Public Affairs Officer at Australian High Commission

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 Australians overseas.

The department provides foreign, trade and development policy advice to the Australian Government. DFAT also works with other Australian government agencies to in pursuit of Australia’s global, regional and bilateral interests.

About the position
The Public Affairs Officer is a key member of the High Commission team, and is responsible for coordinating Australia’s public affairs program in Nigeria and other countries of accreditation for which the High Commission has responsibility (Niger, Cameroon, Gabon and Benin).  The position entails engagement with the media, organising events, visits and programs, and assisting with trade promotion.  The officer is also responsible for the High Commission’s social media platforms including the High Commission’s website and Facebook page.

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

• Coordinate Australia’s public affairs program in Nigeria and other countries of accreditation
• Assist with developing the High Commission’s public affairs strategy.
• Organising and reporting on the High Commission’s public affairs events and activities.
• Support trade promotion and commercial relations.
• Manage visits by High Commission staff and visitors from Australia, including preparation of visit programs and logistics.
• Assist with management of the public affairs budget.
• Develop contacts within the media and draft media releases on behalf of the High Commission.
• Liaise with external stakeholders including other diplomatic missions, government agencies, NGO’s.
• Managing queries from the public and posting content on the High Commission’s social media and website.

Qualifications/Experience required

• University qualifications in political science, international relations, economics, public relations, marketing, humanities/social sciences or other relevant fields.
• Fluency in English.
• Flexibility to undertake a wide range of policy and administrative tasks, as directed.
• High level of initiative, self-motivation and ability to work with limited supervision, manage own work program and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication, liaison and interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain good working-level contacts.
• Ability to prepare high quality reports and media pieces.
• Strong French language competence (spoken and written) is desirable.
• Experience in events management and media liaison desirable.
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office).