Senior Economic Analyst (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade)

1. About the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade

The role of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is to advance the interests of Australia and Australians internationally. This involves strengthening Australia’s security, enhancing Australia’s prosperity, delivering an effective and high quality overseas aid program and helping Australian travellers and Australians overseas. The department provides foreign, trade and development policy advice to the Australian Government. DFAT also works with other Australian government agencies to drive coordination of Australia’s pursuit of global, regional and bilateral interests.

2. About the Position

Under limited direction, the Senior Economic Analyst/Economist works to provide informed analysis and advice on Vietnam’s economy and business environment to support the Embassy’s engagement on economic, business, and financial developments in Vietnam and in relevant international organisations such as APEC and the ASEAN Economic Community. The position also contributes to the management of Australia’s development assistance in the area of economic reform.

3. General information

Full Time, Non-ongoing
VND 55,736,420 to VND 62,731,831
Hanoi, Vietnam

4. The key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

Provide expertise and technical knowledge and advice on macroeconomics, business, investment and finance matters in Vietnam, and monitor, research, analyse and write comprehensive reports for senior stakeholders or external publication.
Perform independent and in-depth economic research and analysis and prepare high-level reports on relevant program activities with a focus on macroeconomics, business, investment and finance matters in Vietnam.
Contribute to strategic planning and the economic reform work of the section by considering political context and other impacting factors, and report on key matters, issues and recommendations as they relate to Australia's priorities and interests.
Provide accurate and specialised advice, anticipate problems and contribute to issues management on the economic reform agenda in Vietnam.
Manage and build relationships with a range of stakeholders including Vietnamese officials, international organisations, diplomatic missions, business associations and private enterprises to achieve work area and department goals.
Represent the work unit at a wide range of local, regional and international economic events, explain agency views on complex issues, advocate Australian interests and report on outcomes.
Develop and strengthen strategic relationships across a broad range of stakeholders, including Government of Vietnam, the Communist Party, the National Assembly, academia, business and development partners.
Prepare and manage high level visit programs for senior officials or Australian Ministers related to investment and/or economics matters.
Contribute to the management of Australia's development assistance in the area of economic reform.

5. Qualifications/Experience

Tertiary qualifications in economics or a related field.
Demonstrated knowledge and at least five years' experience working on macroeconomic, business and/or finance issues in Vietnam.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Vietnamese.
Demonstrated capacity to work independently and as part of a team and to meet deadlines within a fast-paced environment.

6. Professional attributes

Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to liaise with senior government representatives and agencies.
Ability to engage in policy dialogue and negotiation on complex economic issues with senior level officials and a well-developed understanding of Vietnam's political economy.
Strong analytical skills and the capacity to think strategically and apply judgement.
High level interpretation skills are desirable.