Political Lead

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About the Organization

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.

Job Description

The Political Lead works with significant autonomy to advise the Counsellor (Political) and High Commissioner about Indian domestic politics. They are required to assist in the development and delivery of Australia’s strategy for engaging high-level Indian political contacts. This includes organising meetings with senior political figures and developing relationships across the political spectrum. This position is required to build and maintain a wide professional network in political parties, media and civil society. They are also expected to plan and deliver events at the High Commission that engage senior politicians and their staff, as well as to identify and design other types of political engagements.

This position has important analytical responsibilities. The Domestic Political Lead will undertake research, prepare analysis, and write reports and briefs on a range of Indian domestic policy issues that are relevant to Australia. This requires an advanced understanding of India’s political system, government and political party dynamics and strong written and verbal communication skills.

Job Responsibilities

Relationship management and representation

• Initiate and maintain strategic working relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders (including senior figures and influencers) from across the Indian political spectrum and organise engagements with them for the Australian High Commission.
• Liaise with stakeholders to consult, exchange information, collaborate, co-ordinate joint responses, and provide advice and guidance on current and emerging domestic political issues.
• Maintain a strong network of contacts in the media, academia, think tanks and NGOs to ensure holistic coverage of contemporary Indian thinking on political and social issues.
• Represent and promote the interests of Australia at a range of forums, events and meetings and provide advice on operational and policy issues.

Research and analysis

• Provide high-level expert analysis, policy advice and strategic guidance on political, policy and social issues relevant to Australia’s engagement and bilateral relationship with India.
• Prepare high quality analytical reports and briefings on topical developments and issues across India to guide decision making.
• Provide strategic policy direction and establish priorities within the political section of the AHC.
• Support the political team, developing work plans, setting tasks and priorities and conducting research on other issues as required.

Visit coordination

• Provide administrative and logistical coordination for official visit programs, including travel of Australian diplomatic officials within India, and high-level Australian government visitors to India.

Education Qualification/Required Skills & Experience

• Tertiary education and substantial experience in political and economic research. Postgraduate qualifications would be an advantage.
• A strong existing contact network in Indian politics, media and civil society.
• Deep understanding of Indian political, political economy and bureaucratic structures, as well as expertise in Indian domestic politics.
• Knowledge or interest in Australian foreign policy would be an advantage.
• Highly developed communication skills, including strong writing skills.
• Excellent written and oral language skills in English and Hindi. Ability to translate effectively between these two languages would be an advantage.
• Proficient computer skills including in the use of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel and conducting internet-based research.

Personal Attributes

• Well-developed organisational, administrative and management skills to manage events, programs and visit delegations.
• Strong judgement, teamwork, attention to detail, problem solving skills, ability to work with limited direction and a self-motivated, proactive attitude.

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