MEDIA ADVISER – BB3, PN 7322

Temporary position for 12 months (Maternity Contract)

Broadband 3 salary range: £32,830.00 – 41,105.00

Applications are sought from people interested in employment under local terms and conditions as Locally Engaged Staff.

Position Security Assessment: Top Secret (Australian National)

DUTY STATEMENT

In accordance with Equal Employment Opportunity and Industrial Democracy principles

It is a condition of this appointment that any candidate applying for this position must be able to obtain Australian National Security Clearance to Top Secret level and must be an Australian citizen. Locally (UK) engaged persons with dual Australian/British citizenship cannot obtain such security clearances.

To create, manage and deliver communication strategies that advance public understanding in the UK of Australia’s foreign and trade policies, and to promote a positive image of Australia through effective public diplomacy.

To act as deputy for the Manager, Public Affairs during his/her absence.

Particular emphasis will be placed on:

• Delivering effective media communications strategies aimed at regional, metropolitan, rural and ethnic communities throughout the United Kingdom.

• Generating media coverage for Australia’s key public diplomacy messages in the United Kingdom.

• Identifying and managing close relationships with key business, economic cultural and specialist media. Developing and maintaining a comprehensive database of UK media contacts.

• Work with Ministers’ Offices, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and other internal stakeholders and manage a pro-active media program for visiting Ministers and VIPs.

• Analysing and assessing the quality, quantity and tone of Australia’s media coverage.

• Preparing media summary reporting for DFAT in Canberra

• Providing consultancy-based information and guidance to senior High Commission managers.

• Work as part of the High Commission team to contribute to service delivery while supporting the practice of diversity in the workplace, ethical practice and occupational health and safety principles.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Public Affairs is an important area of activity at the High Commission due to the scope and depth of the bilateral relationship between Australia and the United Kingdom and the level of media scrutiny in London of Australian government policies.

The Media Adviser’s position is seen as pivotal in establishing and maintaining contacts with the British media, at both senior editorial and working journalist level, and public affairs counterparts in British government offices, bureaucracies and private organisations. The Public Affairs team is also responsible for the dissemination of a wide range of information on Australia through press releases and speeches, some drafted by the Media Adviser.

The Media Adviser will focus on delivering effective media communications strategies aimed at regional and metropolitan communities throughout the United Kingdom; generating useful media coverage for Australia's key public diplomacy messages in the United Kingdom; identifying and managing close relationships with key business, economic, cultural and specialist media and analysing and assessing the quality, quantity and tone of the media coverage of Australia.

Personal Profile

The occupant of the position must be an Australian National with the background and interpersonal skills necessary to establish and maintain a range of important media contacts, as well as to work effectively in a small team, liaising with senior Australian staff of the Mission.

He or she will have excellent communications skills and the ability to draft policy/media documents and speeches aimed at high level audiences for which a good understanding of Australian Government policy and its impact on bilateral relations with the United Kingdom is an important requirement.

An interest in and knowledge of Australian and British culture will be essential, as will experience in dealing with the media.

Appropriate academic qualifications are desirable.

SELECTION CRITERIA

a. Experience in the media, either as a journalist or related field. Knowledge of how the media works and an ability to identify media or public relations opportunities is essential.

b. Demonstrated accurate, concise and clear written and oral skills, with significant experience in media relations, preparing media materials and developing innovative mass communications campaigns.

c. A good working knowledge of current Australian government policies, including those relating to foreign policy, trade policy, environment and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island affairs.

d. Ability to develop a wide network of business and trade-related media contacts.

e. Ability to work in close consultation and co-operation with senior executives and allied stakeholders - able to be supportive but also objective as necessary and a commitment to contribute and communicate as a team player.

f. Computer literacy and demonstrated knowledge of word processors, internet and web based products.

g. Adaptability, initiative and flexibility to work evenings when necessary.
h. Some experience dealing with cultural or arts media would be desirable but not essential.

i. It is a condition of this appointment that any candidate applying for this position must be able to obtain Australian National Security Clearance to Top Secret level and must be an Australian citizen. Locally (UK) engaged persons with dual Australian/British citizenship cannot obtain such security clearances.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications close 9am Monday 8 September 2008

Please submit your CV, LES application form, and a statement addressing the selection criteria to:

Recruitment.london@dfat.gov.au

Or mail to:

Recruitment Officer
Australian High Commission
Strand
London WC2B 4LA
United Kingdom

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