Project Manager – LE5 – DVA – Canakkale

The successful applicant will be engaged as a locally engaged staff member by the Australian Consulate, Canakkale.

Please be advised that the Australian Consulate, Canakkale does not assist with relocation. Any costs associated with taking up the position would be the responsibility of the successful candidate.

About the Department of Veterans’ Affairs

The Department of Veterans` Affairs (DVA) is responsible for carrying out Government policy and implementing programs to fulfil Australia`s obligations to war veterans and their families.

DVA, through the Commemorations Branch has a proud history delivering a commemorative program to ensure the service and sacrifice of those who served is not forgotten. This unique program is critical to maintaining the important connection between the past and the future.

The team in Canakkale works in partnership with Australian Government agencies including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Department of Defence, international governments, Turkish authorities and other stakeholders to ensure the delivery of safe and solemn annual Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Türkiye.

About the Position

The Veterans’ Affairs Project Manager works under limited direction, managing a complex set of relationships with Turkish government and other stakeholders, for the planning and delivery of commemorative activities in Türkiye.

The position located at the Australian Consulate, Çanakkale.

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

• Work in a small cross-agency team with DFAT staff and contractors in the Çanakkale post, exercising delegated authority over financial, administrative, property, security and protocol functions, to deliver efficient, high-quality whole-of-government outcomes.
• Plan, manage, monitor and review the delivery of DVA’s commemorative program in Türkiye, including the development and implementation of the work plan for Anzac Day and other commemorations, providing strategic direction, identifying and managing risk, sequencing of activities and engagement of contracted providers.
• Initiate, build and sustain influential relationships with key Turkish, Australian, New Zealand and other foreign stakeholders to shape the commemorative program and identify cooperation and collaboration opportunities.
• Represent DVA’s interests and assist the Consul, liaising with Turkish authorities in support of the planning and delivery of commemorations.
• Monitor, analyse, research and prepare strategic reports on Turkish policy developments and/or legislation that may affect the delivery of commemorations.
• Lead annual recruitment of short-term contractors to support delivery of the Anzac Day services, including interpreters and visitor services team (VST) co-ordinators/members.
• Support DFAT colleagues in the planning and coordinating of official visits and accompany high-level officials as required.
• Support public diplomacy initiatives aligned with Australia’s strategic objectives in the region.

Qualifications/Experience

Essential

• Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or experience in a similar role.
• Professional fluency in both English and Turkish, including the ability to provide accurate, high-level interpreting and translation in formal diplomatic settings.
• Advanced project and event management capabilities, including the capacity to identify risk, solve problems, analyse multifaceted issues and deliver high-stakes outcomes under pressure.
• Highly developed negotiation, stakeholder engagement and representational skills, with the ability to influence outcomes in cross-cultural and politically sensitive contexts.
• Demonstrated experience working with international partners to deliver projects or events.
• Demonstrated ability to use a range of information technology software packages including the complete suite of Microsoft Office.

Desirable

• Demonstrated experience in supporting the delivery of commemorative ceremonies.

Selection Criteria

Please ensure you provide a response to each of the listed selection criteria below. In your response, 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 to each selection criteria. The panel may not assess incomplete applications or responses which exceed the word limit.

A. Adept interpersonal and communication skills in English and Turkish with the ability to influence and negotiate, consult with key stakeholders in a sensitive manner and distil information in a succinct and engaging way.

B. Proven ability to develop, deliver and evaluate a wide range of projects aligned to strategic objectives.

C. Experience organising events, functions or tradeshows and ability to effectively represent your organisation at these events.

D. Demonstrated decision-making skills and ability to manage competing priorities under limited supervision, exercise discretion and good judgement and provide high-level support and strategic advice.

E. Proven ability to interpret and apply complex policies and guidelines and a strong understanding of risk management.

The Human Resources Section based in the Australian High Commission, London is responsible for managing all recruitment processes across the European region. To apply, please use the `Apply` button below. Please direct any other queries to recruitment.london@dfat.gov.au.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees are valued. We appreciate the experiences, skills and perspectives of all individuals. We actively encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds who share our values.

The Australian Consulate, Canakkale is seeking an experienced professional to manage relationships with key stakeholders in order to plan and deliver commemorative activities in Türkiye.