Main purpose of job:

Contribute to the UK government priorities on a range of bilateral issues with Australia; support the High Commission’s   federal government engagement and our climate and clean growth priorities; work with the wider Australia Network on our Soft Power Strategy; support inward visits to Australia and outward visits to the UK. 

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:

This is a varied and rewarding role that sits in the Political & Climate Team of the British High Commission in Canberra and supports the further strengthening of relations with one of the UK’s most important strategic partners. 

The Political and Climate Team leads on the delivery of (i) the UK’s climate change and clean growth objectives in Australia, (ii) the Australia Network’s federal political engagement , (iii) bilateral issues that reflect HMG equities in Australia, (v) the delivery of the Australia network’s Soft Power Strategy, including activities in Canberra and leading the Westminster Bridge Canberra Chapter and, (vi) inward / outward visits. All this through working closely with the High Commissioner, other policy teams in Canberra, and the British Consulates across Australia. 

Specifically, the job holder’s role will be to: 

• Contribute to the UK government’s priorities on a range of bilateral issues with Australia, including providing regular reporting and analysis to relevant policy leads in FCDO in response to requests from UK government departments in London, primarily on health and education. Flexibility is required as issues and priorities can change. 

• Prepare briefs, speaking notes, and background materials to support representational work of the Australia Network, including the British High Commissioner. 

• Support visits to Australia by UK ministers and officials and visits by key Australians to the UK. 

• Work with the wider Australia Network on our Soft Power Strategy, including sport, being the Canberra focal point for the Soft Power Core Group. Lead the Canberra chapter of the Westminster Bridge network and Chevening scholarships. 

• Support the work of the two HEOs in the team on our federal government engagement and delivery of our climate and clean growth priorities with Australia 

• Corporate responsibility: additionally, there is an expectation that the jobholder has an objective (e.g. such as supporting Learning and Development or Wellbeing) which contributes to the wider corporate agenda of the Australia Network. 

The jobholder will need to draw on a broad range of knowledge and contacts to provide perceptive and timely analysis and advice on a range of policy areas and their implications for the UK. They will support visits by UK ministers and senior officials in both directions, develop and run innovative projects in support of UK objectives and contribute to the wider work of the High Commission’s Policy Teams.

We are looking for someone with energy and drive, who works well in teams but can also show initiative and creativity and also proven policy skills and strategic thinking.  Ideally the jobholder will have knowledge and work experience of working in government on policy issues.  The role offers the opportunity to gain experience in international relations and to understand how a diplomatic mission works.  You will be expected to work on your own initiative and to deal directly with senior stakeholders in the High Commission and London departments.  The role has been an excellent springboard for previous incumbents to a variety of roles including civil society and diplomacy.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure): No staff. Possibly some programme funds. 

Essential qualifications, skills and experience  

• Understanding of key policy elements of the role. International relations qualifications and / or experience working for or with government. 

Required behaviours  

Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Seeing the Big Picture, Working Together