Vacancy 11/15: Government Relations and Research Officer (Economic)

Office Circular No 11/15 - Vacancy: Government Relations and Research Officer (Economic)

The Australian High Commission, New Delhi, is seeking applications for the position of Government Relations and Research Officer (Economic) at the Australian High Commission, New Delhi.

Applicants are advised to read the Position Description below prior to addressing the selection criteria. Applicants must address each of the selection criteria. Applications that do not specifically address the selection criteria will not be considered. Further information on selection criteria is available on our website http://www.india.highcommission.gov.au

Subject to the successful completion of up to a six month probationary period, satisfactory medical check and background verification, the successful applicant will be offered a two-year contract of employment, inclusive of the probation period. The contract may be extended subject to agreement between the employer and employee.

The commencing salary will be determined based on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. The package will include annual leave, limited medical reimbursements, Diwali bonus, provident fund provisions and gratuity provisions when service length is sufficient. The position encompasses a starting salary range of Rs 58,000 per month increasing incrementally up to Rs 75,000 per month, depending on skills and qualifications for the role.

HOW TO APPLY
Applicants must submit by close of business Wednesday 13 May 2015 the following documents in Microsoft Word format with subject header ‘Application for Government Relations and Research Officer (Economic)’ to [email protected]  
(1) A font size 12 typed statement addressing each of the selection criteria (no longer than 3 pages).
(2) A curriculum vitae detailing your contact details, work experience, academic qualifications and the names and contact details of two referees.
Applications not meeting these criteria will not be considered. No late applications will be accepted and only short listed candidates will be contacted.
 
 

 
About the 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
As part of the DFAT Economic team, you will be required to undertake research tasks on India’s trade and investment policies to provide input into reporting and briefs on aspects of the Australia-India economic relationship. You will assist in the management of visits from Australian visitors and of domestic visits undertaken by the post. You will provide administrative support by writing letters, Third Person Notes, sending routine and information cables, liaising regularly with Indian government ministries, in particular Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Finance. You will provide logistics for international conferences and coordinate high-level meetings. Some travel may be required.

The key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:
a) Undertaking research and analysis on India’s foreign trade policy and other economic developments.
b) Contacting other agencies, missions and Indian government organisations regarding appointments and international conferences.
c) Making appointments and performing various other administrative tasks by writing letters, Third Person Notes, sending routine and information cables.
d) Maintaining accurate records on changes in government and the bureaucracy, including regular updating of the High Commission’s senior contacts database.
e) Contributing to the management of official visits from Australia to India and assisting in domestic economic reporting in preparation for visits.
f) Maintaining up-to-date economic overview briefs on India (including the major Indian states), with particular regard to issues of interest to Australia, for use by High Commission staff and high-level visitors.
g) Building strong linkages with members of relevant think tanks, academics and NGOs to ensure a good coverage of contemporary Indian thinking on economic and political issues.
h) Performing other duties as assigned by the Economic Section.
i) Some translation work may be required.

Qualifications/Experience
a) Experience in carrying out research and analysis on India’s economic policy.
b) Strong English and Hindi language skills, both written and spoken.
c) A well-developed understanding of Indian bureaucratic structures and processes.
d) High-level organisational skills.
e) Ability to use relevant office technology, including the Internet and computer software (particularly Word and Excel).
f) University degree in economics or political science or related field would be highly desirable.
g) Minimum two years of work experience desirable.

SELECTION CRITERIA
1. A high level of written and spoken English and Hindi.
2. Experience in carrying out research and analysis on a wide range of Indian economic issues. Particular expertise in Indian economic policy and knowledge of Indian political and bureaucratic structures would be highly regarded.
3. Strong administrative and organizational skills, including ability to manage events, programs and visiting delegations and knowledge of relevant office technology and computer software.
4. Demonstrated ability to liaise with government officials, industry, academic and civil society representatives regarding meetings and visits.
5. Demonstrated ability to work independently and flexibly, undertake multiple and diverse tasks in a team environment, strong judgment and problem-solving skills and ability to take initiative.