Public Affairs Officer - Australian High Commission

Under the general direction of the Third Secretary Public Diplomacy, the Public Affairs Officer works to deadlines; exercising good judgment in managing priorities related to promoting Australia’s profile in West Africa, thus maximizing Australia’s visibility, and influence in the region.

The Public Affairs Officer uses their strong research, analytical, and writing skills to monitor media on security, trade, human rights, elections, and other issues of interest to Australia and thereby provide advice on domestic and regional strategic messaging, including by managing the High Commission’s website.

The Officer builds and cultivates networks with key clients, managing correspondence, representing the High Commission as appropriate, including organizing official events. There are occasional evening or weekend duties and short-term travel, as well as occasional driving and heavy-lifting.

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

• Monitor the media daily and identify issues of interest to the Australian Government. Special interests will include economic and political developments (including macroeconomic reforms, elections), major foreign policy directions (including relationships with other countries).
• Promote Australia’s activities in West Africa through print, radio and television media outlets in Ghana, and the other countries of accreditation, including francophone countries.
• Implement the High Commission’s social media strategy, including by assisting with drafting and scheduling posts and by monitoring and moderating participation.

• Produce high-quality communication materials for the High Commission, including website updates, media releases, and other material as required.
• Contribute to the Post’s Public Affairs Strategy by organizing public diplomacy and cultural events that promote Australia in the sub-region.
• Plan and deliver public diplomacy events and functions including managing the delivery of multiple concurrent events, coordinating stakeholders, speakers, and other logistical arrangements such as guest lists, catering, entertainment, and technical support.
• Develop and strengthen strategic relationships, negotiate, and liaise across a broad range of stakeholders including in government, media, and non-governmental organizations.
• Represent and promote the interests of Australians at a range of forums, events and meetings and provide advice on Australian participation, operational and policy issues, and produce reports on these events, as directed.
• Arrange visit programs and briefings for official Australian visitors to the High Commission’s countries of accreditation.
• Other duties as directed, including periodically, relieving absent staff. The Australian High Commission operates in a fluid and fast-paced environment and needs maximum flexibility in its staff.

Qualifications and Experience

• Tertiary degree in politics, social science, journalism, or similar communications-related field, including research and analysis skills.
• Minimum two years experience in a relevant position including knowledge of the media environment of Ghana and our eight other countries of accreditation.
• Advanced level of computer literacy particularly in website publishing, social media, Microsoft Office, and Outlook. Capacity to learn new computer programs and familiarity with database management.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and representational skills, and the ability to deal with a wide range of clients from diverse backgrounds including a working-level fluency in French.
• Highly developed commitment to ethics, organizational skills, and attention to detail, including the ability to meet deadlines while managing priorities and working collaboratively in a highly productive team.

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must be able to work as locally engaged staff members at a diplomatic mission in Ghana. Residency Visas and work permits are the responsibility of the applicant.
• Applicant should have a valid driver’s license; including for manual transmission vehicles.
• Available to undertake occasional short-term travel, including the ability to hold a valid passport.
• Employment is subject to satisfactory medical and security vetting.