The successful applicant will be engaged as a locally engaged staff member by the Australian Embassy, Rome.
**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**
Research Assistants provide research and reporting on political, economic and trade issues as well as assist with a range of related Embassy programs.
The key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:
- Undertake research and report on political (especially Italian foreign policy and domestic political developments), including through monitoring Italian media and websites.
- Liaise with Italian government bodies, think tanks and other organisations on these issues and maintain a list of contacts.
- Arrange appointments for Australian-based staff and, when required, accompany them on official calls.
- Assist with the organisation of programs and logistics for official visitors to Italy.
- Translate documents between English and Italian.
- Provide informal interpreting assistance to Australian-based staff and others.
- Assist with the Embassy's public diplomacy program.
**Qualifications/Experience**
- Language skills: Fluency in written and spoken English and Italian.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Sound interpersonal skills and strong capacity to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to prioritise workloads and meet time-sensitive deadlines.
- Understanding of Italian foreign policy and domestic politics.
**Selection Criteria**
In your written statements, you must include relevant high-level examples from your experience that support your claims against the role.
The word limit is strictly 250 words per response.
The panel will not assess responses which exceed the word limit.
A.
Excellent written and spoken communication skills in both Italian and English, with the ability to translate and interpret.
B.
Demonstrated ability to conduct research and analysis, and to present findings in high-quality written reports.
C.
Ability to work effectively with a range of people and to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
D.
Strong knowledge of current political and economic developments in Italy.
E.
Well-developed planning and organisational skills, with the ability to independently manage multiple tasks and priorities in order to achieve required outcomes and meet deadlines.
We are looking for a Research Assistant fluent in English and Italian to join the Australian Embassy in Rome for a short-term contract.