Public Diplomacy Manager – LE5 – DFAT – Ankara

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

Please be advised that the Australian Embassy, Ankara 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 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 programs 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

Under limited direction, the Public Diplomacy Manager is responsible for planning and implementing the public diplomacy strategy and Direct Aid program activities of the Australian Embassy in Ankara. The role seeks to advance Australian interests in Turkiye, as well as in the Embassy’s countries of accreditation, Azerbaijan and Georgia, and ensures that public diplomacy activities and key messages are communicated to enhance Australia’s image and reputation in all three countries of accreditation.

The key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Develop, refine and implement the Embassy’s Public Diplomacy and Direct Aid programs and associated strategies.
• Coordinate, plan and support public diplomacy events and visits hosted by the Embassy and the Ambassador, including receptions, conferences (virtual and in-person) visit programs for Australian VIPs and site visits to Direct Aid Program projects and other events, accompanying senior Embassy personnel.
• Promote key messages to local media, develop responses to media enquiries in Turkish/English and contribute to the development of high-level media strategies, including writing press releases for Public Diplomacy events.
• Provide briefing support, including input into speeches, to the Ambassador and other diplomatic staff and contribute to research and analytical tasks.
• Manage the Embassy website, public outreach activities and production of information material, including supporting colleagues in managing the Embassy’s social media presence.
• Monitor and oversee the public diplomacy budget and contribute to reporting requirements.
• Implement the Embassy’s Direct Aid Program funding for small community development projects, seek and shortlist applications for funding; manage the disbursement of funds; and monitor and report on project expenditure to ensure funds are spent and acquitted correctly.
• Initiate, develop and maintain extensive networks across government, NGO, civil society, business, academic, arts and media sectors.
• Undertake translation and interpreting work as required, including for some meetings with the Ambassador.

Qualifications/Experience

• Previous experience and qualifications in public relations and event management and/or development projects and small grants management.
• Experience with social media platforms (including Meta and X), analytics tools and social media best practice.
• Demonstrated experience planning, managing and executing visits and events.
• Demonstrated financial management skills.
• High level communication skills in written and spoken English/Turkish, including interpreting and translation skills.
• Well-developed research and critical analysis skills with the ability to liaise effectively with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and within a small team.

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. Ability to contribute to the planning, development and implementation of the Embassy’s Public Diplomacy and Direct Aid strategies, including online/social media presence, press releases and community projects.

B. Proven ability to manage stakeholders and establish and maintain a network of relevant contacts.

C. Ability to work independently and as part of a small team, managing multiple priorities to ensure efficiency and delivery of agreed outputs and goals.

D. Experience in assisting with the coordination of public engagement, cultural and advocacy activities such as Public Diplomacy events and VIP visit programs.

E. Ability to manage and organise the Public Diplomacy budget and ensure that financial reporting requirements are met.

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 Embassy, Ankara is looking for a Public Diplomacy Manager to promote Australian interests and lead activities that help deliver its public diplomacy strategy and direct aid program.