate problems and suggest solutions.
4. Strong understanding of Russian economic and trade policy, domestic politics and foreign policy, and legislative processes. Also an understanding of the main political and economic developments in other CIS countries of accreditation. Knowledge of contemporary Australia and Australian Government policies would be an advantage.
5. Strong interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively within a team. Ability to conduct business effectively with a range of clients, including senior representatives in the public and private sectors. Demonstrated flexibility and willingness to undertake other duties as directed.
Remuneration
The Australian Government is a competitive employer. Monthly salary will start at Roubles 81,826