The successful applicant will be engaged as a locally engaged staff member by the Australian Embassy, Brussels.
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 Belgium.
Please be advised that the Australian Embassy, Brussels 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 (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 Public Diplomacy and Social Media Officer at the Australian Embassy, Brussels is a key member of the Press & Public Diplomacy team and works closely with different parts of the Embassy, including the Ambassador and Deputy Ambassador.
This entry level position supports the delivery of the Embassy’s Press & Public Diplomacy strategy to promote Australia’s interests with Belgium, Luxembourg, the European Union and NATO. The officer will work across the Embassy to advance Australia’s national interests through strategic engagement via public communications activities, cultural diplomacy events and targeted media engagement. The officer will be responsible for the design and delivery of events and may be required to support visits by Australian ministers and senior officials.
The key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:
- Provide strategic communications advice to promote Australia’s core foreign, trade, security and cultural interests in the European Union, NATO, Belgium and Luxembourg.
- Support the planning and delivery of communications, media and social media activities for Embassy events, projects and official visits.
- Under the supervision of the Public Affairs Manager, manage the Embassy’s social media channels and support the delivery of successful digital campaigns through the development of high-quality content consistent with the Embassy’s Press and Public Diplomacy strategy and relevant policy requirements.
- Monitor social media performance and recommend opportunities to enhance the Embassy’s digital content and online presence.
- Assist with the planning and delivery of Embassy events, including managing invitations, liaising with external stakeholders and maintaining the Embassy’s contacts database (Salesforce).
- Develop and maintain networks for outreach purposes in institutions, media, business, academia and NGOs.
- Assist with coordinating Press & Public Diplomacy elements of official visits.
- Provide administrative support to ensure the effective operation of the Press and Public Diplomacy team, including assisting with the induction and coordination of interns as required.
Essential qualifications and experience
- Excellent knowledge of digital communication and social media coordination in a public relations or policy context, including experience developing and delivering digital campaigns.
- Demonstrated fluency with core digital media platforms, including social media listening and analytics.
- Experienced in producing high quality digital content including with Canva and the Adobe Creative Suite.
- A high level of proficiency in Mac/PC operating systems or ability to learn.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to represent, network and establish effective stakeholder relationships.
- Demonstrated ability to work with limited supervision, exercise initiative and good judgement, as well as a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail, flexibility and adaptability.
- Ability to cultivate good relationships with others, including ability to work in a team.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
Desirable qualifications
- A degree in communications, international relations, political science, business, economics or subject related.
- An understanding of the EU institutional context and Brussels media landscape.
- Demonstrated event and project management experience.
- Professional proficiency in French and/or Dutch would be highly regarded.
General Requirements
- Candidates must possess, or have the ability to obtain, the right to work in Belgium.
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. Demonstrated experience developing and delivering communications initiatives, including creating high-quality written and digital content tailored to diverse audiences.
B. Demonstrated experience managing social media channels and delivering digital communications campaigns, including monitoring performance, analysing results and identifying opportunities to improve engagement.
C. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build productive working relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders and influence outcomes.
D. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a small team environment, providing high-quality administrative support and exercising sound judgement and initiative while managing competing priorities.
E. Demonstrated experience coordinating official visits and/or high-profile events with close attention to detail and strong project management skills.
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, Brussels is seeking a motivated Public Diplomacy and Social Media Officer to join the team
