Public Diplomacy Manager – LE5 – Ankara

Job Ref:        528

Job Title:       Public Diplomacy Manager – LE5 

Location:       Ankara

Salary:            $1,805 per month (gross)

Closing date: 24th October 2021

Job Description

 Contract: Permanent

 Full-Time: 37 hours and 30 minutes per week

 Salary: $1,805 per month (gross). Please Note that the Australian Embassy, Ankara is currently trailing the payment of salary in US dollars

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 programs 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 direction, the Public Diplomacy Manager is responsible for planning and implementing the public diplomacy strategy and Direct Aid program activities of the Australian Embassy in Ankara.  The role seeks to advance Australian interests in Turkey and ensures that public diplomacy activities and key messages are communicated to enhance Australia’s image and reputation in Turkey.

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

• Develop, refine and implement the Embassy’s Public Diplomacy and Direct Aid programs and associated strategies.
• Coordinate and plan a range of public diplomacy events hosted by the Embassy and the Ambassador, including receptions, conferences (virtual and in-person), and visit programs for Australian VIPs.
• Promote key messages to the Turkish media, develop responses to media enquiries in Turkish/English and contribute to the development of high-level media strategies, including writing press releases for Public Diplomacy events.
• Provide briefing support, including input into speeches, to the Ambassador and other diplomatic staff, and contribute to research and analytical tasks.
• Manage the Embassy website, public outreach activities and production of information material, including supporting colleagues in managing the Embassy’s social media presence.
• Monitor and oversee the public diplomacy budget and contribute to reporting requirements.
• Implement the Embassy’s Direct Aid Program funding for small community development projects, seek and shortlist applications for funding; manage the disbursement of funds; and monitor and report on project expenditure to ensure funds are spent and acquitted correctly.
• Organise, plan and accompany visits by senior Embassy personnel to Direct Aid Program projects and other events.
• Establish and maintain networks with a range of contacts, including NGOs, civil society, community groups and relevant media contacts, to assist with the implementation of public diplomacy and Direct Aid Programs.
• Undertake translation and interpreting work as required, including for some meetings with the Ambassador.
• Undertake the role of HOM Personal Assistant when the position holder is unavailable.

Qualifications/Experience

• Previous experience and qualifications in Public Relations and event management; and/or development project and small grants management.
• Experience with social media platforms (including Facebook and Twitter), analytics tools, and social media best practice.
• Demonstrated experience planning, managing and executing visits and events.
• High level communication skills in written and spoken English/Turkish, including interpreting and translation skills.
• Well-developed research and critical analysis skills, and the ability to liaise effectively with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, and within a small team.

SELECTION CRITERIA

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.  Ability to contribute to the planning, development and implementation of the Embassy’s Public Diplomacy and Direct Aid strategies, including online/social media presence, press releases and community projects. 

B.  Proven ability to manage stakeholders and establish and maintain a network of relevant contacts.

C.  Ability to work independently and as part of a small team, managing multiple priorities to ensure efficiency and delivery of agreed outputs and goals.

D.   Experience in assisting with the coordination of public engagement, cultural and advocacy activities such as Public Diplomacy events and VIP visit programs.

E.  Ability to manage and organise the Public Diplomacy budget and ensure that financial reporting requirements are met.

• Applications must be in English and they will not be accepted by email.
• Applications close on 24 October 2021.