Political Research Officer - Job Advertisement

Political Research Officer

Embassy of Ireland, Beijing

 

Our mission is to promote and protect abroad the values, interests and economic well-being of

Ireland and its people. We do this under the political direction of our Ministers, through our staff

at home and through our Embassy network abroad.

 

The Embassy of Ireland wishes to recruit a qualified and highly motivated candidate for the position of Political Research Officer, on a fixed-term contractual basis.

Role:

The Embassy of Ireland is organised into thematic sections, namely Agriculture, Education, Culture and Community, Political, Public Diplomacy and Trade.  Local staff members employed at the Embassy are responsible for a range of tasks, working with a supervisor from among the posted diplomatic staff.  

 

The Political Research Officer will be placed in the Political Section, working with a member of posted diplomatic staff on issues of foreign and domestic policy.  The role will include, but is not limited to, the following duties:

 

• Research and analysis on China’s foreign and domestic policy;
• Review of local press, periodicals and official briefings and preparing reports and briefing on relevant issues;
• Attending and reporting on conferences, seminars or other events;
• Assisting with political-level visits between Ireland and China;
• Liaison and building relationships with relevant stakeholders, including in State and Provincial level government bodies;
• Chinese language translation and interpretation for senior managers, where required;
• Other support to the work of the Embassy, including administrative support or preparation and participation in receptions, Ministerial visits or other Embassy events;
• Such other duties as may be required.

Essential requirements candidates must be able to demonstrate:

• A third level qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g. Law, International Relations, Political Affairs, etc);
• Fluency in Mandarin and excellent command of English, both written and spoken;
• Excellent research, analysis and reporting skills;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and proven abilities to work effectively as part of a team;
• Computer literacy and information management skills;
• The successful candidate must have a legal entitlement to live and work in Chinaprior to recruitment.

Desirable Requirements:

• Recent graduates may apply, but 3-5 years relevant professional experience is desirable;
• Knowledge of the Chinese political system or previous professional experience in political affairs;
• Knowledge of Ireland and its role in China;
• Experience of interaction with Chinese official departments, agencies or other authorities;
• Experience of working in or interacting with a diplomatic mission in China.

Terms and conditions of employment:

• The successful candidates will be hired on a fixed-term contractual basis and will be based at the Embassy of Ireland in Beijing.
• The salary scale for the position is 185,183RMB per annum, with an incremental salary scale rising (over time and subject to performance) to a maximum of 245,310 RMB per annum.  The salary for the position will be paid through the Diplomatic Service Bureau on a monthly basis. Salaries are paid direct to a bank account, therefore the successful candidate must have a bank account.
• The position will have an annual leave allowance of 20 days per annum, exclusive of public holidays, adjusted pro rata.

How to apply:

 

Selection Process:

• Only applications received in the manner set out above on or before the deadline will be considered;
• The Embassy will acknowledge all applications;
• Depending on the number of applications received, a short-listing of candidates may be undertaken based on the Essential/Key Requirements above;
• Shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a written exercise involving research or report writing.  A written exercise of this kind will be conducted by email, primarily in English. Shortlisted applicants will be provided with more information on this exercise, including its likely timing.
• Only those candidates who have been shortlisted and successfully complete the written exercise will be called to interview.  Interviews will be competency-based. They will be conducted in English, by video conference.  Candidates called to interview will be provided with more information prior to interview.
• The Embassy will only contact referees if a candidate has been shortlisted for interview. At this point, the candidate will be deemed to have given their consent to contact the nominated referees.

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

All personal information received will be kept in line with GDPR guidelines.

Security Clearance for Local Staff:

Police security clearance will be sought in respect of individuals who come under consideration for appointment. Enquiries may also be made with the police force of any country in which the applicant under consideration for appointment resided. If unsuccessful, this information will be destroyed. If the applicant subsequently comes under consideration for another position, they will be required to supply this information again.

 

Please note that canvassing will disqualify applicants.

The Embassy of Ireland, Beijing is committed to a policy of
equal opportunity.

 

 

 

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Political Research Officer - Application Form