Policy Research Officer – Le 4 – Paris

**Contract**: On-Going

**Full-Time**: 35 hours per week

**Salary**: €42,913 (paid in 13 monthly instalments of €3,301)

**_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**

The position supports the policy team’s work by providing policy research and analysis on a wide range of issues affecting Australia’s political, economic and security interests. The position also provides appropriate organisational and administrative support for the day-to-day activities of the team.

The key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

- Reporting on political and economic developments in France, and France’s position on key EU issues of interest to Australia, such as the Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement
- Developing and maintaining contacts with French and international partners and facilitating meetings with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Assembly and Senate and other key contacts as required;
- Accompanying the Ambassador, Deputy Head of Mission and diplomats to meetings and, on occasion, meeting with French contacts autonomously to advocate for Australia’s policy positions and interests; preparing notes and reports following meetings; providing research, analysis and reporting on issues affecting Australia’s political, economic and security interests in France and other countries to which the Embassy is accredited;
- Monitoring French domestic and international political and economic developments;
- Preparing documents in both French and English, including diplomatic correspondence and meeting documents (including briefing and biographies of senior figures) for the Ambassador, Embassy staff, senior officials and Ministers;
- Written and oral translation work;
- Coordinating programs and logístical arrangements for visits by Australian officials and for official functions hosted at the Embassy.

**Qualifications/Experience**
- Proven research, analytical and writing skills
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills
- Excellent written and spoken communication skills in both English and French, including representation skills
- Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure and to deadlines
- Strong organisational skills
- Relevant bachelor’s degree and professional experience
- Good knowledge and interest in the French political landscape and policy-making processes
- Knowledge and experience in aspects of economic, trade or foreign policy
- Good level skills in IT/Microsoft Office and internet research

**SELECTION CRITERIA**

The word limit is strictly **250 words per response**. The panel will not assess responses that exceed the word limit. At least one of the responses should be provided in French.
- A high level of written and oral proficiency in English and French, for both traditional and digital platforms in a professional environment, with a proven ability to prepare written material to present information in a logical, succinct and persuasive manner.
- Ability to independently conduct high quality, thorough and accurate research, from a variety of sources, including data, analyse findings to monitor trends, and present findings/reports to a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders in an appropriate manner.
- Ability to liaise effectively with internal and external stakeholders, demonstrating excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to develop effective stakeholder relations and to build and maintain networks.
- Effective judgment, decision-making and complex problem-solving skills, including a demonstrated ability to use initiative and innovation.
- Well-developed planning and organisational skills to manage multiple tasks and priorities, in order to achieve required outcomes and meet tight deadlines with limited supervision.

We are looking for a hard working individual to join the Australian Embassy, Paris as a Policy Officer.