Public Diplomacy and Communications Manager - LE4 - Madrid

Contract: Permanent

Full-Time: 37.5 hours per week

Salary: €37,346 per annum

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

Under limited supervision, the Public Diplomacy Manager works closely with Australian diplomatic staff (A-based) at the Embassy to develop and deliver the Embassy’s public diplomacy strategy for Spain, and for Andorra and Equatorial Guinea as required. The position also works closely with Australia-based staff at the Embassy to deliver high quality policy and advocacy outcomes which advance Australian Government’s priorities in Spain.

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

• Lead the development of the Embassy’s public diplomacy strategy, which includes public diplomacy and economic and commercial diplomacy.
• Lead implementation of the Embassy’s public diplomacy strategy in close collaboration with the A-based team, including:
  • developing plans for, and overseeing the management of events and exhibitions
  • maintaining the Embassy’s website and the Embassy’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts
• maintaining the social media schedule and generating content in collaboration with DFAT Canberra and all areas of the Embassy, including the Austrade, Defence and Consular teams
• Build and maintain strong networks and coordinate with counterparts in Spanish organisations, including media and cultural institutions, ministerial offices, parliamentarian offices, Government agencies, key businesses, academic institutions and NGO groups, as well as other diplomatic missions and Australian government agencies as required
• Monitor Spanish media sources and provide summaries of key new trade, economic and political developments, as well as analysis as requested by the A-based team. Including, providing a weekly analysis of local media reporting on Australian policies or current events in Australia
• Proactively seek placement of positive stories about Australia and Embassy initiatives in the Spanish media
• Exercise sound judgement in providing high quality, timely advice and support to the A-based team to deliver on the Embassy’s priorities and objectives
• Provide comprehensive and timely research, analysis, and reporting on political, economic and trade developments in countries of accreditation, and other issues relevant to Australia’s bilateral relationship with Spain, Andorra and Equatorial Guinea
• Prepare briefing, speeches and other policy products to meet the A-based team’s requirements including initial drafting of some policy documents
• Provide back up to other positions in the Political and Economic Team as required
• Represent the Embassy at meetings, seminars and workshops; provide written reports on these meetings
• Work with the A-based team to arrange visit programs for visiting Australian ministers, officials and others as required
• Maintain accurate and complete files relating to all public diplomacy and policy work, including creating and closing files as required

Qualifications/Experience

• High-level research and analytical skills
• Demonstrated experience using social media in a professional context, including an ability to draft social media posts
• A good understanding of Spanish political, economic, trade, development and climate change policies, including an awareness of current Spanish and international affairs
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Spanish and a demonstrated ability to produce clear and succinct written reports and draft speeches
• Strong interpersonal and representational skills and an ability to develop productive working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to work independently under pressure and manage multiple deadlines at once
• Strong capacity to exercise discretion and judgement
• Relevant tertiary qualifications
• Knowledge of Australia and international issues relevant to Australia would be an advantage

Selection Criteria

In your written statements, you must include succinct, high-level relevant examples that support your claims against the role. The word limit is strictly 250 words per response.

A. 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.

B. A high level of written and oral proficiency in English and Spanish, for both traditional and digital platforms in a professional environment, with a proven ability to prepare tailored media messaging in a logical, succinct and persuasive manner.

C. Well-developed planning and organisational skills, demonstrating the ability to work under pressure, prioritise tasks and show initiative.

D. Ability to liaise effectively with internal and external stakeholders, demonstrating excellent interpersonal skills, including building and maintaining a strong network and effective stakeholder relations.

E. Strong interest in and knowledge of foreign affairs, including Spanish and international affairs and government policies as they relate to political, economic, trade, development and climate change policy.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual to develop and deliver the Embassy’s public diplomacy strategy for Spain, and for Andorra and Equatorial Guinea .