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 Media and Public Diplomacy Adviser is a key member of the staff of the Australian High Commission in the United Kingdom. The Media Adviser is responsible for managing the High Commission’s relationships with both UK media and Australian and UK-based Australian media, as well as for delivering the High Commission’s media and digital media strategy.
The Media and Public Diplomacy Adviser will work closely with the High Commissioner and will engage with various High Commission and cross-government departments to help gain positive media coverage of Australia in the UK and to create dynamic digital content to support the High Commission’s project, events, activities and services.
The Media and Public Diplomacy Adviser will engage extensively and proactively with UK-based journalists and commentators (both Australian and British) to shape and manage media coverage of the policies, priorities and activities of the Australian Government in the UK, and more particularly publicize, both in the UK and Australian media the work of the High Commission. The Media and Public Diplomacy Adviser will lead on communications logistics for major events, projects and visits by Australian ministers and senior officials. The Media and Public Diplomacy adviser will also work on other projects relevant to the above responsibilities.

The key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:
Build and maintain a network of journalists, commentators and other influential contributors to the media in the UK, and manage those relationships so as to enhance the coverage of Australian policies, priorities and activities
Shape, media coverage of Australian issues, to control the narrative of developing stories, and respond immediately to breaking news items of concern to Australia
Maintain the High Commission’s social media and digital media presence
Plan and execute media events involving the High Commissioner and visiting Ministers
Work collaboratively with other departments of the High Commission, and in particular the Political Branch, in furtherance of the High Commission’s objectives
Work with other officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to co-ordinate media activities and responses

The key attributes of the successful applicant will include:
High level communication and analytical skills, including an excellent command of written and spoken English
Thorough knowledge of the policies, priorities and activities of the Australian Government in the United Kingdom
A sophisticated understanding of UK politics and public affairs, in particular insofar as they relate to the UK’s relationship with Australia
A sophisticated understanding of the media environment in the UK with prior experience in the media and communications arena.
Ability to work effectively with media contacts to generate positive media coverage and examples of self-generated media placements.
Willingness to undertake work out of usual hours, both in the evening and on weekends with occasional travel.

SELECTION CRITIERA
Please address each of the selection criteria for the role in the spaces provided on the application form. Drawing on your prior experience, please provide examples of where you have demonstrated the required competencies or transferable skills.
The word limit is strictly 250 words per response. The panel will not assess responses that exceed the word limit.
A. Proven ability to create, execute and evaluate communication campaigns on a wide range of complex issues, make sound judgments and achieve outcomes as part of a small team.
B. Experience in communications and public affairs, including building and maintaining a strong network and developing relationships with political media and communications partners.
C. Excellent interpersonal and people management skills including experience working with senior level officials, politicians, executives, journalists and other stakeholders.
D. Demonstrated experience implementing digital communication strategies and the creation of engaging digital content for a variety of digital channels.
E. Demonstrated initiative and organisational skills, and ability to manage competing priorities.
F. Strong interest in and knowledge of foreign affairs, including Australian and UK bilateral relations and government policies as they relate to foreign, security, trade, economic and environment policy.

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