Job Description

About the Position
The Political and Economic Research Officer supports the work of the Policy Section of the Australian High Commission in Accra.

Duties include political research and analysis, writing reports, liaising and networking with key contacts, visit programme management and  representing the High Commission at public events as appropriate.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct research and analysis on economic, political and foreign policy issues of interest to the Australian Government. Use all publicly available resources to conduct this research, including contacts and the media.
• Monitor the media daily and identify issues of interest to the Australian Government, including economic and political developments.
• Provide written and verbal reports for the High Commissioner and other staff, based on thorough research and analysis.
• Develop a network of contacts to support the High Commission's research work, including in government, research institutions and non-governmental organisations.
• Support Australian-based officers in formal or informal discussions with other governments or private industry to advance bilateral or multilateral issues. This may require occasional travel to the High Commission's countries of accreditation outside Ghana.
• Manage and prepare correspondence, including drafting of cables, to advance Australia's foreign and trade policy interests with Ghana and other countries of accreditation.
• Represent the High Commission and Australian Government interests at relevant conferences, seminars and other representational events as required.
• Arrange programmes for Australian visitors to the High Commission's countries of accreditation.

Required Skills or Experience

Selection Criteria:

• Tertiary degree in politics, economics, social science, journalism or a related field. Demonstrated high-level ability to conduct research using the internet and other open-source materials, to analyse the gathered material and use it to produce high-quality written reports.
• Demonstrated advanced ability to communicate fluently and effectively, both orally and in writing, including the ability to make effective and persuasive representations, secure appointments etc. Demonstrated competence in a variety of written styles, including reports, correspondence, emails, etc.
• Strong understanding of West African economic and trade policy, domestic politics and foreign policy, and legislative processes . Knowledge of Australian foreign policy is an advantage.
• High-level organisational and coordination skills, including the ability to prioritise, meet deadlines and contribute effectively to work objectives, pro-actively identify issues of relevance, anticipate problems and suggest solutions.
• Strong understanding of the Ghanaian media environment. Also an understanding of media environment in the High Commission's other countries of accreditation.
• Knowledge of contemporary Australia and Australian Government policies would be an advantage.
• Strong interpersonal skills: a proven ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively within a team.
• Ability to conduct business effectively with a range of clients, including senior representatives in the public and private sectors.
• The Australian High Commission operates in a fluid and fast paced environment and needs maximum flexibility in its staff.
• French language ability (written and spoken)

Note that applicants should be fluent in both English and French (written and spoken)