The Australian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur invites applications for the position of Research Officer (Agriculture) to support the Counsellor (Agriculture) for a start date as soon as possible.
The Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources develops and implements policies and programs to ensure Australia’s agricultural, fisheries, food and forestry industries remain competitive, profitable and sustainable. The Department has a network of overseas officers to help maintain and expand market access for Australia’s agricultural exports and to manage the agricultural relationship with key trading partners.
The department works closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and other Australian government agencies as part of a whole of government approach to advance Australia’s global, regional and bilateral interests.
The terms of employment will be in accordance with the Kuala Lumpur Based Terms and Conditions of Employment. Employment will be offered on on-going basis at a level 5 Locally Engaged Staff position (LE5) with an annual salary in the range of RM92,292 to RM99,900. Continued employment is subject to successful completion of a 6-month probation period.
The Australian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur offers an attractive conditions package that includes recreation and medical leave, medical benefits and contractual bonus.
The Australian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur will not be responsible for any costs incurred on relocation, accommodation arrangements nor the return of the officer to their hometown.
Job Description
The position is a Locally Engaged Staff position within the High Commission. The Research Officer (Agriculture) works to support Counsellor (Agriculture) to maintain and improve trade of agricultural products between Australia and Malaysia and to strengthen the bilateral agriculture relationship by facilitating policy discussions, coordinating meetings and visits, and monitoring cooperation, capacity building and collaborative research activities.
To support this work, the Research Officer (Agriculture) will: develop and maintain strong working relationships with stakeholders including Malaysian government officials, Malaysian and Australian producer groups, importers, exporters and distributors; monitor changes to the policy environment; and provide high level analysis, briefings and technical advice on agriculture related matters.
Tasks and Functions
- Perform research and provide accurate and specialised advice to the Counsellor (Agriculture) on matters relating to the Australia-Malaysia agricultural relationship by collecting, analysing and evaluating information.
- Provide high level translation and interpreter support for the Counsellor (Agriculture), other embassy staff and visiting delegations.
- Build new and maintain stakeholder relationships with relevant Malaysian government agencies, other sections within the Australian High Commission environment, Malaysian and Australian producer groups, importers, exporters and distributors to progress key priorities and monitor the agricultural policy environment.
- Respond to enquiries on import/export requirements and legislative and administrative frameworks, progress market access requests and facilitate the handling of detained consignments.
- Organise and deliver programs for visiting government officials, ministers or Australian business representatives, including facilitating meetings, field trips, workshops and other events.
- Perform the administrative arrangements of the Agriculture Section including writing cables, reports of meetings, records of conversations and monthly activity reports, and managing the budget of the Agriculture section.
Selection Criteria
- Appropriate tertiary qualifications and broad experience with government and industry.
- High level of written and oral proficiency in English and Bahasa, including translation and interpretation of technical terminology in a professional environment.
- Well-developed research and analytical skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to liaise with senior representatives of government and industry.
- A high-level of understanding of Malaysian agricultural developments.
Click here for guidelines in preparing your application and the application form.