Job Description - Research Officer (Transport, Energy and Political)

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

With guidance from the Senior Political Officer, the research officer will support Australia’s collaboration with Thailand in energy, transport and related sectors. Working closely with the regional P4I team in Bangkok, the position will provide advice on the policy and stakeholder context within which P4I resources can be deployed to further Australia’s cooperation with Thailand. 

The Research Officer will contribute to monitoring, analysing and advising on the energy and transport sector and a range of other priority issues (such as infrastructure policy, climate/environment, marine/maritime, communications/technology and economic development) relevant to Australia’s bilateral and regional policy priorities in Thailand and Southeast Asia. This position may be required to travel support Embassy objectives.

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

• Build, develop and maintain collaborative networks with key government agencies, energy and transport sector contacts, development partners and international organisations.
• Conduct research and analysis to identify and report on Thai Government policies and emerging issues in energy, transport and related areas.
• Develop, manage, liaise and support relationships with internal and external stakeholders such as the Thai Government and P4I stakeholders.
• Contribute to priority setting and planning for the political, economic, energy, transport Sections as appropriate (including P4I activities).
• Maintain a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of emerging trends as related to energy, transport and related sectors, including providing relevant information to senior management and assisting in the development of contingency planning.
• Prepare high-quality reports and briefings to provide comprehensive policy advice on how Australia can support the development of quality infrastructure and broader economic development in Thailand.
• Support official visits to Bangkok including contributing to programs, liaising with the Government officials and providing onsite support.
• Assist in the administration, coordination and planning of the political and economic function of the Embassy as required, including assisting in the training of new LES, drafting internal development policies, drafting cables, research and statistical reports, correspondence and briefings.
• Represent the Embassy at official meetings with the Thai Government, non-government contacts and other missions in Thailand and at workshops/ seminars; provide written reports on these meetings as required.
• Provide simultaneous interpretation on official calls and translate documents and reports as required.

Qualifications/Experience

• A qualification in a relevant field (political, economic, energy, transport), is desirable but not mandatory.
• Work experience in a related field is desirable.
• Ability to develop knowledge of Thai Government policies and regulations.
• Demonstrated skills in building and managing productive working relations with stakeholders.
• High level representation and communication skills (including interpersonal, negotiation, representation and writing skills).
• Research and written communication skills, project management and problem-solving capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team and contribute to achieving objectives through collaboration.
• High-level proficiency in English and Thai required. Experience in translation and interpretation highly desirable but not mandatory.
• Some familiarity with Australia and its political, economic and social priorities and context would be an advantage.