Director, Historical Research Section (Specialist) - [Archived Advertisement]

Director, Historical Research Section (Specialist)

Do you want to make a real contribution to the success of our country internationally?

THE OPPORTUNITY

The chief function of the Historical Research Section (RHS) in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is the publication of the official documentary record of Australia’s external relations, Documents on Australian Foreign Policy (DAFP).  The project, now in operation for almost fifty years, comprises a completed first series covering the period 1937–49, a second series taking in the years after 1950 (continuing) and several volumes in the pre-1937 period (also continuing).  The volumes are internationally respected and aim for the highest standards of scholarship, presentation and production. 

The Director RHS should be a specialist historian capable not only of assuming oversight and editorial responsibility for DAFP but also developing and contributing to other historical publications, engaging with academics and the public to enhance understanding of the foundations and nature of Australian foreign policy, and oversighting and contributing to responses to information requests.

DFAT supports flexible working arrangements, including part-time work and job sharing. 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.  Please refer to our Workplace Diversity internet page for further information.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE

As the successful candidate, you will have a PhD, preferably in Australian foreign policy/trade history or a related discipline, as well as a demonstrated record of publication in the field. 

You will also possess research skills of the highest order related to the history of Australia’s foreign and/or trade relations with a particular focus on government archival sources held in the National Archives of Australia (NAA).  Equally important are written, oral and interpersonal skills of a high order and a demonstrated capacity to produce large and complex publications in a timely manner and to the highest professional and scholarly standards.  Management skills, including project and personnel management, are essential as is the ability to liaise with stakeholders and a sound knowledge of budget and financial systems.  You will have a proven capacity to not only manage but also encourage technological change and a willingness to adapt the DAFP series accordingly.

KEY DUTIES

The key duties of the position include:

• Making recommendations and decisions regarding the direction and conduct of research and publication in consultation with the Editorial Advisory Board, which oversees the work programme of the Section;
• Editing or otherwise substantially contributing to the production of DAFP volumes;
• Exercising broad control over all phases of production of Documents on Australian Foreign Policy volumes, including research, selection, editing and quality control;
• Allocating research responsibilities; supervising editors of individual volumes as necessary; training new staff in complex editorial tasks, including annotations, editorial notes and biographical guides; and exercising leadership in relation to standards of scholarship throughout the project;
• Managing human and financial resources to advance the publication timetable in the most professional and timely manner and to the highest standards;
• Managing the secretariat services to the Editorial Advisory Board and liaising with the Committee of Final Review, which ensures the non-partisan nature of the series;
• Liaising with relevant agencies concerning the vetting and release of material to be published; liaising with and/or overseeing liaison with external and internal authors, publishers and others contributing to the publication process; and liaising with comparable overseas projects--including representing the project at relevant international meetings and seminars; and
• Contributing where appropriate to the scholarly literature on the history of Australia’s foreign (diplomatic, trade and aid) relations.

WHAT WE DO

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) helps make Australia stronger, safer and more prosperous by promoting and protecting our interests internationally and contributing to global stability and economic growth.

We provide foreign, trade and international development policy advice to the Government, and work with other government agencies to coordinate Australia’s pursuit of our global, regional and bilateral interests.  We have a dedicated and professional workforce.  Staff are highly skilled at their work, which includes developing and implementing policy, negotiating international agreements, delivering high quality international development assistance, providing professional corporate management support and delivering high quality consular and passport services to Australian travellers.

DFAT is the lead agency managing Australia's international presence, including a network of over 100 overseas posts in five continents.

WHO WE ARE

We are a motivated and professional team with a wide variety of qualifications and backgrounds. We welcome people with experience outside government including from the private and not-for-profit sectors.  We value people with ideas, the ability to present them persuasively, and the drive and skill to see them adopted. We take pride in our reputation for acting with integrity and discretion.  DFAT is 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.  Please refer to our Workplace Diversity internet page for further information.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A diverse and inclusive workplace and attractive remuneration package including generous employer superannuation contributions.
• Exciting and fulfilling work at the heart of government.
• The opportunity to work with strong, smart, visionary and experienced leaders who encourage and support you to develop your interests and expertise and achieve your ambitions.
• The department supports flexible working arrangements, including part-time work and job sharing.

HOW TO APPLY

Submit an application via the DFAT website at http://www.dfat.gov.au/careers/ by Monday 12 July at 11:30pm AEST.  Your application will need to provide:

• your personal details;
• a 750-word pitch telling us how your skills, experience and qualifications makes you the best candidate for this opportunity;
• details of your professional experience and qualifications; and
• details of referees.

Please note that this process captures all the information needed for your application.  Separate resumes will not be accepted.

Information on the required skills and capabilities for a role at this level can be found on the Australian Public Service Commission website at Work Level Standard - Executive Level 2 | Australian Public Service Commission (apsc.gov.au).

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Candidates must be Australian citizens (or a Permanent Resident, applying for Australian Citizenship which is expected to be granted within three months of the advertised closing date).

This is a security-designated position. Selected candidates will be required to obtain an Australian national security clearance at Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2).  Ongoing employment with the department requires the successful candidate to maintain a security clearance. Loss of a security clearance at any time will lead to termination of employment.

An interview is a critical part of the security clearance process.  The interview method (i.e. face-to-face or video conferencing) will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account advice from the Australian Government Department of Health and relevant state and territory governments.

Depending on the role into which you are placed, you may be required to obtain and maintain a Working with Vulnerable People/Children registration (or equivalent).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Candidates’ attention is drawn to the department’s policy on recruitment or promotion to specialist positions.  This position is categorised as “specialist”.  This means you will be required to remain in this position, for a minimum of three years, before becoming eligible to apply for movement within the department subject to capability and performance.

DFAT employees are expected to adhere to the APS Values and Code of Conduct and the DFAT Values Statement.

RECRUITABILITY AND REASONABLE ADJUSTMENTS

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.

All requests for reasonable adjustments will be considered and managed in consultation with you.  We will continue to ask you if you require reasonable adjustments at each stage of the process.  If you are successful in gaining employment in DFAT, reasonable adjustments can also be made available to assist you in performing your role.  If you require a reasonable adjustment to allow you to participate in this application, please contact the DFAT People Assist Team via people.assist@dfat.gov.au or phone (02) 6261 2222.  We will then discuss your needs with you and offer alternative assessment methods where required.

WHO TO CONTACT

For position-specific information, please contact Lisa Wright, Assistant Secretary, Public Diplomacy Branch, on (02) 6261 9255.

Queries about the selection process should be directed to the DFAT People Assist Team via people.assist@dfat.gov.au or phone (02) 6261 2222.

Advancing the interests of Australia and Australians internationally