Job Description

The successful applicant will be engaged as a locally engaged staff member by the Australian High Commission, London. Please note that this position requires anti-social hours including evenings and weekends.


Please be advised that the Australian High Commission, London 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

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 Head of Public Diplomacy is responsible for overseeing the High Commission's strategy to advance Australia's national interests, government priorities and influence in the United Kingdom. This includes developing a range of strategic communications and public diplomacy programs to enhance the Australian Government's public engagement and promote policy advocacy activities in the United Kingdom.


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


Lead the delivery of the High Commission's public diplomacy strategy to advance Australian Government priorities and increase influence in the United Kingdom. Oversee implementation of the High Commission's annual public diplomacy program through the delivery of major public campaigns, events, exhibitions and formal functions promoting foreign, trade and economic policy matters, along with science, innovation, cultural and creative industry, sports, culinary, alumni and academic issues. Coordinate strategic communications planning, including management and guidance of staff responsible for the High Commission's website, social media, speechwriting and public events. Manage sensitive information and complex issues, including overseeing media requests, coordinating FOI requests, consulting with, and providing advice to, a range of internal stakeholders across Australian government agencies. Evaluate and report on the effectiveness of public diplomacy programs and implement recommendations to improve engagement and influence. Manage the Public Diplomacy branch, including responsibility for the achievement of team outcomes and monitoring progress to deliver quality strategies and initiatives. Manage the Public Diplomacy budget, including forecasting and acquitting expenditure and allocating resources to maximise outcomes and ensure financial probity requirements are met. Obtain funding and sponsorship for public diplomacy events from government and corporate institutions and manage relevant grants processes. Provide high-level expert advice to the High Commissioner and senior officials at post and in Canberra and make recommendations to inform decisions on a range of communications and public diplomacy issues. Represent the views of the High Commission at meetings and engage with key stakeholders to promote Australian interests and identify opportunities to achieve outcomes and facilitate outreach strategies. Present and deliver speeches at a range of forums, events and functions to communicate key messages across Australia's policy interests in the UK and strengthen strategic relationships with a broad range of stakeholders. Manage complex stakeholder relationships and negotiate on behalf of the High Commission to resolve and mitigate risk on issues which impact public perceptions of Australia in the United Kingdom.

Qualifications/Experience

In-depth knowledge and experience in one or more of the following fields - foreign and trade policy, public policy, strategic communications, culture or the arts, media, public diplomacy or campaign management. Thorough knowledge of Australian government foreign policy priorities and the ability to communicate and advance those priorities with strategic interlocutors in the UK. Demonstrated experience programming and implementing public diplomacy strategies, including the delivery of major programs and high-profile events. Ability to lead teams and projects, allocate resources appropriately, and work collaboratively to achieve desired outcomes to a consistently high standard. Strong writing and advocacy skills and the ability to deliver content for reports, briefs and media platforms. An ability to navigate complex media environments and handle ad-hoc requests with strategic nous. Sound judgement and organisational skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and meet time-critical deadlines. Well-established and extensive networks among influential opinion leaders and relevant stakeholder groups in the United Kingdom. Highly persuasive with strong negotiation skills with a well-established capacity to develop effective stakeholder relationships and cultivate networks. Highly developed interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to communicate with influence and present information effectively, both among opinion leaders, relevant stakeholder groups and the public. Proven budget management skills, including experience delivering project objectives according to strict financial and procurement policy procedures. Ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity and work with contacts from a range of diverse backgrounds, including First Nations communities.

Security Requirements

Ability to obtain and maintain an Australian Government security clearance is desirable but not essential.

Selection Criteria

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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. Relevant experience in Public Diplomacy, including developing, implementing and evaluating a complex, high-profile strategy for public engagement.


B. High-level understanding of relevant Australian Government Policy with a proven ability to interpret and communicate policy issues in the public diplomacy context, presenting information, orally and in writing, in a logical, succinct and persuasive manner for specific audiences.


C. Highly developed negotiation skills with a well-established capacity to develop effective stakeholder relationships and cultivate networks with influence.


D. Proven budget management skills, including experience delivering projects according to strict financial requirements and in accordance with procurement policy procedures.


E. Leadership skills, with proven ability to manage and lead a high-performing team with clear strategic direction.




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 recruitment.london@dfat.gov.au.


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 High Commission, London is looking for an experienced public diplomacy manager to lead the delivery of Australian public engagement activities in the UK, covering a period of maternity leave for up to 12 months.