Job Description

The successful applicant will be engaged as a locally engaged staff member by the Australian High Commission, London

Please be advised that the Australian High Commission, Londondoes 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 Public Diplomacy Officer is responsible for helping to plan and deliver the High Commission's public diplomacy strategy under the direction of the Head of Public Diplomacy, providing advice on policy issues and promoting Australia's interests in the UK.


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


Support the Head of Public Diplomacy on implementing the High Commission's public diplomacy strategy - including Cultural, First Nations and Sports Diplomacy initiatives. Assist the Executive, Head of Public Diplomacy and colleagues in Canberra to plan, develop, implement and evaluate the delivery of Post's public diplomacy program and activations, including events and strategic communications campaigns. Provide strategic advice to High Commission agencies and collaborate with policy teams to strengthen Australia's soft power through aligned public diplomacy and engagement initiatives. Represent the High Commission at committees, meetings and events including communicating with external contacts on complex and sensitive issues relating to Australia's public diplomacy priorities. Support the High Commissioner, Deputy High Commissioner and Head of Public Diplomacy in high level meetings as required. Represent the Australian High Commission at public forums, roundtables or events where required. Develop and maintain strong stakeholder relationships, including proposing and negotiating sponsorship and partnership agreements that support the High Commission's public diplomacy program. Support on Ministerial visits at post, including communications support, event organisation and delivery and media/social media support where required. Draft briefs, talking points, speeches, reports, correspondence and respond to public enquiries. Maintain a good working knowledge of current Australian and UK Government policies. Support the High Commission's online presence and social media channels through the development of targeted content. Support the Head of Public Diplomacy in managing certain aspects of the High Commission's public diplomacy budget.

Qualifications/Experience

Knowledge of a range of public diplomacy issues and activities including arts and culture, innovation, trade, sport, environment, security and science etc. Project management skills with the ability to plan and implement multiple projects alongside competing priorities. Understanding of broader Australian Government policies, priorities and guidelines Sound understanding of the Australian Government's financial, procurement and corporate partnership guidelines. High level communication and analytical skills with the ability to communicate complex policy issues in a succinct and engaging way. The ability to build and maintain relationships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders. Excellent leadership, communication and negotiation skills to manage complex and sensitive situations, with an awareness of their possible impact on strategic, political or operational outcomes. Ability to manage sponsorship agreements and deliver activities within budget. Ability to be agile and work well across a small team in a fast-paced environment, managing a diverse portfolio of responsibilities. Sound understanding of digital technologies and how to leverage these to communicate policy priorities and deliver a dynamic public diplomacy program.

Security Requirements

Ability to obtain and maintain a Baseline Australian Government security clearance is desirable.

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 in public diplomacy, public relations or public affairs, including project delivery and program management.


B. Excellent communication skills with highly developed ability to analyse complex issues and communicate synthesised information to stakeholders.


C. Ability to build and maintain a strong network, developing relationships with senior level officials, politicians, executives, journalists and other stakeholders.


D. Strong interpersonal skills including team leadership and ability to negotiate and consult in a sensitive manner.


E. Clear initiative and organisational skills to make sound judgments and achieve outcomes whilst working as part of a small team.


F. Strong interest in and knowledge of and Australian government policies relating to foreign affairs, security, trade, economics and the environment, as well as Australian and UK bilateral relations.


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 specialist to promote Australian interests and lead activities that help deliver its public diplomacy strategy.