The successful applicant will be engaged as a locally engaged staff member by the Australian Embassy, Rome.
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 Italy.
Please be advised that the Australian Embassy, Rome 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 Foreign Affairs and Trade
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
This position will work closely with the Ambassador to maximise the impact of the Australian Embassy’s strategic communications, supporting engagement across both social and traditional media channels. The position will contribute to strategic planning to ensure public diplomacy activities and strategic communications are aligned with the Embassy’s core objectives. The role may be directed at times to work outside of standard hours and to provide financial and operational support, including administration support, research and analysis.
The position will back up the Ambassador’s Executive Officer (EO), and act in that position when they are on leave.
The position will be expected to assist the Embassy with other duties, as required, during a visit, event, crises or other high-priority engagements.
Qualifications/Experience
- Under the supervision of the leadership team, the position will design and implement media and public diplomacy plans to identify priority areas of engagement and maximise the impact of messaging and the Embassy’s activities across social and traditional media platforms.
- In close liaison with the EO, act as the Ambassador’s first point of contact for the media. Build, develop and maintain relationships and networks across our public diplomacy partners, including with traditional media outlets and the media/public relations leads for key stakeholders.
- Manage and create content for the Ambassador and the Embassy’s social media and digital media presence.
- Support events with communications under the public diplomacy plan.
- Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to ensure alignment of communication efforts and messaging.
- Monitor and analyse the media landscape and provide regular updates, including on local media landscape to the Embassy’s leadership.
- Prepare high quality briefs, talking points, speeches, reports, correspondence, fact sheets and targeted materials, and respond to general and non-sensitive media enquiries.
- Create high quality and impactful visual and written content, including drafting Op Eds for multiple media channels, including social media, that maintains a strong and engaging presence.
- Manage and maintain a database of contacts, keeping it up-to-date over time.
- Perform other administrative duties related to the Ambassador’s work program.
- Act as the Ambassador’s Executive Officer as required.
- Other duties as required during visits, events, crises, and other high-priority activities.
Required Qualifications/Experience/Knowledge/Skills
- Experience in journalism, communications, marketing, public relations and social media.
- Experience in event management.
- Strong English and Italian language skills.
- Demonstrated fluency and familiarity with core digital media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram), including analytics. Experience developing and delivering digital campaigns is highly desirable.
- Strong technology proficiency in Mac/PC operating systems with fluency within Adobe Creative Suite (especially InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat) and familiarity working with content management systems.
- Knowledge of industry trends and emerging technologies.
- Demonstrate sound judgement and decision-making skills.
- Provide sound advice and demonstrate strong critical thinking and analytical skills.
- Independently complete allocated tasks, and organise workflow.
- Work as a member of team.
Selection Criteria
Please ensure you provide a response to each of the listed selection criteria below. In your response, you must include relevant high-level examples from your experience that support your claims against the role.
The word limit is strictly 250 words per response to each selection criteria. The panel may not assess incomplete applications or responses which exceed the word limit.
A. Strong communication skills in English and Italian, including effective written and oral skills.
B. Demonstrated experience using social media in a professional context and the ability to create high-quality digital content to build audiences and engagement.
C. Experience delivering official visits and/or events with the ability to work under pressure and respond to changing priorities.
D. Ability to build relationships and work effectively with internal and external stakeholders by demonstrating flexibility, adaptability and initiative.
E. Good administrative skills, including the ability to maintain accurate records and filing systems.
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 Australian Embassy, Rome is seeking a Strategic Communications Office to join their small but busy team.
