18 Oct
Australian High Commission
London
Job details
Here’s how the job details align with your profile.
Pay
- £62,014 a year
Job type
- Permanent
Location
London WC2B
Benefits
Pulled from the full job description
- Relocation assistance
Full job description
The successful applicant will be engaged as a locally engaged staff member by the Australian High Commission, London.
Please be advised that the Australian High Commission, London, does not provide relocation assistance and any costs associated with taking up the position would be the responsibility of the successful candidate.
About the Department of Defence
The primary role of Defence is to defend Australia and its national interests against armed attack. In doing so,
Defence serves the Government of the day and is accountable to the Commonwealth Parliament, which represents the Australian people to efficiently and effectively carry out the Government's Defence policy. Australia's Defence policy is founded on the principle of self-reliance in the direct Defence of Australia, but with a capacity to do more where there are shared interests with partners and allies.
About the Defence Science and Technology Group
The Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) plays a critical role in Australia’s defence and national security by ensuring that our forces maintain a capability edge both now and in the future. DSTG is one of Australia’s pre-eminent research institutions, and its inventions and research outcomes have enhanced Defence capability and supported operations for over 100 years. DSTG plays a key role in leading the development and application of science and technology to support Australia’s Defence needs in future capability, acquisition, sustainment and support to operations.
DSTG provides expert advice to support major Defence acquisitions such as the Joint Strike Fighter and the Future Submarine and provides a basis for robust and contestable investment decision-making. We work to harness Australia’s strength by bringing together interdisciplinary teams to deliver innovation, science & technology (IS&T;) impact, create solutions that confer strategic advantage and generate opportunities for developing sovereign industry capabilities.
The DSTG London Office (DSTG-L) is part of the Science Strategic Planning & Engagement Division of DSTG. It manages international engagement and bi-lateral agreements with the UK, European Governments and NATO on Defence Innovation, Science and Technology matters.
About the Position
The Defence Science Officer (DSO DSTG-L) reports to the Minister Counsellor Defence Science & Technology (MINCONDSAT). They are responsible for initiating, progressing and reporting on Innovation, Science and Technology (IS&T;) co-operation between Australia’s DSTG and comparable organisations in the UK, in Europe (notably France, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands and Norway) and with NATO’s Science & Technology Organisation (STO). The work encompasses IS&T; in support of Defence as well as of National Security (for which the partner organisation is the UK Home Office).
This position holds an important role in supporting and enhancing strategic international partnerships, and accessing world-leading science, technology, knowledge and innovation,
through collaboration with industry, academia and international agencies.
The successful applicant will demonstrate the ability to represent DSTG internationally, will understand the strategic environment in Australia and the Australian Defence S&T; enterprise, and will be able to apply this knowledge in the assessment of the Defence IS&T; enterprises of our international partners. The successful applicant will be scientifically literate and have polished communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to represent DSTG and the Department of Defence at a range of levels (from working level to ministerial) and in various fora.
The successful applicant is required to maintain a comprehensive understanding of the UK MoD and the Home Office,
to keep abreast of events within Defence and National Security S&T; across Europe and establish links to relevant research groups within DSTG.
The key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:
- Represent Australian Defence IS&T; interests in the UK, Europe and at NATO.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with UK and European authorities, including industry and universities, on Defence related IS&T; matters including bilateral and multilateral agreements.
- Proactively identify and capitalise on opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperative activities between DSTG and the ADO with UK and European counterpart organisations, including direct reach-back to senior scientists across DSTG.
- Provide accurate and specialised advice and reporting including new concepts and trends and support MINCONDSAT in the promotion of DSTG and Australia’s National Security capabilities and interests in the UK and Europe.
- Support DSTG in other IS&T; areas, including high-level support organising and facilitating programs for visiting senior DSTG visitors to the UK and Europe.
- Formulate and draft, in conjunction with the DSTG International Partnership Team and equivalent staff from partner nations, Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to formalise co-operation.
- Assist in the development of annexes to MoUs to set in place: information exchange, joint programmes, exchange of staff and exchange of equipment.
- Analyse and report on the impact of IS&T; developments in the UK and Europe (where such developments are of relevance to Australia). This takes place under three headings:
- Partner Research Establishments to DSTG - UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, the UK Home Office equivalent, and equivalent organisations in Germany, the Netherlands, France, Sweden and Norway.
- Defence Industry involving (i) liaison with the relevant Departments of Trade and Industry; (ii) attendance at trade association events.
- Relevant universities, especially those which have links with their relevant Defence establishments.
- Report fortnightly items of note in the International Counsellors report.
- Provide high-level policy advice, briefing and analysis to senior stakeholders internally and externally as required.
Qualifications/Experience
- Postgraduate qualification in science, engineering (or equivalent level experience).
- An understanding or ability to learn how Defence Science is delivered by DSTG to secure Australia’s Defence and Security needs.
- An understanding or ability to learn how Defence Science is procured within Australia’s Partner Nations, the roles of their government establishments, industry and academia; the mechanics of cooperation.
- Ability to assimilate the principles (procedural, legal, financial) which govern cooperation.
- Ability to absorb complex technical information over a broad range of subjects, and to report it in a form relevant to interested stakeholders in Australia.
- The ability to communicate with influence through strong written and verbal communication that drives the formation and sustainment of strategic partnerships towards the delivery of an ADF capability impact.
- A personal drive to take initiatives, set priorities, organise work effectively and efficiently, and to complete assignments with limited supervision.
- Strong capacity to exercise discretion and judgement and manage sensitive information appropriately.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the demonstrated ability to build and sustain trusted relationships and to resolve emerging issues and disagreements.
- Strong French or German language skills would be desirable
Security Requirements
- Applicants must have the ability to obtain and maintain an Australian Government Security Clearance (NVL1 or above).
- Australian citizenship is essential for this role.
Selection Criteria
In your written statements, 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. The panel will not assess responses which exceed the word limit.
A. Strong expertise in your scientific field of specialism, with the ability to provide advice and analysis on current trends and key areas of interest for your organisation.
B. Highly developed stakeholder management skills, including the ability to represent the organisation at an international level, build a network and to leverage this network to achieve desired results.
C. The ability to manage autonomously a demanding workload; prioritising effectively and using initiative and innovations to create efficiencies, manage expectations and deliver high quality results.
D. Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to produce analysis and reports which will have impact on policy or strategy.
E. The ability to display judgement and discretion in the management of highly sensitive information and to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality and security.
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 [email protected].
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.
We are looking for a scientist to join the Department of Defence at the Australian High Commission. The successful candidate will represent Australian Defence interests internationally, report on IS&T; developments and give policy advice.