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Australian Embassy Cairo

Minute

Date:27 August 2010

TO. / ALL STAFF, A-BASED SPOUSES AND EXTERNAL APPLICANTS
FM. / Gregory (Greg) Riley, First Secretary and Consul (SAO)

SUBJECT: VACANCY: POLITICAL RESEARCH AND TRANSLATION OFFICER

Applications are sought to fill a vacantpositionwhich has become available at the Broadband (BB) 4 levelin the Political and Economic section, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)to undertake the work as aPolitical Research and Translation Officer.

The successfulapplicant will be expected to work the equivalent of36 hours 45 minutes per week and comply at all times with the DFAT Code of Conduct. This position will also require the person to work outside of normal business hours.

DUTIES - the position involves the duties briefly listed below:

  • Prepare written translations of documents and letters in Arabic, English and French.
  • Act as interpreter for the Ambassador and/or other Embassy officials and visitors as required.
  • Monitor the Arabic language press and inform Australian staff of domestic, political, economic, security and other developments relevant to their duties that are not covered in the Daily News, Egyptian Gazette or Al Ahram Weekly. Translate or summarise particular articles of interest.
  • Monitor Arabic language radio and television news, especially in rapidly-changing/ developing situations, and keep Australian staff informed of developments relevant to their duties.
  • In consultation with Australian Policy officers, prepare the monthly summary of political, security and economic developments in Egypt.
  • Undertake assigned research tasks as input to reporting tasks of Australian staff or for general background purposes and present results in either written or oral format as required.
  • Assist with management of the development cooperation programs administered by the Embassy.
  • In accordance with Service Level Agreements, provide media monitoring, translation and interpreting assistance to other sections of the Embassy, within work and time constraints.
  • Follow-up on contacts with officials, Ministries, media personnel and other interlocutors.
  • Provide transcriptions of audio and/or visual interviews when required.
  • Assist Australian staff to improve their Arabic language skills (colloquial and formal).
  • The position often involves work outside of normal business hours.

SELECTION CRITERIA:

  • Written and oral communication skills of a high standard including written and verbal fluency in English, Arabic and French. Appropriate university or professional education, including formal translator certification, is mandatory. Past experience as an Arabic-English interpreter would be highly regarded.
  • Excellent research skills and familiarity with media and other sources of information on Egyptian politics, domestic issues and regional affairs. This should include internet research skills.
  • Proven client service skills of a high order including the ability to deal with a wide range of clients. Good interpersonal skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to follow directions, solve problems, determine priorities and meet deadlines. Ability to act quickly and flexibly in response to emerging or unexpected events and adapt to changing workloads, tasks and environment. Ability to work as part of a team.
  • Understanding of and commitment to information privacy, confidentiality and security principles. Ability to quickly learn and implement Embassy standards and procedures. Willingness to undergo medical security/ police checks.
  • Ability to use standard office computer applications such as email, databases, internet and Microsoft applications and ability to quickly learn new computer applications.

Contract Conditions:

Position: / Political Research and Translation Officer(BB4)
Salary: / An all inclusive monthly salary will range between
LE8, 393.08 and L.E. 11,342.00based on qualifications and experience. A yearly bonusof an additional month’s salary will be offered.
Department: / Political and Economic Section, DFAT
Date of Commencement: / October 2010
Place of Work: / Australian Embassy in Cairo

The successful candidate is expected to commence duty no later than October 2010.

For further information contact Ms Rachel Morris on extension 103.

Applications (including resumes)must clearly set out your claims against each of the selection criteria above, together with the contact details of three (3)referees,should be submitted by email, or in person to, with the subject heading “Vacancy–Political Research and Translation Officer”.

Note: Applications which do not clearly set out applicant claims against each selection criteria will not be considered.

Applications close at 3.00pm on Sunday5 September 2010.

(Signed)

Gregory (Greg) Riley

First Secretary and Consul (SAO)