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Public Affairs Officer - Media and Communications (Multiple Roles)

Job Req ID

Home Affairs - 135554

 

Location

ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; TAS; VIC; WA 

 

Employment Type

Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time 

 

Classification

Public Affairs Officer 2 - $90,955.00 and $104,826.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)

 

Contact Officer

Elliot Bater - Elliott.Bator@homeaffairs.gov.au  

 

Office Arrangements

Hybrid  - Flexible working arrangements can be negotiated in accordance with our Enterprise Agreement and the operational requirements of the role.
 

Applications close on 16/02/2025 at 11:59pm AEDT (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

 

About our opportunity

 

This process is being used to fill 8 immediate position/s. 

Applicants suitable for the role but not offered the position for the current vacancy may be placed in a merit list or pool to fill similar vacancies for up to 18 months anywhere in ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; TAS; VIC; WA.
 

About our team

 

DS Executive | Executive Coordination | Media & Communication

 

The Media and Communication Branch is responsible for centrally coordinating media enquiries and strategic communications for the department and Australian Border Force (ABF).

 

The branch is supported by several sections that each deliver important influence and enabling services for Portfolio Ministerial offices, senior public servants and departmental business areas. You will be joining one of the most diverse communication teams in Federal Government.

 

National Security and Crisis Communication

The National Security and Crisis Communication section plans and executes strategic communication and media engagement activities relating to counter-terrorism, counter foreign interference, and critical infrastructure.

 

The team also leads Whole-of-Government communication for these policy areas, for the security of designated special events, and for responding to crises led by the Department including terrorism and cyber incidents and other unfolding disasters.

 

This section provides the secretariat function for the Australia New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee's Public Information Sub-Committee.

 

Media Operations and Social Media

The Media Operations and Social Media Section is the first point of contact in the department for journalists and responsible for managing media engagement for the department and developing media materials, including media responses, media releases, talking points, op-eds and media handling strategies to support key Portfolio and Government initiatives. This includes sensitive, high-risk / high-profile media handling.

 

The team also curates the department's social media channels and analyses media and public sentiment on topical and relevant matters.

 

ABF Media

The ABF Media section is responsible for promoting and protecting the brand and reputation of the Australian Border Force through proactive media engagement, media response and handling, and strategic media advice.

 

The team builds and maintains awareness of the role of the ABF while ensuring public confidence in the agency by highlighting the positive work and operational successes of the ABF. We also support the Commander Joint Agency Taskforce Operation Sovereign Borders with onshore communication needs. This section supports the organisation with the design and implementation of external media handling strategies, activities and solutions, and manage the ABF Newsroom

 

Immigration, Citizenship and Social Cohesion Communications

The Immigration, Citizenship and Social Cohesion Communications section plans and executes strategic communication and handle media issues relating to immigration, humanitarian and citizenship programs; social cohesion; and multicultural affairs.

 

Communications Strategy and Content

The Communications Strategy and Content section provides an overarching strategic communications framework to align the department’s external-facing content with the portfolio’s key priorities and ministerial direction.

 

The team identifies and plans media and communication opportunities and equips the department with a steady stream of consistent content and messaging. This team’s efforts help to inform the department’s key audiences of the work it does to build a safe, united and prosperous nation.

 

Internal Communications

The Internal Communications section are the department's internal storytellers and editors, supporting senior executives and business areas to deliver key messages and execute communication campaigns. The team's work connects staff to the department’s strategic objectives, and helps everyone understand where they fit within the organisation while celebrating their achievements.

 

Internal Communications is responsible for internal channels including the intranet homepage, executive and all staff messaging, emergency messaging and digital screens.

 

Strategic Planning and Onshore Campaigns

The Strategic Planning and Onshore Campaigns section develops and delivers Australian Government advertising campaigns as well as providing strategic campaigns and governance advice in support the Department's media and communication activities. 

 

Please visit our website for more information about the Department of Home Affairs or Australian Border Force

 

 

 

Our ideal candidate

 

Public Affairs Officer 2 undertake work that is complex in nature and work under limited direction to tasks design, develop, implement and evaluate various media and communication activities, services and materials, including strategies. You will provide professional advice to stakeholders, including journalists, and may also assist with the research event management and project management. You will develop, establish and maintain effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders, providing advice and negotiating with influence.

 

Successful candidates work as part of a team to solve problems, and contribute to a broad spectrum of communication activities across the department. There will be opportunities to develop your skills and expand your knowledge in a typically fast-paced and dynamic environment. Each day will present new challenges and you will be encouraged to use and develop new skills.

 

We are looking for communication professionals who enjoy working in a fast-paced and creative environment to deliver high-quality and innovative communication.

 

You will have a strong client focus and the ability to confidently coordinate and work with other teams. You will be a passionate and creative team member who enjoys and works well with others and can operate with autonomy where appropriate. You are a proactive relationship-builder and initiative-taker, with a creative mind and exercise professional judgement across all areas of your work.

 

Duties and responsibilities

 

  • Develop creative and effective strategic communication solutions, and track the progress of your work in a high-pressure and fast-paced environment;
  • Write, review and produce high-quality communication materials for internal and external audiences;
  • Manage and seek advice for media enquiry responses, and liaise with policy and operational areas;
  • Collaborate broadly to develop creative communication products, including web content, video, digital and print products;
  • Participate in the out of hours media on-call roster with supervision.

 

Additional information

 

Please note:

Staff in the Media and Communication Branch are rostered on-call for media enquiries after hours and on weekends (attracting overtime).

 

Highly Desirable:

  • Qualifications in communications, marketing, public relations and/or journalism or considerable experience in a communication, public relations and/or journalism role
  • Ability to work to tight deadlines while managing multiple demands
  • Highly developed communication skills, including the ability to liaise widely and develop productive working relationships at all levels.

 

How to apply

 

Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 16/02/2025 at 11:59pm (midnight) AEDT  – Late applications will not be accepted.

 

As part of your application you will be required to prepare and submit a one-page applicant response document in relation to the advertised role, outlining:

  • How your skills, knowledge, and experience will be relevant to this role
  • Why you are interested in the role and what you can offer us
  • Any specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your ability to perform the role

 

Please specify in your response document your prefered role/s:

  • National Security and Crisis Communication
  • Media Operations and Social Media
  • ABF Media
  • Immigration, Citizenship and Social Cohesion Communications
  • Communications Strategy and Content
  • Internal Communications
  • Strategic Planning and Onshore Campaigns

 

Applicant response documents must be a minimum 11pt font in MSWord or PDF format, include your full name and the Requisition Number – 135554 in the document footer.

 

Prior to preparing your response it is recommended you review the Work Level standards relevant to the classification you are applying to. It may also be useful to refer to the Integrated Leadership Systems information relevant to the classification.

 

 

Eligibility

 

To be eligible for the position you must be an Australian Citizen.

 

The successful candidate will be required to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting Level 1 (AGSVA) security clearance, and:
 

  • ABF Workers will also be required to obtain and maintain an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC).
  • Home Affairs Workers will also be required to obtain and maintain an Onboarding Check.
     

In certain circumstances, an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC) may be required in addition to, or in lieu of, an Onboarding Check, which will be determined by the delegate as necessary.  

 

Diversity and inclusion

 

The Department is committed to workforce diversity and applicants who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, come from a diverse cultural or linguistic background or have a disability are encouraged to apply.

 

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability

 

Technical assistance

 

For technical enquiries please call or email for assistance:

 

 

Please include any applicable screen captures, a response will be provided during business hours.

 

Notes

 

The Department of Home Affairs offers an attractive remuneration package, including salary, superannuation benefits and flexible working conditions appropriate to the level of the position. The Australian Public Service (APS) Employee Value Proposition (EVP) highlights the top reasons our employees enjoy working in the APS.

 

The Department may provide relocation assistance to eligible APS employees required to relocate. The level of assistance will vary depending on the reason for relocating and your personal circumstances. For further information please enquire with the contact officer listed in the advertisement.

 

Information about employment and advice on how to apply for vacancies can be obtained from the Department’s website at https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about-us/careers

 

Candidates should be aware that in roles where vaccination against COVID-19 is required by public health orders/directions or other legislation proof of vaccination will be required. If a candidate is not fully vaccinated or is unwilling to be vaccinated within a reasonable time period, they may not be offered that role.

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