SNYG DFAT LE5 Interpreter, Government Relations Manager

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) section of the Australian Consulate-General Shenyang is seeking applications for the locally engaged staff position of Interpreter, Government Relations and Research Manager.

About the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)

The role of 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.

DFAT 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

In consultation with HOP/DHOP/Consul, this position is the Consulate’s Interpreter and Translator; and manages relations with government, business, academic institutions and NGOs to ensure external support enabling the Consulate to prosecute its objectives across the Consulate district (Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang provinces).  The position provides high-level research on political, economic and social developments in Northeast China; as well as drafting a range of other documents in Chinese and English.  Working as part of a small team, the position will be required to provide a range of back-up duties, including administrative duties.

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

• Contribute to strategic planning and decision making for the Consulate-General including assisting with the development and implementation of strategic research and communications priorities
• Interpret Chinese-English (and vice-versa) during official meetings and visits; and translate texts
• Establish, develop and maintain wide-ranging government, academic and business contacts in the consular district (Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang) to achieve the Consulate’s objectives
• Develop and strengthen strategic relationships, negotiate and liaise across a broad range of stakeholders to provide an effective Australian contribution on government and economic engagement
• Represent and promote the interests of Australian at a range of forums, events and meetings and provide advice on Australian participation, operational and policy issues
• Perform high-quality analytical research in the media and other data sources to analyse developments and report findings relevant to Australia’s interests
• Prepare high quality written reports, briefing papers and correspondence in both Chinese and English language
• Brief on economic, trade, investment, political and social events, in China, Australia and elsewhere, relating to Northeast China
• Plan and arrange official calls and provincial visits by the Consul-General, other A-based officers and Australian delegations in the consular district
• Provide assistance and support for post’s public diplomacy program as required.

Consulate-General Team Member

• Perform any back-up and other duties, including administrative assistance, as required.

Qualifications/Experience

• High-level understanding of the political, economic and trade environment in China, specifically Northeast China. Understanding of Australia’s environment and interests would be an advantage
• Demonstrated high-level written and oral communication skills in English and Chinese, including to assist in liaison, negotiation and consultation; and to draft original and translate existing formal English and Chinese language documents
• Demonstrated interpreting experience
• Demonstrated analytical skills in drafting political-economic reports
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and initiative; ability to identify critical issues and to respond quickly
• High-level ability to solve problems, be flexible and adapt to new tasks and situations, including willingness to assist with whatever complex or low-level task is required by the team
• Ability to prioritise and meet deadlines and to collaborate as part of a small team
• Good interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage a wide range of clients and to develop good working relationships.

Desirable

• Driving experience, including holding a valid driver’s license, an advantage

Additional information

The position is initially for a period of 12 months and a probation period will apply.  The successful applicant may be offered a further contract.  The successful applicant is required to complete relevant pre-employment procedures before commencement.

Applications are invited from both Chinese and Australian nationals.  Australian national employees receive a salary loading in lieu of local benefits they are not eligible to receive.