Policy Officer (Trade and Economic)

Position description

The successful applicant will be engaged as a locally engaged staff member by the Australian Embassy, Brussels.

Please be advised that the Australian Embassy, Brussels does not assist with relocation. Any costs associated with taking up the position would be the responsibility of the successful candidate.

Please be advised this is an office-based role at the Australian Embassy, Brussels

About The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)

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 Policy Officer is based in Brussels and reports to the Counsellor (Trade and Economic). The Policy Officer will work within the Trade and Economic section of the Australian Embassy to Belgium and Luxembourg and Mission to the European Union and NATO. This section covers subject matters including EU trade and investment, economic security and regulatory policy developments. Under limited direction, the Policy Officer will be responsible for researching, analysing, reporting and advising on these areas.

This position supports the Trade and Economic Section in Brussels to strengthen the bilateral trade and economic relationship by facilitating policy discussions, monitoring changes to the policy environment and providing high level analysis, briefings and technical advice on EU trade and economic policy development, including through the European Commission, European Parliament and Member States.

Key responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to:

• Perform complex research and provide accurate and specialised advice on matters relating to EU trade policy and legal instruments by collecting, monitoring, analysing and evaluating information, papers and related materials. Subject areas include but are not limited to trade in goods and services, investment, economic security, resources and critical minerals, procurement, subsidies, trade remedies and defensive measures, trade and sustainable development, digital trade and associated policies, EU trade relations with third countries and WTO policy and reform.
• Monitor and report on trade and economic regulatory developments and significant developments in the EU (including in the European Parliament, Council and Commission).
• Develop, strengthen and maintain relationships with relevant stakeholders including EU institutions and business groups, third country missions and think tanks.
• Assist with the organisation and delivery of programs for visiting Australian Government officials, Ministers or business representatives, including meetings, workshops and other events.
• Provide support to the Trade and Economic Section, including but not limited to writing cables, meeting reports  and records of conversations, as required.
• Represent and promote Australia’s interests at a range of forums, events and meetings and provide advice on Australian participation, operational and policy issues.
• Manage Commonwealth resources in line with legislative and policy expectations.

Required Qualifications/Experience

• Tertiary qualifications in European Affairs, Trade Policy, Economics, International Relations or a related field are essential.
• High level analytical skills and subject matter expertise in relation to trade and economic policy and regulation. It is expected that candidates will have a minimum of three years’ work experience in this area or can otherwise demonstrate acquired expertise to a comparable level.
• Demonstrated well developed understanding of trade policy including strong capacity in public policy monitoring, analysis and implementation, including in a regulatory context.
• Demonstrated well-developed understanding of the role of the EU institutions with respect to trade and economic policy, including decision-making, and developing and implementing policy and legislation.
• Ability to take initiative, set priorities and work effectively and efficiently. Manage priorities and complete projects to agreed schedules.
• A high level of written and oral proficiency in English with a proven ability to prepare complex written material to document findings in a logical, succinct and persuasive manner.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a member of a small team with a high degree of professionalism and discretion.
• High level of proficiency with information technology systems, especially Microsoft Office (Word, Excel & PowerPoint).
• Previous experience working within the EU institutions, for government or within an industry sector is desirable.
• Proficiency in French is desirable

Application instructions

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