Strategic Communications and Public Diplomacy Adviser

Position description

Aus4ASEAN Futures builds on the ASEAN-Australia Development Cooperation Program phase 2 (AADCPII), a highly regarded program which has provided support to the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) for 12 years. Aus4ASEAN Futures is embedded in the ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC) mobilizing resources through an ASEAN trust fund account and using ASEAN procurement systems. This model of partnership and deep integration into ASEAN systems is highly valued by ASEAN and unique to Australia. It demonstrates Australia’s commitment to be responsive to ASEAN priorities and requests, and work as a true partner to ASEAN.

Aus4ASEAN Futures is a $204 million investment over ten years. It will support activities in the ASEAN Political Security Community (APSC), ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) and AEC. The introduction of these communities will enable Australia to engage with ASEAN across a diverse range of strategic and emerging areas, from climate change to mental health, disaster preparedness to marine debris. Developing stronger links across a wide range of themes, it will increase connections with ASEAN and more effectively support a more resilient and integrated region.

The goal for Aus4ASEAN Futures is a “peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive” ASEAN with the following End of Program Outcomes:

(a) ASEAN member states’ planning, policies and programs more effectively support all Communities to promote:

(i) economic recovery, integration and connectivity.

(ii) inclusive resilient communities; and

(iii) peaceful, rules-based systems.

(b) ASEAN programs, plans and policies more effectively integrate cross-cutting issues including social inclusion, gender equality and disability.

(c) Australia is recognized for its positive contribution to ASEAN.

Key responsibilities

· Develop and implement a Communications and Public Diplomacy strategy, in consultation with both DFAT and ASEAN stakeholders.

· Develop and deliver new social media channels where Program updates will be shared, accessible to both an ASEAN and Australian audience.

· Develop case studies to showcase Program accomplishments and achievements.

· Launch an internal communications campaign, where new branding, social media channels and collective narrative are shared with relevant internal stakeholders, possibly over several weeks through consistent social media posts or other creative communications.

· Set-up a system for collecting and sharing Program impact, including mainstreaming communication into individual projects, and establishing consistent pathways for sharing this content with key audiences. The Comms and PD Adviser should also consider a creative platform for ongoing communications over the duration of the Program.

· Develop training and provide technical support to the ASEAN Secretariat divisions responsible for public affairs, outreach and strategic communications.

· Lead the launch specific flagship events to highlight the Program’s outputs including a Futures Dialogue or Futures Week, which will help to showcase activities related to ASEAN’s post-2025 workplans and speaks to the “futures” theme of the Program’s name; and

· Manage travel and events as part of the Program and public affairs strategy and provide advice on any opportunities for DFAT to engage and collaborate with the ASEAN Secretariat and/or other relevant parties on policy and strategy.

Selection criteria

· Postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline (media/communications, public relations, public diplomacy, journalism, etc.).

Experience

· Possess communications management experience across donor-funded development programs.

· Demonstrated experience in designing communication plans and/or strategies and campaigns across Southeast Asia.

· Demonstrated experience in producing communications products for various media platforms.

· Demonstrated experience in using social media platforms, computers and office software packages, good knowledge and experience in handling web-based management systems and latest communication methods.

· Demonstrated experience in events preparation, coordination and organization.

· Experience working with government organizations/regional bodies such as the ASEAN Secretariat.

· Prior experience in the Southeast Asia region highly desirable; and

· Prior DFAT communication advisory experience is essential.

Knowledge and Skills

· Excellent communication skills in English, spoken and written.

· Capability to produce communications product or campaigns such as case studies, podcasts, and blogs.

· Good knowledge and ability in designing a communications plan and/or strategy and campaigns.

· Knowledge of social media and advertising channels, including optimization strategies.

· Demonstrated success working in a cross-cultural, multi-lingual and hybrid (combined virtual and physical) environment.

· Strong mentoring and capacity-building skills; and

· Good understanding of cross-cutting priorities such as Gender Equality, Diversity, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), Climate Change, and localization and the ability to integrate these priorities into program planning and implementation.

Personal Attributes

· Diplomacy and discretion to work effectively with officials in ASEAN member states, and the ASEAN Secretariat on communications issues.

· Ability to listen actively, be curious and communicate effectively with a diverse range of people and cultures.

· Ability to effectively self-manage the allocation of priorities and deadlines with minimal supervision.

· Ability to work effectively with senior management and as part of a team to deliver results on time.

· Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment; and

· Possess and demonstrate high cultural awareness and sensitivity.

Application instructions

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